The Role of Manual Handling in Enhancing Mobility and Independence for NDIS Participants
Nearly 900,000 Australians with disability have a profound limitation, and 82.7% of people in this group say the thing they most need assistance with is mobility. Similarly, 69.9% require support with health care, and 60.7% with self-care activities. It’s no surprise then, that improved mobility and independence are common goals for participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Mobility is simply the ability to move around in different environments, and it plays a critical role in your quality of life. Good mobility enables individuals to take part in everyday activities, access their communities, and achieve greater autonomy.
Manual handling is a key tool for achieving these outcomes, particularly in physiotherapy. Manual handling is often also a crucial aspect of providing formal and informal support for people with disability.
Why is mobility so important for independence?
Mobility and independence are deeply interconnected. For example, difficulty getting out of bed might make it impossible to get to the bathroom. Muscle weakness or stiffness could make it difficult to climb stairs or use a wheelchair. Poor balance or coordination could make it hard for a child to keep up with their peers in team sports.
For many people with disability, mobility challenges can limit their ability to perform daily tasks, access the community, or achieve personal goals. In contrast, good mobility allows people with disability to take part in their families, homes, and communities – including in study, social and work activities, thereby promoting inclusion.
What is manual handling in physiotherapy?
Manual handling techniques are a vital part of the physiotherapy toolkit, for everything from reducing fear of falling to improving posture or balance to motor skills training in children.
Manual handling refers to tasks that involve lifting, moving, or supporting an individual. In physiotherapy, manual handling is about more than providing assistance. The term covers a range of therapeutic techniques designed to help people reach their goals.
Manual handling techniques need to be safe and tailored to each person’s needs
For example, physiotherapists use manual handling to:
- train everyday movements such as standing up and walking
- stimulate muscle activity and improve physical strength
- teach motor skills and new movement strategies
- improve posture and body awareness
- enhance balance and coordination
- reduce stiffness and spasticity
- improve confidence.
Manual handling strategies can also help prevent secondary complications of immobility, such as muscle wasting or joint stiffness.
Techniques are tailored to each person’s needs and abilities, with a focus on safety and continued progress.
Some essential manual handling techniques in physiotherapy
Physiotherapists use a variety of manual handling techniques, each designed to address specific challenges faced by the NDIS participants they’re working with. Here are some common ones.1. Bed mobility
This is the ability to reposition yourself in bed. It includes the ability to roll from side to side and move yourself up and down the bed. Physiotherapists may use manual handling techniques to train participants to do this more easily and safely.
For example, if a participant is lying on their back, a physio might use their hands to guide the participants knees into a bent position so they can push up through their feet and move up the bed.
2. Guided transfers
Guided transfers help participants move from one position to another, such as from a wheelchair to a bed or from sitting to standing. With transfers, physios use manual handling techniques to teach participants how to perform these movements safely and independently over time.
For example, they might use a technique to assist a participant to stand up from a chair. A participant may initially need substantial support to perform this transfer. Over time, the physio can gradually reduce the assistance provided as the participant gains strength and confidence, leading to greater independence.
3. Facilitated walking
Walking assistance focuses on balance and the mechanics of taking steps. Physiotherapists may provide support, stabilisation or assistance during walking exercises, encouraging participants to build strength and coordination.
They might also prescribe assistive devices such as walking frames or crutches to facilitate walking. These tools, combined with manual handling techniques, help participants achieve safe and independent movement patterns.
4. Joint mobilisation and range of motion exercises
Stiff, immobile joints can significantly limit an individual’s independence. For example, stiff hips or knees can make it hard to move in bed, stand straight, and walk. Stiffness in the spine or upper body could make it difficult to move in bed or use a wheelchair.
Joint mobilisation involves moving joints through their range of motion to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility. This supports participants to achieve greater mobility or maintain their ability to do everyday things like dressing or cooking.
Such exercises can be particularly beneficial for participants with conditions that affect muscle or joint flexibility, such as cerebral palsy, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.
5. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
PNF techniques involve stretching and contracting muscles in specific patterns to improve movement control and coordination. Manual handling is a crucial aspect of supporting participants to achieve these precise movements.
Focusing on specific muscle groups can support participants to improve their functional movement and gradually regain independence.
6. Training formal and informal support people
Physiotherapists often train caregivers and disability service providers to use manual handling techniques. For example, they might teach family and disability support workers how to assist a participant to transfer from their bed to a wheelchair, or to use a sling hoist.
This training can help improve the participant’s independence. It can also and reduce the risks involved in manual handling for both the participant and the support person.
Manual handling training promotes both safety and efficiency in caregiving. It’s important for caregivers and support workers to keep their skills up-to-date and have access to any new assistive technologies that might be of benefit.
How the NDIS supports manual handling interventions
Through funding categories such as Improved Daily Living and Core Support, the NDIS provides financial assistance for physiotherapy services that include manual handling interventions. Participants can collaborate with their support coordinators and physiotherapists to create tailored care plans that address their mobility goals.
Individualised care plans help ensure that manual handling interventions align with each participant’s unique physical and functional needs, helping to optimise outcomes. The funding supports not only direct physiotherapy services but also essential equipment like transfer boards or hoists.
Practical tips for caregivers and support workers
- Learn proper techniques – ask your physio for advice or attend training sessions to ensure safe and effective support.
- Use assistive equipment – when devices like hoists or walkers have been prescribed, it’s important to use them as instructed to reduce strain and injury risk.
- Put safety first – things can vary from day to day, so always assess the participant’s condition and environment before initiating movement.
- Encourage independence – providing just enough assistance can help participants learn, get stronger and gain confidence, supporting them to reach their goals.
Physiotherapists often train support people to use manual handling techniques
Ethical considerations in manual handling
It’s essential that any manual handling activities respect the dignity and rights of NDIS participants. Key ethical principles include:
- Respecting autonomy – involve participants in decisions about their care, ensuring their preferences are considered.
- Ensuring safety – techniques must prioritise the wellbeing of both participants and caregivers.
- Building trust – open communication fosters a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Maintaining dignity – it’s important to communicate clearly, explaining each step of the process to ensure consent and reinforce the participant’s sense of control over their care.
Building independence with NDIS physiotherapy
At Active Ability, our caring, experienced NDIS physiotherapists use manual handling techniques to help NDIS participants achieve their mobility and independence goals.
Our team can develop a tailored approach with a focus on your needs, safety, and dignity. We have substantial experience working with individuals with disability, including adults and children with autism, neurological conditions, and intellectual disability.
To learn more, contact us on (02) 86787874, hello@activeability.com.au or via our contact form.
Get in touch
hidden
Follow Us