Services

Upper Limb & Hand Therapy

Advanced diagnostic and treatment aids are available as well as a fully equipped splinting service. Our Physiotherapists with a special interest in this field work closely with a number of leading surgeons and are very experienced in treating inpatients and outpatients.

Rehabilitation

A range of programs for recovery from serious injury, surgery or multiple trauma are provided utilising the full resources of Northcare: individual treatment, hydrotherapy, medical gymnasium, Functional Capacity Evaluation's etc.

Clinical Pilates Rehabilitation

The Pilates method is a system of exercises based on the principles developed by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920's. These unique exercises improve spinal stability, flexibility and control. The Pilates method has been studied by a number of Northcare Physiotherapists and has rapidly become the therapy of choice by some leading back specialists. Close supervision by these trained Physiotherapists is necessary to prescribe the appropriate exercises for the patient.

Womens Health

Management of women's problems related to pregnancy (during and after) as well as incontinence, can be assisted by Northcare Physiotherapists. Northcare offers rooms treatment as well as exercise classes for pregnant mothers.

Sports Coverage

Sydney Olympics 2000 Andrew Aish and John Porter were selected as Physiotherapists for the Sydney Olympics. Their association with international athletes and medical staff is something that has enormous benefits for the Northcare group. Northcare has provided physiotherapy services for the State and State of Origin Football teams, the SA Redbacks Cricket team, and local amateur sporting teams.

On-site Injury Management

On-site services provided by Northcare include:
  • On-site assessment / treatment / management
  • In-house injury prevention programs
  • On-site Work Hardening
  • Rehab and RTW planning
  • Manual Handling/ Injury Prevention Training
  • Early on-site intervention is important in quick recovery from a work injury.
    This is clearly important for both the injured worker and the employer.
Identification of suitable 'alternate' work duties, work hardening programs and graded exercise programs are key aspects of on-site injury management. Northcare Physiotherapists are working "on-site" on a sessional basis, with several employers in a range of industries.

Education

Northcare is actively involved in community education courses such as the Sports Medicine Australia Play Safe Sports course, year 12 physical education and Sports Trainers level 1 and 2 courses. We have made presentations to local GP's, hospital staff and orthopaedic surgeons and our involvement in industry through manual handling seminars and 'back alive' classes is extensive. Northcare provides monthly in-house lectures for physiotherapy staff, some of whom have been tutors at the School of Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia. We also take first and final year physiotherapy student placements at Salisbury.

Corporate and Industrial

Northcare has had a strong relationship with both Workcover and exempt employers since it's inception. Since 1995 we have been retained to provide a full time on-site service at General Motors Holden's Elizabeth plant. In addition, Northcare has provided on-site Physiotherapy services, injury prevention programs, return to work protocols and assessment of worksite situations of injured workers at the Olympic Dam Operations of Western Mining Corporation (Copper/Uranium Division). Consultancy services have also been provided to Scholle Industries and GH Michell. Manual handling instruction, cumulative trauma prevention education and ergonomic advice has been given to groups including:
  • Sagasco
  • GH Michell
  • South Australian Courts' Administration
  • Western Mining Corporation
  • Leveda Incorporated
  • Central Districts Private Hospital
  • Mildara Blass Wines
  • Coles Myer
  • Visy Board

Hydrotherapy

Northcare at Salisbury has a purpose designed 9 x 4 metre hydrotherapy pool. Maintained at 32° Celsius, it is ideal for the rehabilitation of injuries and yet is still comfortable for aerobic sessions. Physiotherapists are in the water instructing clients on the appropriate exercises for their condition and aim to progress them through their rehabilitation to unsupervised sessions as soon as possible. The Physiotherapists utilise up to date techniques and manual skills and regularly re-assess the clients progress, as per WorkCover guidelines. External referrals for hydrotherapy can also be made.

Gym Rehabilitation

Northcare also provides a medical gymnasium for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. The combined use of hydraulic equipment, pin loaded machines, endurance equipment and floor exercises allow for the rehabilitation of injuries as well as conditioning/work hardening. Both the pool and gym are WorkCover accredited and all programs are individually supervised by a Physiotherapist. Individualised programs are designed to suit specific needs and written feedback to referrers is a Northcare policy.