Allied Health Centre
Cabrini’s Allied Health Centre is dedicated to improving the mental and physical health of patients. We provide physiotherapy, dietetics, speech pathology, occupational therapy and chronic disease management services to restore your optimal health after an injury, accident or illness.
| General Inquiries |
Phone: (03) 9508 1700 Additional Contact No: (03) 9508 1400 |
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| Contact | access@cabrini.com.au | |
| Operating Hours |
Monday to Friday |
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| Referral |
Required. For Patients | For GPs |
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| Downloads |
Locations
Cabrini Malvern
(03) 9508 1222
Rehabilitation and Allied Health – Glen Huntly Road
(03) 9508 5252
About our 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.
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Our services include:
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Diabetes Education
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.
Dietetics
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
Exercise Physiology
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.
Occupational Therapy
The goal of occupational therapy is to help our patients’ transition back into daily life after an illness, disability or injury. Our occupational therapists work with you and your community so you are ready to go back to work and/or resume your regular activities.
We offer centre based therapy, home and community assessments depending upon your goals.
Physiotherapy
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
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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
GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis)GLA:D® is an evidence-based education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms of any severity. The aim of the program is to educate participants on osteoarthritis, exercise and self-management techniques; improve joint symptoms and function; and improve quality of life.The six week program consists of participant education, and a minimum of 12 sessions of supervised, individualised neuromuscular exercise therapy delivered by GLA:D® trained physiotherapists and evaluated in a national clinical registry. By strengthening and correcting daily patterns of movement, participants learn to train their bodies to move properly, preventing symptom progression, improving performance of every activity, and reducing pain.
>> Learn more about our GLA:D classes
Mums in Training
This is an exercise class for pregnant women, at any stage of their pregnancy, who want to exercise safely. It is carried out under the supervision of a women’s health physiotherapist.
Mums and Bubs
An eight-week group program for new mothers, classes include exercise and education sessions run by a women’s health physiotherapist. The tailored program helps postnatal women recover from childbirth and improve their self-confidence.
Podiatry
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 Work Service
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 Pathology
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
Our Clinicians
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Physiotherapists:
Exercise physiologists:
Occupational therapists:
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Dietitians:
Speech pathologists:
Podiatrists:
Health psychologists:
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· Megan Stent |
Resources
| Cabrini Resources | External Resources | ||
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Cabrini Chronic Disease Management Services | |
GLA:D |
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Cabrini Rehabilitation | |
Airways clearance techniques |
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Submit an Access Enquiry | |
Lymphoedema Association of Victoria |
Commonly asked questions
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Do I need a referral?
Most services offered by the Allied Health Centre don’t require a referral. Bookings can be made by calling (03) 9508 1700. The following services do require a referral from a General Practitioner or specialist:
- Diabetes education
- Lymphoedema physiotherapy
- Videofluoroscopies
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What do I bring to my visit?
Please bring an up-to-date medical and medication history to your appointment, and any relevant documentation or investigations related to your condition. If your appointment involves exercising, please make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring a towel and water bottle.
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How do I know I am getting the best care to suit my needs?
At Cabrini we pride ourselves on delivering the best care possible to our patients. Our team of experienced and highly qualified health professionals go through a careful selection process.
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Will my therapist have access to all my results and tests?
If you’ve had tests performed at Cabrini, your therapist will have access to them electronically. To save time and ensure your therapist is well-informed, please bring your results and medical history to your appointments.
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Can I use a chronic disease management plan?
Yes. Please discuss this option with your General Practitioner.
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How do I find the Allied Health Centre?
At Malvern we are located in Area E on Level 1 at Cabrini’s Malvern Hospital . If you need directions, please ask staff at the main reception Desk, located at the main entrance next to the Emergency Department. At Elsternwick we are located at 494 Glenhuntly Rd, which is between Kooyong and Orrong Rd.
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Where can I park?
At Malvern all-day parking is available in our paid undercover car park. Access to the Cabrini car park is via Coonil Crescent (off Wattletree Road). There is also a three-minute drop-off area outside the main entrance of the hospital, which is off Coonil Crescent. Limited off-street parking is available in surrounding streets. Please observe parking restrictions. At Elsternwick there is free parking in front of the building and in the streets nearby.
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Can I get a rebate from my health fund?
Depending on your health fund cover you may be entitled to a rebate for certain services. Please contact your health fund provider to find out about your allied health service cover. If you have a chronic condition, discuss your Chronic Disease Management Plan with your General Practitioner as you may be eligible for government-subsidised treatment. Some of our specialist services, such as lymphoedema and physiotherapy, may also be covered by your health fund.