How Effective Manual Handling Techniques can Transform Physiotherapy Outcomes for NDIS Participants
As experts in movement and function, physiotherapists play a key role in supporting NDIS participants to achieve optimal mobility, wellbeing, and independence. NDIS physiotherapy can also assist with pain management and prevention of further disability.
Manual handling refers to the process of supporting and moving individuals who have limited mobility due to disability, injury, or illness.
When used effectively, manual handling techniques in physiotherapy can support individuals to reach their goals and have the best possible quality of life.
The importance of manual handling techniques in physiotherapy
As the Australian Physiotherapy Association points out, physiotherapists play a key role in assisting people with disability throughout their lives by:
- identifying physical limitations and how they relate to other factors, such as sensory perception, neurological issues or pain
- completing a thorough assessment and regularly monitoring function and mobility
- working out a treatment plan, how much assistance the individual requires, and the educational needs of the individual and their team members (such as the need for manual handling training)
- providing manual therapy to ease pain and promote healthy movement and function
- designing and teaching exercises tailored specifically for the individual
- reviewing and progressing rehabilitation plans
- trying out, prescribing, and fitting assistive technologies (including manual handling equipment such as hoists or transfer boards).
Safe, effective manual handling can be especially important for people with severe or complex disability
Physiotherapists use manual handling techniques during each of these steps – and teach support people and caregivers how to use them, too. For NDIS participants, the quality of manual handling can affect their comfort, safety, and the effectiveness of interventions.
This may be especially so for individuals with complex and severe disabilities who require a lot of physical assistance for everyday tasks such as showering, toileting and moving around.
Short-term benefits of effective manual handling
Improved safety and comfort
Research has shown that adults with disabilities have a higher rate of unintentional injuries – including falls – than those without disability.
Effective and safe manual handling techniques can reduce the risk of injury to both the participant and the caregiver. Along with falls, other injuries that may be prevented through safe manual handling methods include:
- skin tears
- bruising
- strains and sprains
- fractures
- joint dislocations.
Effective manual handling in disability care can also help ensure that individuals feel comfortable during therapy sessions.
Greater engagement in therapy
Studies have found that people are more likely to engage in exercise therapy when they feel supported and safe. Effective manual handling in disability services helps to create a positive therapeutic environment, enabling participants to focus on therapy without worrying about pain or injury. This may lead to better adherence to the therapy program and faster progress.
For example, a participant with a neurodevelopmental disability such as autism may resist therapy if they have previously experienced pain or discomfort during transfers or treatment. The introduction of manual handling procedures that promote a sense of safety and security could encourage them to actively take part in sessions.
Better therapy outcomes
Good use of manual handling techniques allows physiotherapists and other caregivers to position participants correctly for exercise, helping to maximise their therapeutic benefits. Whether this involves ensuring proper alignment during stretches or facilitating weight-bearing, effective manual handling can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
For example, a physiotherapist may use a slide sheet to roll an individual onto their side to perform sideways arm or leg movements against gravity. Or they may use a standing hoist to practise sit-to-stand transfers with an individual who needs support to weight bear.
Reduced muscle tension
Effective manual handling techniques may help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. This may be especially beneficial for individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and spinal cord injury, where muscle spasticity can impact the ability to engage in therapy.
Increased confidence and trust in therapy
Research indicates that people who trust the competence of their physiotherapist are more likely to engage in their therapy. NDIS participants who experience consistent and careful handling may be more likely to develop trust in their physiotherapist and the therapeutic process. This may help to build their confidence in their ability to participate in and benefit from physiotherapy.
Long-term benefits of effective manual handling
Maintenance of joint mobility and muscle strength
Regular and appropriate movement through manual handling can help prevent joint stiffness and muscle weakness, both of which are common issues for individuals with limited mobility. Over time, this preservation of physical function can significantly impact the individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living. For example, effective manual handling procedures can assist with maintenance of joint range of movement in an individual with Muscle shortening following a stroke. As a result, they may be better able to walk using a mobility aid, enabling them to access their home and community more easily.Long-term benefits of effective manual handling
Consistent use of effective manual handling techniques can reduce the likelihood of long-term complications such as contractures, pressure sores, and chronic pain. By preventing these issues, physiotherapists help participants to maintain better overall health and mobility, which is crucial for long-term independence.
In an individual with a spinal cord injury, for example, effective manual handling techniques can facilitate good positioning, helping to reduce the likelihood of pressure injuries and joint contractures.
Prevention of other health conditions
Individuals with disability tend to have poorer overall health and higher psychological distress levels than those without disability.
Effective manual handling can help prevent health conditions that can co-occur alongside disability, often due to inactivity. These conditions include respiratory complications, circulatory issues such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and digestive problems. By promoting regular movement, manual handling techniques contribute to overall physical health, reducing the risk of these complications and enhancing the participant’s quality of life.
In an individual with intellectual disability, for example, prescription of assistive devices may enable them to engage in physical activity. This could support them to have better physical and mental health and reduced risk of various chronic health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.
Enhanced quality of life
Effective manual handling contributes to an improved quality of life for NDIS participants by facilitating their participation in everyday activities. As participants gain mobility and strength through physiotherapy, they are better able to engage in their communities, pursue hobbies, and maintain relationships, all of which contribute to overall wellbeing. For example, a manual handling plan that supports an individual who has cerebral palsy to use a motorised wheelchair could enable them to access opportunities to work, study, and take part in leisure activities.Progressive or sustained functional improvement
The long-term goals of therapy may involve maintaining progress and preventing regression. Effective manual handling techniques are crucial for sustaining the gains made with physiotherapy, especially in individuals with complex disabilities who may be at higher risk of losing function if not properly supported.
For example, an individual with multiple sclerosis who receives physiotherapy with the assistance of manual handling devices, such as walking aids, may be able to maintain functional improvements made during an intensive rehabilitation program.
Prolonged independence and delayed functional decline
One of the most significant long-term benefits of effective manual handling is the potential to prolong an individual’s independence. This may allow participants to remain active for longer, supporting better community participation and quality of life.
For example, manual handling techniques that support an individual with a progressive neurological condition such as motor neuron disease to participate actively in their care can assist them to maintain function for as long as possible. In turn, they may be able to keep taking part in family and social activities for longer.
Manual handling techniques for every body
Manual handling can assist people with disability to access work, study, and leisure activities.
Effective manual handling is key to successful physiotherapy outcomes for NDIS participants. At Active Ability, our experienced and caring NDIS physiotherapists can design manual handling techniques tailored to the needs of each individual.
We will consider:
- the needs, preferences and goals of the individual
- the availability of supports – such as the capacity of informal and formal caregivers
- specific manual handling risks – such as risk of injury to the individual or their caregivers
- the environment/s in which manual handling is taking place
- availability and appropriateness of assistive devices
- anything else that may impact on the decision, such as budget.
Our team has significant experience working with individuals with disability, including those with autism, neurological conditions, and intellectual disability. Along with designing safe, effective manual handling plans, we can prescribe assistive devices and deliver caregiver education and training.
To learn more, contact us on (02) 86787874, hello@activeability.com.au or via our contact form.
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