I hope you don't mind if I talk about my lemon tree. It's only because it's the BEST example I've come across of what happens in holistic rehabilitation (and what happens if we don't do it properly). So I have this beautiful lemon tree in my backyard. The only problem is, it's infested with stinkbugs. Ever since the stinkbugs settled in, the tree is less fruitful; the leaves are sad and brown. Maybe this is the tree-equivalent of an L4-L5 disc bulge. Either way, the tree is NOT happy about … [Read more...]

I had a conversation with a client recently that made me pause and reflect on why we actually encourage small steps in rehabilitation. Although she had been unwell for some time with a chronic illness, this client was used to working really hard. In fact, she even believed that working so hard is what caused her to get so sick in the first place. So when we discussed the possibility of her returning to work for one half day per week - she nearly scoffed. "Why bother?" She didn't … [Read more...]

So... last week's post was a bit depressing. But it needed to be talked about - and I hope we can keep that discussion going. But today, I have a case study to illustrate the immense value of rehab done right. In this example, we can see the value of a rehab as a long term investment. Glen (*name changed) sustained a spinal cord injury in a road accident. He went from being a fit tradie to a man in a wheelchair, secretly terrified that he would be stuck working in a call centre for the … [Read more...]

What happens when rehab lets a client down? Poor rehab can set someone down an incredibly dangerous path. In one gentleman's case, the absence of proper rehab - and the absence of people willing to stand up and say NO to what was happening - resulted in his total and permanent disablement. What went wrong? This client was only in his thirties. The idea of anyone being "totally and permanently disabled" is terrible - but a young man like this, with a family? This shouldn't have … [Read more...]

So here's a guessing game for you. For each quote below, figure out whether it's more likely to be said by (1) our clients or (2) their doctors: "When I feel better, I'll go back to work." "When Mr Bond's pain is controlled, then he can go back to work." When I can cope with everything I need to do at home, then I can go back to work." "When Ms Smith isn't so fragile, she can go back to work." It's not too hard to guess, but the distinction doesn't really matter. Regardless of who's … [Read more...]

So we've all heard about the Health Benefits of Work Position Statement by now. And of course the industry is all abuzz, putting the word out there that work is good for us. We want our clients to work. We want our clients to enjoy all of the benefits that working brings to their lives. We know work is good for them. We know that work is part of the solution and a key to recovery. But do we really believe it? Do you? I posed this question to a room of health professionals when I … [Read more...]