This month, many in our community are lacing up their walking shoes and hitting the pavement for STEPtember. STEPtember is a worldwide, virtual event that raises awareness and funds for people with Cerebral Palsy. According to the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Report 2018, 1 in every 700 children in Australia is born with Cerebral Palsy. This is a condition that impacts their movements, muscle tones and posture.
In light of STEPtember, here are a few quick facts about those living with cerebral palsy.
– There are Approximately 34,000 people who are living with Cerebral Palsy in Australia.
– 1 in 2 people with Cerebral Palsy is in chronic pain.
– 1 in 3 people with Cerebral Palsy cannot walk.
– 1 in 3 people with Cerebral Palsy has a Hip Dysplasia of some form.
During the month of September, people are urged to sign up for the challenge, known as STEPtember. STEPtember challenges individuals to take on 10,000 steps a day, every day for the entire month of September to raise funds to help improve the lives of children and adults who live with Cerebral Palsy. This initiative not only helps those with the condition but also helps their families.
Here at Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy, we are passionate about the wellbeing of others and their families, that’s why we support great causes like this to improve their lives. Not only do we get involved in these initiatives but were also able to formulate programs that can improve their day to day lives.
Our gentle, hands-on physiotherapy can help those with Cerebral Palsy to improve their range of movement, as well as bring instant relief to those in pain. Exercise Physiology also aids in improving their strength and control, with tailored exercises suited to their needs. Whilst our Hydrotherapy services are an effective method to improve their muscle tone and mobility.
At Progressive, we also offer mobile services allowing us to conduct these programs in the comfort of individual’s own homes. As an Accredited NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provider, we are passionate about offering support to those living with disabilities in the Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury region.
By getting involved and committing to stepping over 300,000 steps in total throughout September, you too can help those with Cerebral Palsy. If you want to get stepping this STEPtember or donate to this great cause, head to the official STEPtember website. https://www.steptember.org.au/
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.