Complex Disabilities
A complex disability is any physical and/or cognitive impairment associated with a neurological condition (This is a condition affecting the brain or spine). See some examples below:
- Physical disability (including mobility; muscle tone, joint range, seating and positioning) such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and
- Cognitive ability (including alertness; memory; attention; and thought processing) including people with intellectual disabilities and dementia
- Emotions (including mood, behaviour and coping)
- Independence in quality of life and activities of daily living (including personal care; continence; nutrition (diet and eating) ; choice; identity; socialising and recreation)
- Communication and swallowing ability (including utilisation of any potential verbal and non-verbal expression (with and without equipment/aids); comprehension; assessing and maximising swallow functionality)
- Respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis and those seen in people with Downs Syndrome
Ageing
Ageing is the changes in a human being over time, inclusive of both physical and mental changes. Ageing brings with it many difficulties and requires a person to adapt to the changes in their body. Elderly people are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases and they have a much higher chance of having a fall. Dementia in a common occurrence of ageing as well as neurological disorders including parkinson’s disease.
Stroke
Stroke is the sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow or rupture of an artery to the brain. No stroke is the same, and the impact on stroke survivors and their families has many aspects. Stroke can affect body function, activities, and participation. Rehabilitation after stroke requires therapists with specific experience and knowledge.
Progressive Neurological Disorders
These are conditions where there is progressive deterioration in function. Examples include: Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple System Atrophy, Huntington’s Disease. Progression may be gradual over many years, or even decades or more rapidly over weeks and months, depending on the condition. The consequences of these impairments can touch almost every part of life and require therapists with experience with treating neurological conditions.
Orthopaedics
This includes rehab after elective surgery such as hip, knee or shoulder replacements or after falls or accidents resulting in fractures requiring surgery or conservative management.
Amputation
Loss of a limb results in a permanent disability that can impact a person’s self-image, self-care, and movement. We can help you return to the highest level of function and independence possible, and aim to improve overall quality of life.
Cardiorespiratory
Conditions include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and others. Research has shown that regular exercise helps people with lung disease maintain their physical fitness as well as improve their symptoms and quality of life. Learn the skills to manage breathlessness, clear secretions, progress your exercise tolerance and stay well and out of hospital.
Vestibular
The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, ageing, or injury, vestibular disorders can result, and are often associated with vertigo, dizziness, feelings of imbalance or spatial disorientation.
Vascular Disorders
Vascular disorders are characterised by abnormal conditions of the blood vessels (veins and arteries). Arteries move blood away from the heart and veins carry bloody to the heart. If there is any damage to these vessels then blood flow can be blocked or restricted. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include; swelling, numbness and tingling, coldness in limbs, pain, discolouration, skin breakdown, sores developing on limbs and brittle toenails.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is chronic swelling of the different parts of the body which are a result of damage to the lymphatic system. It can be primary of secondary. Primary lymphoedema is a defect in the lymphatic system at birth. It usually presents in both sides of the body. It is far less common. Secondary lymphoedema is the most common type and is caused by damage to the lymphatic system after cancer treatment, infection, injury or trauma. Most secondary lymphoedema is found on one side of the body where the cancer, injury or infection occurred.
Chronic Pain
This is any type of pain that is long lasting. The pain can continue on after injury despite the injury healing. Some people suffer from chronic pain even when there hasn’t been an injury or damage to the body.
Autism
Autism is a broad term that refers to a group of neurodevelopment disorders. It is characterised by problems with development, communication and social interaction. The severity can vary greatly from person to person. Many children or adults with Autism engage in repetitive, obsessive or unusual behaviours including rocking, flapping and focusing on only one object all the time. Children with autism have difficulty making friends at school and often like to play on their own.