Rehabilitation

Through this service, patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, multiple sclerosis and brain tumours, are able to access specialist multidisciplinary assessment and therapy. Issues with dizziness or vertigo can be also be addressed by our allied health staff.

The Cabrini Parkinson’s Disease Program specialises in working with people with Parkinson’s and similar movement disorders. The Parkinson’s Program provides advice support and strategies for your Parkinson’s journey. First, we ask you about your biggest challenges. Then, a plan is designed to address your goals. This plan might include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, dietetics, social work, neuropsychology or more general advice and education. We also offer a six week group program that provides exercise and education about Parkinson’s disease.

Download our Parkinson’s outpatient program and referral form

Provides assessment and strategies to improve general health, wellbeing and function after a prolonged acute surgical or medical illness which has led to a period of inactivity and consequent loss of strength and fitness. Rehabilitation is also offered to patients awaiting surgery to enhance pre-surgical health and functioning.

The program provides specialist assessment and management of falls and fear of falling; with  rehabilitation to improve balance, mobility and strength for patients that are at risk of falls, or have recently experienced injury after a fall.

This program is intended for patients who have chronic musculoskeletal conditions or require rehabilitation post-surgical intervention. Rehabilitation is provided post joint replacement and spinal surgery, to manage arthritis, sprains and strains, and many other musculoskeletal conditions.

A specialised program is available for women with localised breast cancer involving guided exercise and education in a supportive group environment. Issues such as fatigue, weakness, returning to previous exercise and activities, and emotional wellbeing are addressed in relation to the management and treatment of this type of cancer.

An individually tailored program for patients with persistent pain has been established. The chronic pain team aims to support patients to learn self-management techniques, to reduce pain levels, improve function and optimise psychological wellbeing. This program involves education and empowerment for self-management, gentle exercises, sleep strategies, dietary advice, strategies for efficient management of daily activities, posture training, psychological support, relaxation and mindfulness training and hydrotherapy.

For further information please visit our Pain Program.

Download persistent pain program brochure

Pulmonary rehabilitation provides tailored care for patients with a chronic lung condition who experience shortness of breath limiting their participation in activities of normal life.

This program offers exercise and education sessions in a group setting to improve quality of life, exercise tolerance and self-management strategies.

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.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is offered to patients who have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease, or who have had a recent admission to hospital because of their cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack, an angioplasty or bypass surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation involves attending a group program for exercise and education/support. The program is individually tailored to each patient’s ability and stage of recovery, and can help them to return to their normal activities. Taking part in a program like this has been shown to reduce the recurrence of issues relating to cardiovascular disease by up to 35 per cent.

This program is run alongside the cardiac rehabilitation program and involves exercise and education providing strategies to support you managing this condition well to maximise your health and wellbeing.

Most of our programs involve exercising, so we recommend you wear comfortable gym clothing and footwear. If your program includes hydrotherapy, please bring bathers, suitable footwear and a towel.

Some of our services are bulk-billed, which means you will not have to pay any out of pocket costs. You may also have rehabilitation coverage as part of your private health insurance, further reducing costs for outpatients. We advise checking with your health insurance provider to help you estimate any potential charges. You can also contact us on (03) 9508 1700 to find out more.

Yes. You will need a referral from your general practitioner, specialist, surgeon or hospital doctor to take part in our programs.

Many health insurance policies cover you for treatment as a rehabilitation outpatient, but it depends on your level of cover and the type of treatment you require. We know that it can be confusing to work out which services are covered, which is why our staff can help you check your eligibility and discuss the options with you. If you are not covered, we offer self-funded programs too.

We offer some patients the chance to have rehabilitation at home.

Do I need a referral?

If you are accessing your therapy in the home as part of a rehabilitation program, a referral from your general practitioner is required. For patients seeking our services for other reasons, a referral may not be necessary. Please contact our Access Unit on (03) 9508 1700 for help.

Who will come to my house?

All staff working in this program are Cabrini health professionals who will provide you with the highest standard of care. We will arrange all appointments at a time that is convenient for you, and we will let you know which one of our trusted experts will be coming to your home. We will also ask you some questions about your house before we attend, to make sure it is appropriate for home therapy.

Does this service have out of pocket costs?

Your private health insurance or another funding body, such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, WorkSafe or the Transport Accident Commission, may cover the costs of this treatment. For help calculating potential charges, please contact our Access Unit on (03) 9508 1700 or email: access@cabrini.com.au.