Allied Health Centre

The Cabrini Allied Health Centre encompasses a variety of services aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients, in practical ways.

In the one convenient service, patients can access physiotherapy, dietetics, speech pathology, health psychology, diabetes education, exercise physiology, podiatry and occupational therapy.

We aim to provide you with the care you need, when you need it and where you need it. The centre is located in Area E on Level 1 at Cabrini Malvern, but services are also available at Cabrini Elsternwick and in the community via home visits.

Our services include:

When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it will be necessary to make some lifestyle changes to manage your condition. Our Diabetes Education program helps you make informed choices related to your diabetes based on the most compelling research.

We strive to empower you with the information you need to reduce the development of diabetes-related complications, and maintain your optimum wellbeing. Diabetes educators offer consultation on all aspects of diabetes, including gestational diabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.

“Finding out I had diabetes was terrifying and I was so overwhelmed by it all… I can’t thank the team enough for all your amazing support. You have such great knowledge and you’ve been so kind and patient with me. Thank you!” - from an outpatient client with type 1 diabetes.

Nutrition is a fundamental aspect of every patient’s care, recovery and wellbeing. Our dietetics team of tertiary qualified dietitians and dietetic assistants have expertise in nutrition related assessment, diagnosis, care planning, treatment and education. Treatment plans are carefully considered with your specific situation and clinical nutritional needs in mind.

We can help patients with our comprehensive range of general and specialist outpatient clinics, including:

• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal nutrition
• Lifestyle and nutrition
• Maternity
• Oncology
• Paediatrics
• Renal

An exercise physiologist specialises in the use of exercise to help patients meet specific health goals, or to recover from a medical condition. At the Cabrini Allied Health Centre, our skilled exercise physiologists have a specific focus on assisting patients with cancer and chronic disease. They are adept at setting up tailored programs to meet patients’ individual needs.

Our exercise physiology programs include:

• Chronic disease exercise groups
• General strength and reconditioning
• Maintenance programs
• Oncology exercise groups
• 1:1 program development

"One of the most helpful, effective and nurturing programs we have ever been involved in," a testimony from a patient with heart failure.

"Everyone was so helpful and lovely, I really loved the support and guidance I received at Cabrini. I felt very lost beforehand and now I feel empowered with knowledge," says a patient who had chronic pain.

>> Find out more about our exercise physiology services 

Occupational therapy assists people to enhance their quality of life by maximising their independence and engagement in activities of daily living. 

We offer centre based therapy or home and community based assessment and interventions.

• Comprehensive functional assessment and retraining of daily living skills such as personal care and domestic skills
• Community reintegration including public transport and return to leisure based activities.
• Home modifications – assessment and modification of a client’s home environment to improve safety and independence
• Equipment prescription such as wheelchairs, bathroom aids and scooters
• Cognitive intervention including memory, planning and organising strategies explored
• Education on relaxation and stress management

Our physiotherapists are experienced in managing a range of conditions. They have expertise in: osteoarthritis, vertigo, sports and spinal injuries, pregnancy-related conditions, lymphoedema and respiratory conditions. We offer our patients individual treatment sessions and group-based programs in our fully-equipped gymnasium. Patients can also opt for the convenience of in-the-home visits. 

Physiotherapy treatments include:

• Breathing training
• Education and advice, including strategies to increase physical activity, balance and strength
• Exercise therapy for a range of conditions, such as osteoarthritis (GLA:D), joint replacement and back pain
• Lymphoedema screening and management
• Manual therapy, such as dry needling
• Prescription of aids and braces
• Vestibular training
• Women's health, including ultrasound for mastitis

>> Find out more about our physiotherapy services

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is offered at the Elsternwick site. The buoyancy and warmth of the water supports reduced pain and muscle spasm during exercise allowing greater range of movement. The resistance provided by the water can also be used for strengthening exercises as part of a rehabilitation program.

>> Find out more about our hydrotherapy services

Lymphoedema Program

Our specially-trained lymphoedema physiotherapists provide screening and monitoring, early intervention and complex lymphoedema management.

>> Find out more about our lymphoedema services

Physiotherapy Classes

Podiatrists specialise in foot, ankle and lower limb health. They can also treat foot problems that are the result of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. We can help with: 

• Diabetes related issues
• Footwear and orthotics
• Wound care

Social workers are an integral part of the treating team at Cabrini and available across all of our campuses to assist patients and their families with their psychological, emotional and practical needs while undergoing treatment or participating in our education programs.

We provide a wide variety of social work services which can include:

• Individual and family counselling, support with adjustment to illness, grief, anxiety, depression and matters of concern that affect the patient’s recovery, including lifestyle changes.
• Assistance with self-management regarding social and health related issues that may cause conflict and family relationship tension/s.
• Referral and information to community services which may help to maintain independence in the community.
• Provision of resources to assist with returning home.
• Planning for future care including accommodation, as well as, financial and legal matters when required.

Speech pathologists are specialists trained in the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders. Our team can: 

• Control chronic cough
• Help people who have difficulty swallowing food and fluids
• Manage dry mouth symptoms
• Treat voice disorders
• Improve speech clarity