UPPER LIMB INTENSIVE

An intensive therapy approach can benefit people with a neurological condition such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. Those who have some movement in their hand and arm and are determined to try and get more are often the people who benefit most.

Many people do arm and hand exercises yet do not see the recovery they hoped for. It may be that the intensity is not high enough to drive re learning and neuroplastic change or that there is a limiting factor such as spasticity or pain that limits recovery. During an initial upper limb assessment with our therapist, we can establish and discuss if you would benefit from an intensive program.

Upper limb therapy using robotics and technology

We know from the literature and our own clinical experience, that up to 60% of people report ongoing problems with their arm and hand after a brain injury or stroke. It is the stroke-related physical impairments, such as muscle weakness, pain, and spasticity that can lead to a reduction in the ability to use the stroke-affected arm and hand in daily activities. In addition, the avoidance of using one’s stroke-affected arm is also very common. There is even a name for it “learned non-use syndrome”. Unfortunately, not using the stroke-affected arm can lead to a further loss in strength, range of motion, and functionality.

The Upper Limb Intensive Program is individually structured around your unique circumstances and you will receive a workbook outlining your goals and treatment. As long as you are practicing the right exercises for you every day, we can deliver the program in many different ways over shorter or longer time periods.

You have the opportunity each day to practice up to 3 hours at the clinic working on your program using our simple equipment and our upper limb technology. At home you will practice putting this training back in to everyday life. After the intensive program finishes, we will help you to continue your rehab.

To book into the Upper Limb Intensive Program please call the clinic on (02) 9906 7777.

INTENSIVE PROGRAMS

The LEXO®
Upper Limb
Stand Walk Run

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CLINIC HOURS

Mon- Thurs	8 – 7pm
Fri	8 – 5pm
Sat	8 – 4pm

+61 (02) 9906 7777

Melissa Harrison

Cultural and Professional Development Manager & Neurological Physiotherapist

BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, University of the West of England, UK
Msc Neurorehabilitation, Brunel University, UK

Melissa has worked in the field of neuro physiotherapy since early in her career. She specialised as a senior neuro physiotherapist in the UK for a number of years - working across a variety of specialities including neurosurgery, neuro medicine, stroke and both inpatient and outpatient neuro rehab. This experience has given Melissa a solid understanding of the journey people go through from receiving their initial neurological diagnosis, through to much later stages of their rehab.

Melissa went on to complete a Masters in Neurorehabilitation in London, gaining valuable analytical and research experience and completing her own research project exploring the rehabilitation services available to people with brain tumours. Melissa has a special interest in neuro-oncology, as well as stroke and a wide range of post neurosurgery and neuro medical conditions. This experience led to her being invited to review and contribute to the Cancer Council's 'Understanding Brain Tumours' information booklet in Australia in 2019.

It is her time working as a physiotherapist at ARC that motivated Melissa further to remain living in Australia! Over her time working at ARC, Melissa has become a PD Warrior certified instructor and trainer - delivering practical courses to other allied health professionals across Australia.

She loves her job for continuing to develop the ARC team as it grows. Melissa enjoys supporting the team through change and growth, ensuring the highest quality of therapy is maintained, as well as the team culture that staff and clients thrive from at ARC. Melissa can be contacted at ARC Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and welcomes feedback on the service clients are receiving.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys ocean swimming, tending to her rapidly growing plant family and making the most of the abundance of beautiful walks Sydney has to offer!

Lisa Meng

Hurstville Deputy Exercise Physiology Team Leader and ESSA Accredited Neurological Exercise Physiologist

Bachelor of Exercise Physiology, University of New South Wales

Lisa completed a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology at the University of New South Wales. Lisa started at ARC in 2018 and is passionate about assisting individuals in building a healthy life long relationship with exercise, no matter the impact of their disability. She believes that movement and exercise is a privilege that should be and can be enjoyed by all.

She has been involved in a number of Stand Walk Run intensives, an ARC driven program that involves the Multidisciplinary team to apply the principles of neuroplasticity to a client's program. Through this experience, she has been part of many client journey's that have seen clients with neurological impairments return back to sport, running, work and travels.

Lisa is the co-chair for the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) special interest group. She has extensive experience working with FND clients and assisting them with understanding their condition, offering creative and sustainable management strategies and helping them re-integrate into physical activity.

Lisa is a cheerleader for her clients, not only in a therapy setting but for all further pursuits that aid in them living a fuller and more meaningful life. She has played a key role in supporting a Parksinson's client, Dean Laws, in completing two marathons and promoting the work of the Dean Team, which aims to improve the lives of all those living with Parkinson's.

Lisa has delivered an evening lecture to health professionals about the Role of Exercise Physiologists in Cardiometabolic risk factor management for the neurological population. Lisa is invested in assessing Neurological clients thoroughly, understanding the various risk factors and secondary health conditions that are related to Neurological conditions. She uses her treatment approach and education components to ensure clients understand their condition and empower them to follow a trajectory that leads them to improved overall health.

Lisa works full-time in our Hurstville clinic. She loves her time on the gym floor getting the most out of her clients, but also supervising the EPs on her team as she believes ARC is one of the best environments for a Neuro EP to thrive.