Did you know

that falls are not a normal part of ageing? There are many causes of falls and a physiotherapist can help identify the possible contributing factors. These may include poor balance and reduced muscle strength. Physiotherapists can provide an individualized exercise program to assist in reducing your falls. They can also recommend which walking aid to use and appropriate shoes to wear.

Did you know…

that the APA is concerned that residents of aged care facilities often receive less physiotherapy care or a lower standard of physiotherapy care than meets their needs? This situation may endanger residents and violates their right to quality care. The APA is lobbying the federal government to increase funding for the employment and involvement of registered physiotherapists who will contribute to the health and well-being of residents. So if you have a relative or friend in a residential aged care facility, ask the management how much physiotherapy they provide, and whether this is enough to meet resident needs. And let your local member know if you think more needs to be done

Did you know…

that physiotherapists can play a part the well-being of people in aged care facilities? Physios can make a significant contribution in many areas including:

• Behaviour management
• Chest physiotherapy (breathing exercises, positioning)
• Evaluation and management of continence
• Resident lifestyle and wellness
• Falls risk assessment and balance programs
• Pain management strategies
• Ensuring safe transfers and bed mobility.

Did you know…

falls are not a normal part of ageing? There are many causes of falls and a physiotherapist can help identify the possible contributing factors. These may include poor balance and reduced muscle strength. Physiotherapists can provide an individualised exercise program aimed at reducing your risk of having falls. They can also provide recommendations to which walking aid to use and appropriate shoes to wear.

Did you know…

For patients who have had a stroke, the development of shoulder pain is a common problem. It is always important to try and prevent the onset of shoulder pain. Efforts should be focused on preventing the shoulder joint becoming stiff and the surrounding muscles becoming tight. A very important part of management is to learn how to move the shoulder without causing further trauma. Certain exercises such as overhead pulleys should be avoided, as this may increase the shoulder pain. Physiotherapists have a good understanding of the possible structures that may contribute to shoulder pain. They can assess the shoulder and provide appropriate management. Physiotherapists can teach carers and family on how to care for the shoulder in everyday tasks and provide advice regarding positioning of the shoulder.

Did you know…

that if you are suffering from dizziness, something can be done to reduce your symptoms? If your dizziness is caused by disorders that affect the inner ear (also known as vestibular disorders), seeing a physiotherapist may be able to help. A physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine what the possible causes of your dizziness are. Following this, a treatment plan will be developed with you. Your treatment plan may include exercises and compensatory strategies to incorporate into your daily life.

Did you know…

Did you know that physiotherapy plays an important role in the recovery process following a stroke? After a stroke, movement problems may be experienced. Physiotherapists have the skills to assist in the retraining of the use of arms and legs in functional activities such as reaching and walking. In conjunction with the patient and other health professionals, the physiotherapist identifies goals and devises a treatment plan to achieve these goals. Physiotherapists work with stroke patients in acute and rehabilitation hospitals. Following discharge from hospital, patients may receive physiotherapy in the community as an outpatient. Patients may also choose to access physiotherapy through private practice.

Did you know…

that physiotherapy is a frontline tool in the cost-effective management of arthritis and its related problems of pain, stiffness, inflammation, and damage to joint cartilage? Research studies have shown that physiotherapy is the preferred first treatment of knee osteoarthritis: it is cheaper and less dangerous than surgery, and it puts you in charge of your health. So if you are feeling even mild aches and pains in your joints, it is a good idea to talk to your physio about what can be done before it is too late.