Physiotherapy

MSWA’s community respiratory physiotherapy service is designed to assist Clients experiencing respiratory symptoms associated with their neurological condition. Respiratory physiotherapy incorporates both physiotherapy treatment techniques and prescription of specialised equipment to help improve respiratory efficiency. 

Our services include education on airway clearance techniques, organising respiratory equipment, carer training and liaising with the Client’s multidisciplinary care team to create respiratory action plans.

Our services can assist Clients who:

• Are unable to clear secretions effectively.
• Have an ineffective cough due to respiratory muscle weakness.
• May have frequent chest infections and/or frequent hospital admissions related to chest infections.

Following a thorough assessment, the physiotherapist will discuss treatment techniques and specialised equipment that can assist in improving respiratory efficiency. Our aim is to work together with the Client, their family and multidisciplinary team to develop an individualised respiratory action plan, designed to optimise the Client’s respiratory management at home. 

The NDIS will provide funding for reasonable and necessary respiratory supports, including specialised equipment (e.g. CoughAssist Machine hire). As this process can take some time, please consider early referral and assessment so that applications can be made in anticipation of future needs, particularly for Clients with progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as motor neuron disease, spinal muscular atrophy and muscular dystrophy. 

Please note: MSWA does not provide emergency services. If any Client is acutely unwell, they should contact their GP, relevant specialist or emergency department.

MSWA’s lymphoedema physiotherapy service is designed to assist Clients who experience chronic swelling. Our therapists use Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which is in line with the latest research. 

Services include: 

• Assessments.
• Prescription of compression garments and aids.
• Bandaging therapy.
• Manual lymph drainage (MLD).
• Education.
• Development of a Lymphoedema Management Plan.
• Ongoing support.

Our services can assist Clients who:

• Experience visible and/or palpable swelling.
• Experience a purple/blue discolouration in their feet and/or lower legs.
• Have a brownish discolouration on the skin of their lower legs.
• Have varicose veins.
• Experience aching legs.
• Have reduced skin integrity, poor healing, and/or diabetes.
• Have limited mobility.

MSWA’s continence & pelvic health physiotherapy aims to provide services to Clients experiencing continence symptoms associated with their neurological condition. 

Services include education in relation to bladder and bowel function, advice regarding overactive bladder management and urinary retention, pelvic floor muscle assessment and treatment and liaising with the Client’s multidisciplinary care team to provide continence services.

Following a thorough assessment – including a bladder diary, bladder scan and pelvic floor muscle assessment – the physiotherapist will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan to manage the Client’s current symptoms.   

Appropriate for Clients experiencing:   

• Bladder symptoms:
  • Urinary frequency.
  • Urinary urgency.
  • Urinary incontinence.
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Bowel symptoms:
  • Constipation.
  • Bowel incontinence.

MSWA's vestibular physiotherapy service aims to provide services to Clients experiencing vestibular symptoms associated with their neurological condition. It is a specialised form of physiotherapy designed to assess and treat vestibular system disorders. This approach combines Repositioning Manoeuvre-based and Exercise-based treatments to alleviate vertigo and dizziness, enhance gaze stability or visual focus, improve balance and stability and reduce the risk of falls.

Following a thorough assessment – including an oculomotor assessment, positional testing, and a balance and gait assessment – the physiotherapist will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan to manage the Client’s current vestibular symptoms. 

Vestibular physiotherapy service is appropriate for Clients experiencing: 

• Current or history of dizziness or vertigo.
• Nystagmus (rapid involuntary eye movements).
• Motion sensitivity, such as increased sensitivity to motion (e.g., car rides) and in crowded areas (e.g., supermarkets and shopping malls).
• Chronic or recurrent disequilibrium, especially with head movement: frequent episodes of feeling unsteady or off-balance, recurrence of falls.

Experience a therapeutic massage with one of our highly trained massage therapists. Our therapists are well versed in a wide range of neurological conditions. They will conduct an independent assessment to create a tailored treatment plan to suit your individual needs. Please enquire prior to your appointment if you are seeking a specific technique.

Manual handling and positioning

Our massage therapists have been trained to assist with your positioning and transfer needs. They will ensure your upmost comfort throughout your treatment whether it be on the massage bed or in your chair. 

Techniques available:

• Remedial.
• Deep tissue.
• Trigger points.
• Myofascial release.
• PNF stretching.
• Bowen therapy.
• Swedish.
• Sports Massage.
• Manual lymphatic drainage.
• Dry needling.
• Cupping.

Benefits:

• Reduces fatigue, muscle pain and tension, stress and anxiety, muscle spasticity, tension headaches.
• Improves posture and body awareness, physical and psychological health, quality of life, blood and lymphatic circulation, immune function, mood and energy levels.