Casey physio program breaking down barriers to fitness

A new physiotherapy program is helping City of Casey people with injuries, clinical or mobility issues get active and social.

Developed by Bolton Clarke, the program is funded under the government’s Home and Community Care Program for Younger People and has been developed to boost participation in physiotherapy for younger people with ongoing injuries or restricted mobility.

Cranbourne local Irene, who has a spinal injury, says the classes have not only provided her with physical support but social support as well.

“I don’t get to go out much – virtually not at all – so this is also a time for me to meet other people and get to know their story and catch up. It makes you realise you’re not alone,” Irene said.

“I thought this would be something that would help me deal with my injuries better. Doing it with other people makes it less daunting as the physios will give you different exercises if you can’t do certain things.

“It’s been a lovely thing for me to go and exercise a bit, talk to people and have a plan to take home.”

Bolton Clarke physiotherapist Gary says the program has already become an invaluable addition to their calendar for many locals.

“For some of our clients, because their mobility isn’t great they tend to spend a lot of time in their own home where they might be less motivated to do their exercises, which in turn can impact their wellbeing,” he said.

“This program is designed to take away those barriers so people get to socialise with people of a similar age and ability and get active in a way that’s safe for them in a group environment.

“It’s developing as we go along and we are incorporating options to suit everyone and encouraging them with exercises they can do at home as well.

“We start the session with a 20-minute warm up with a lot of seated exercises, stretching and basic movements as well as a bit of conversation before we rotate through different stations.”

The sessions are available on a fortnightly basis and have been running since January this year, welcoming up to 12 clients at a time at the Cranbourne West Community Hub Hall.