For NDIS clients like Sue, Proactive Health has been life-changing
A Murray Bridge woman shares the story of her experience working with an exercise physiologist.
This story is brought to you by Proactive Health.
It’s fair to say that exercise physiology has changed Sue McKenzie’s life.
Unlike physiotherapy, which usually focuses on injury recovery, exercise physiology takes a holistic approach to clients and their bodies, helping them achieve the lifestyle they want.
For Sue, that has meant keeping her mobility.
“I wouldn’t be able to walk if I didn’t have a skilled exercise physiologist or physiotherapist,” she says.
“I wouldn’t be doing everything that I’m doing now.
“If I was to go full-time in a wheelchair, I wouldn’t be able to cope – it’s very difficult, and I just couldn’t do the things that I do.”
Once per week, she shows up to Proactive Health’s new Murray Bridge clinic for a session with exercise physiologist Blake Zadow.
He coaches her as she walks along a straight line on the floor, stretches, or works on a treadmill or another piece of gym equipment, blending encouragement with gentle motivation.
“He tries to mix it up,” Sue says.
“He keeps it interesting and fun.
“I’ve been to many physios in Murray Bridge, I can tell who’s good and who’s not, and he’s very patient – he doesn’t put pressure on.”
Proactive Health co-owner Jo Carman hopes Blake and the rest of her team will be able to work with more NDIS clients as the practice continues to expand.
As well as exercise physiology, Proactive Health offers NDIS clients dietetics, physiotherapy and podiatry at its Chris Collins Court clinic, as well as hydrotherapy at Murray Bridge’s heated pool.
Both venues are fully accessible to clients with limited mobility.
“A lot of (our treatment) is focused on activities of daily living: improving overall function through strength, mobility, coordination, balance for falls prevention, and neurological support as well, since mental health is another factor in pain management,” Jo says.
“We can get really specific: what is it that you need to improve your quality of life?
“We can tailor a program that is really specific to you, to help you achieve what you want to achieve.”
All of the allied health professionals on the team are university-trained, and have the expertise needed to work safely with clients with diverse needs, within NDIS guidelines.
Anyone whose NDIS plan includes funding for capacity building, or improved health and wellbeing, can use that funding at Proactive Health.
If that’s you, and you’re keen to explore what the Proactive Health team can do for you, now is a good time to start a conversation – they have capacity to take on new clients at the moment.
As Sue attests, exercise physiology can be an important contributor to a full life, and one she hopes will always remain part of the NDIS.
“(People living with disability) know our bodies,” she says.
“We need to be able to choose who’s good for us … and we can’t have that taken away from us.
“This company and staff are the best, as far as I’m concerned.”
- Make an appointment: Book directly with Proactive Health by calling 1300 890 507 or filling in the form at pro-active.com.au; or visit 5A Chris Collins Court, Murray Bridge from Monday to Friday.
- More information: Visit pro-active.com.au or follow Proactive Health on Facebook or Instagram.
- Read more: What is exercise physiology, and how can it help you?
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
