OccHealth

Initial Assessments

Having the right information about our clients, their injuries and the work they perform provides a strong foundation for a sound recovery plan. At OccHealth by Altius we utilise evidence based strategies to identify gaps in a person’s recovery and design a functional recovery plan that bridges these gaps. Initial assessments include gathering thorough background information on medical status, pre-existing medical conditions, living arrangements, pre-injury and current work status and current activities of daily living (ADL) status. Functional assessments, focusing on movements that you perform on a daily basis, are also carried out. Initial assessments provide a baseline measure of your current capacity.

Targeted Work Related Functional Activity

We support sustainable outcomes for those returning to work after injury - providing physical, functional and behavioural solutions to increase the capacity of an injured worker. Work Related Activity Treatment focuses on targeted, work related functional activity, setting SMART goals and self-management strategies – through workplace based, home and gym sessions.

Strong Biopsychosocial Approach

Using evidence-based assessments we identify the physical, psychological and social barriers impacting a person’s health, enabling our allied health professionals to target key areas and prioritise interventions for maximum benefit and sustained recovery and return to work outcomes.

Tailored and Adaptable for Success

Individuals who partner with us in their recovery journey value the personalised support they receive and attention to details focused on their recovery, including attendance to medical case reviews, the inclusion of sessions in the workplace to aid functional recovery and our strong focus on individual empowerment to benefit their long term health.

Schemes and Accreditation

The government now recognises the need for increased support and treatment for patients who suffer chronic disease. Accredited Exercise Physiologists are among the allied health professionals able to provide Medicare services to people with chronic and complex illnesses.

The Enhanced Primary Care Plan (ECP) allows clients to utilise the services of an Exercise Physiologist five times within a calendar year and receive a rebate through Medicare. Rebates are also available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and selected private health insurers. Clients should contact their private health fund to confirm their eligibility for Exercise Physiology Services.

Conditions suitable for referral include: chronic musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, cancer and a range of other chronic ailments. To be eligible to receive the rebate through Medicare clients require a referral and a care plan, to an Exercise Physiologist from their treating doctor. Please contact us to confirm your eligibility or further information.

Where will I be performing the OccHealth program?

This will be discussed with you during the Initial Assessment, however the treatment program is usually conducted at a facility near you place of residence or workplace, making it easier for you to attend without the stress of travel.

I am in pain, how am I supposed to exercise?

When injured, it is absolutely true that you may need to rest from certain activities or decrease the intensity or frequency of others. But you don’t (and shouldn’t) cut exercise or activity out entirely. You need to continue to move and exercise so you can rehabilitate and  prevent any future injuries from happening, while at the same time keeping yourself on target to achieve your goals.

Exercise is such a broad term, but in this case it might include more mobility and stability work as well as some strengthening exercises. Rest assured, the exercises you perform will be specific to your particular injury. Just remember, whether your injury is caused by things such as a motor vehicle accident, lifting, bending, twisting, falling or overuse, exercising will help speed up your recovery time. When done properly, exercising throughout your rehabilitation will address any imbalances, strengthen what’s weak, and get you back to where you want to be.

All exercises you are asked to perform are tailored specifically for your condition and based on the latest best practice research. To get the most out of the treatment program, we require you to give your best effort, however you will only ever be required to perform the exercises within your pain and physical capabilities.

How long is the OccHealth program, and how many times per week will I have to attend?

The treatment program generally last between 2-3 months, although all programs are tailored to suit individual needs. This length of time has shown to be beneficial in increasing your activity levels to at or near where you were before your injury. For the body to make a positive adaptation to the exercise, research and studies have shown that small amounts of exercise completed on a regular basis to be the most effective. As such, you will be requested to attend the gymnasium three times per week as well as perform some light stretches at home or work on a daily basis.

What kind of exercises may I be required to do?

The exercises prescribed are essentially exercises which you do on a daily basis such as pushing and pulling, lifting and carry. All exercises will be graded according to your current ability and modification will be made for any physical restriction that you may have.

How long does an OccHealth initial assessment take?

The assessment usually takes between 45-60 minutes, with the physical component taking up approximately 15 minutes of the assessment.

What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) states “An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university qualified allied health professional, who specialises in clinical exercise interventions for persons at high-risk of developing, or with existing chronic and complex medical conditions and injuries. These interventions are provided by exercise delivery including health and physical activity education, advice and support and lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change. AEP’s are the most qualified health professional to prescribe exercise for people with chronic disease”.

Don’t be scared by the word chronic. In the medical field the word chronic is used to describe a condition which has been present for longer than 12 weeks, it does not mean that it can’t be fixed. In short, an AEP is a movement specialist who uses exercise as a form of rehabilitation to assist you to return to your pre-injury level of function.