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Nationwide Neuro Respiratory Physiotherapy Outreach Clinic

An online clinic run by our experienced physiotherapy team specifically for people with respiratory difficulties due to neuromuscular and neurological disabilities.

 

How we can help

Improve Respiratory Function

Pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency are common in people with neurological disabilities, however it often goes undetected to the untrained eye.  Respiratory compromise that is inadequately assessed and managed can pose significant risk.  

Reduce Hospital Admissions and Improve Quality of Life

We focus on optimising lung function, either through setup of a maintenance program or an active physiotherapy regime using evidence based clinical interventions and assistive technology.  Our aim is to achieve clinical stability for our clients, thereby reducing hospital admissions and optimising quality of life.

Prevent
Complications

We understand the challenges of living in the community with respiratory difficulties and the impact these struggles have on both our clients themselves but also their support networks.  We are highly skilled in reversing lung collapse and clearing sputum in complex scenarios where taking a deep breath and coughing is challenging. 

Our Role in Your Care

1

Work in partnership with you, your family, carers and multidisciplinary team to keep you safe and healthy at home

2

Assessing your breathing, ability to cough and clear phlegm effectively

3

Provide training in therapies that may improve breathing and cough

4

Identify risks within your 24 hour care that may be contributing to respiratory compromise and work together to optimise your routine care to prevent respiratory complications

5

Provide you, your family and carers and multidisciplinary team with ongoing education and support

6

Assist with the prescription of cost and time effective assistive technology

7

Work with your medical team to establish safe and effective escalation procedures for when you are unwell

Who May Benefit?

While we are experts in the physiotherapy management of people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), our Outreach Service focuses on preventing and managing the specific respiratory complications that can arise from ABIs. These complications may result from weakened respiratory muscles, swallow dysfunction, and/or impaired cough reflex, among other issues. We will collaborate closely with your treating team to ensure you receive evidence-based care for optimising your respiratory function. Our approach includes proactive management strategies and interventions to address respiratory challenges, and we are prepared to respond promptly if your condition changes. Our comprehensive and holistic approach, with a focus on respiratory health, is essential for supporting your overall recovery and maintaining your well-being.

At Active Edge Physio, we offer a comprehensive, holistic approach with specialised postgraduate training in SCI management. While we are experts in all areas of SCI rehabilitation, our Outreach Program primarily focuses on managing and optimising respiratory function at home. This program is dedicated to addressing respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, and involves advanced techniques to enhance cough effectiveness, optimise positioning for breathing and sleep, and improving overall respiratory health. We work closely with you and your team to improve your respiratory function, prevent complications, and ensure effective management of any respiratory issues. Additionally, we provide carer training and can support tracheostomy care as part of our commitment to your well-being and independence.

We have specifically designed our Outreach Program to address and manage respiratory complications associated with neuromuscular disorders. These disorders can impair respiratory function due to weakened respiratory muscles, reduced cough effectiveness, and difficulties with swallowing, which increase the risk of respiratory infections and complications.

Our program provides targeted interventions to enhance respiratory function and prevent common complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis (airway collapse). We employ advanced respiratory techniques, including non-invasive ventilation support, airway clearance methods, and strategies to improve cough effectiveness. Our team also offers specialised training for caregivers to ensure effective management of respiratory health at home.

By focusing on these critical aspects of respiratory care, our Outreach Program aims to improve overall respiratory function, minimise the risk of respiratory complications, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with neuromuscular disorders. We work collaboratively with your healthcare team to ensure that you receive comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to your specific needs anywhere in Victoria.

Our Outreach Program is designed to provide respiratory support to people living with MS outside our catchment area. Recognising that MS can lead to significant respiratory challenges, such as weakened respiratory muscles, impaired cough reflex, and difficulty managing respiratory infections, our program ensures that anyone can receive high-quality, specialised care despite geographical barriers.

Through this program, we offer remote online consultations and personalised respiratory assessments to address each client’s unique needs. Our services include advanced respiratory management techniques, such as airway clearance strategies and inspiratory muscle training, tailored to improve respiratory function and reduce complications associated with MS. We also provide comprehensive education and training for clients and caregivers to effectively manage their respiratory health at home.

Additionally, our Outreach Program involves close collaboration with local healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care and integration of our recommendations into the client’s overall treatment plan. By using telehealth technologies and providing on-site visits when possible, we strive to deliver accessible, evidence-based respiratory support to enhance the well-being and quality of life for individuals with MS.

While we are experts in the physiotherapy management of people post brain surgery. Our Outreach Service focuses on preventing and managing respiratory complications that can arise post surgical interventions. These complications may result from weakened respiratory muscles, swallow dysfunction, and/or impaired cough reflex, among other issues. We will collaborate closely with your treating team to ensure you receive evidence-based care in monitoring your respiratory function. Our approach includes proactive management strategies and interventions to address respiratory challenges, and we are prepared to respond promptly if your condition changes. Our comprehensive and holistic approach, with a focus on respiratory health, is essential for supporting your overall recovery and maintaining your well-being.

At Active Edge Physio, we offer a comprehensive, holistic approach to all clients and conditions. While we are experts in all areas of Spinal Surgery rehabilitation our Outreach Program primarily focuses on managing and optimising respiratory function at home. This program is dedicated to addressing respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, and involves advanced techniques to enhance cough effectiveness, optimise positioning for breathing and sleep, and improving overall respiratory health. We work closely with you and your team to improve your respiratory function, prevent complications, and ensure effective management of any respiratory issues. Additionally, we provide carer training as part of our commitment to your well-being and independence.

Our Outreach Program is dedicated to providing specialised support for individuals with FND, with a particular focus on managing potential respiratory complications. FND can lead to a range of symptoms, including impaired respiratory control and difficulties with breathing, which may increase the risk of respiratory infections and compromised lung function. Through our program, we offer tailored respiratory management strategies, including advanced techniques to improve cough effectiveness and optimise breathing patterns. We work closely with clients and their care teams to address these challenges, enhance respiratory health, and support overall well-being. Our comprehensive approach also includes education and training for caregivers to ensure effective management of respiratory issues at home anywhere in Victoria.

While we are experts in stroke rehabilitation, our Outreach Service focuses on preventing and managing respiratory complications that can arise post stroke. These complications may result from weakened respiratory muscles, swallow dysfunction, and/or impaired cough reflex, among other issues. We will collaborate closely with your treating team to ensure you receive evidence-based care in monitoring your respiratory function. Our approach includes proactive management strategies and interventions to address respiratory challenges, and we are prepared to respond promptly if your condition changes. At Active Edge Physio, we are highly qualified in stroke rehabilitation and well networked with neurologists with our director working part time as a senior clinician in stroke at the Alfred Hospital. Our comprehensive and holistic approach, with a focus on respiratory health, is essential for supporting your overall recovery and maintaining your well-being.

People living with Parkinson’s disease are at risk of complications such as reduced mobility and independence, deconditioning, poor posture, falls and depression. Another significant concern is also a decline in respiratory function, which can increase the risk of chest infections and pneumonia. 

Our Outreach Program focuses on managing respiratory complications by implementing advanced techniques to enhance respiratory function and reduce the risk of infections. We offer strategies to improve cough effectiveness, optimise breathing exercises, and support posture correction to aid lung function. Additionally, we work closely with clients and their care teams to provide tailored interventions, including comprehensive caregiver training to ensure effective management of respiratory health at home. Through this program, we aim to improve quality of life and support individuals in maintaining their independence and health, and remaining out of hospital.

People living with PSP are at risk of complications such as pneumonia, reduced mobility and independence, difficulties swallowing, and falls. Our Outreach Program is specifically tailored to support the complex respiratory management in individuals living with PSP outside our catchment area anywhere in Victoria. 

Our program focuses on managing respiratory complications of PSP by employing advanced techniques to improve cough effectiveness, enhance breathing patterns, and ensure optimal respiratory health. We provide personalised interventions and support for managing posture and swallowing difficulties, which can affect respiratory function and increase the risk of pneumonia. Collaborating closely with clients and their care teams, we offer targeted strategies to prevent complications and improve overall well-being. We also provide caregiver training to help manage respiratory issues at home, aiming to enhance quality of life and maximise independence for those living with PSP.

People living with Freidreich’s ataxia are at risk of complications such as immobility, pressure injury, poor posture, falls and pain. This progressive neurological disorder can also impair respiratory function, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory complications such as chest infections and pneumonia.

Our Outreach Program focuses on managing these respiratory issues by implementing advanced techniques to improve cough effectiveness and optimise breathing exercises. We also address related concerns such as poor posture and impaired coordination, which can impact respiratory health. By working closely with clients and their care teams, we offer tailored interventions to enhance respiratory function, prevent complications, and support overall well-being. Additionally, our Outreach Program includes comprehensive caregiver training to ensure effective management of respiratory health at home, aiming to improve quality of life and maintain independence for those living with Friedreich’s ataxia.

People living with dystonia can also encounter a range of respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing and weakened cough reflexes, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and related complications. Our Outreach Program addresses these challenges by employing specialised techniques to improve cough efficiency and breathing exercises. We also help treat associated problems like poor posture and muscle imbalances that can affect respiratory health. Through close collaboration with clients and their healthcare providers, we offer individualised interventions to enhance respiratory function, prevent complications, and promote general well-being. Furthermore, our program includes detailed training for caregivers to ensure effective management of respiratory health at home, aiming to improve quality of life

While our team are experts in all aspects of cerebral palsy management, our Outreach Program specialises in preventing and managing respiratory complications associated with the condition. These issues can stem from weakened respiratory muscles, swallowing difficulties, and impaired cough reflexes, among other concerns. We work closely with clients and their care teams to provide evidence-based monitoring and management of respiratory function. Our approach involves proactive strategies and targeted interventions to address respiratory challenges effectively, with readiness to adapt if your condition changes. By focusing on respiratory health as a part of a comprehensive and holistic team approach, we aim to support your overall well-being and quality of life.

MND is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. This leads to a gradual loss of muscle strength and function, impacting movements such as walking, speaking, and breathing. As MND progresses, individuals may experience significant muscle weakness and respiratory difficulties.

Our Outreach Program, while skilled in all aspects of MND management, is particularly dedicated to addressing and preventing respiratory complications associated with the condition. MND often weakens respiratory and swallowing muscles, heightening the risk of respiratory infections and other related issues. Our program collaborates closely with healthcare teams to provide tailored, evidence-based strategies for monitoring and managing respiratory function. We have a proactive approach, incorporating specialised interventions to improve breathing efficiency and support respiratory health, with the flexibility to adapt as the condition progresses. By focusing on these critical aspects, our program aims to enhance overall well-being and support quality of life as part of a holistic care team.

GBS is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. This condition typically begins with weakness and tingling in the extremities and can rapidly progress to muscle weakness and paralysis. The severity and speed of progression can vary widely, making individualised treatment and management crucial.

Our Outreach Program is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges posed by GBS. Given the potential for rapid deterioration in muscle strength and function, our program focuses on early intervention and proactive management strategies. We collaborate closely with healthcare teams to develop tailored treatment plans that address respiratory function and optimise management. We use specialised interventions with the goals to enhance recovery and minimise respiratory complications. By adopting a comprehensive and flexible approach, our program aims to support effective rehabilitation, improve quality of life, and facilitate the best possible recovery outcomes for individuals affected by GBS in all regions of Victoria.

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders characterised by progressive muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, and decreased mobility, which can lead to significant functional impairments. As the condition advances, it particularly impacts the muscles involved in breathing, resulting in severe respiratory challenges such as weakened cough reflexes, difficulty breathing, and an increased risk of respiratory infections.

Our Outreach Program is specifically designed to address the respiratory complications associated with muscular dystrophy. We focus on early detection and proactive management of respiratory issues to enhance breathing efficiency and prevent complications. This includes employing specialised techniques to improve cough effectiveness and providing targeted breathing exercises. We work closely with healthcare teams to tailor interventions that address the unique respiratory needs of each individual. Additionally, our program offers comprehensive support for caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective home management of respiratory health. By prioritising respiratory care, our program aims to support overall well-being and quality of life for those living with muscular dystrophy.

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterised by muscle weakness and fatigue that worsens with activity and improves with rest. It primarily affects voluntary muscles, leading to symptoms such as drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and impaired speech. As the disease progresses, it can also impact the muscles responsible for breathing, resulting in respiratory complications that may include difficulty in breathing and an increased risk of chest infections.

Our Outreach Program is dedicated to addressing the respiratory challenges associated with myasthenia gravis. The program focuses on proactive management strategies to enhance breathing efficiency and support respiratory function. We use specialised interventions to improve cough effectiveness and address respiratory muscle weakness. By working closely with healthcare teams, our program provides personalised care plans tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Additionally, we offer extensive training for caregivers to ensure effective management of respiratory health at home. Through these comprehensive efforts, our program aims to improve overall well-being and quality of life for individuals living with myasthenia gravis in all regions of Victoria.

We are highly experienced in managing all neurological disorders and their respiratory complications, some of which may not be described or mentioned on our website. Please contact us if you would like information with regard to neuro-respiratory physiotherapy management of your individual condition, and we will discuss with you how we can work with you to achieve your goals.

Assistive Technology

We have many years of experience working in the community as well as acute hospital and critical care settings, routinely using and prescribing volume restoration devices such as the Philips Respironics CoughAssist, Taleb Medical Nippy clearway, BMedical Pegaso, non-invasive and invasive ventilation. We are also highly competent in manual assist cough, suctioning, tracheostomy management and the implementation of respiratory muscle training.

Work in partnership with you, your family, carers and multidisciplinary team to keep you safe and healthy at home
Assessing your breathing, ability to cough and clear phlegm effectively
Provide training in therapies that may improve breathing and cough
Identify risks within your 24 hour care that may be contributing to respiratory compromise and work together to optimise your routine care to prevent respiratory complications
Provide you, your family and carers and multidisciplinary team with ongoing education and support
Assist with the prescription of cost and time effective assistive technology
Work with your medical team to establish safe and effective escalation procedures for when you are unwell
1

Work in partnership with you, your family, carers and multidisciplinary team to keep you safe and healthy at home

2

Assessing your breathing, ability to cough and clear phlegm effectively

 

3

Provide training in therapies that may improve breathing and cough

 

4

Identify risks within your 24 hour care that may be contributing to respiratory compromise and work together to optimise your routine care to prevent respiratory complications

5

Provide you, your family and carers and multidisciplinary team with ongoing education and support

6

Assist with the prescription of cost and time effective assistive technology

 

7

Work with your medical team to establish safe and effective escalation procedures for when you are unwell

 

Eligibility criteria

We have identified a need for greater physiotherapy support for lung health in the community and are excited to provide this unique respiratory service.

1

Funded by a national or state wide funding body

2

 Resides outside our home visiting catchment area

 

Due to the nature of the way we work, there can often be significant time spent on non face to face interventions. Some of examples of this are:

  • Liaising with medical professionals – General Practitioners and Specialists
  • Liaising with other health professionals such as allied health, carers and case managers/support coordinators
  • Establishing and refining care plans
  • Reviewing and understanding the complexities of a case
  • Creating safe escalation procedures

Due to the way this service is set up and funded, we are not able to offer this clinic to privately funded individuals at this time.

Our outreach clinic services has been set up primarily for people who live outside our travel radius.  If you live within our home visiting catchment area and are interested in our services, please get in touch and we can arrange a face to face assessment.

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