ABI and TBI physiotherapy · Western Sydney and The Hills
After an acquired brain injury, moving around home or returning to community activities may take more effort, planning and support. Tandem Physio works with adults whose physical function has been affected, including people living with traumatic brain injury.
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is an umbrella term that includes traumatic brain injury (TBI) and non-traumatic injuries, such as stroke or injury caused by a lack of oxygen. Physical effects vary: some people need assistance with basic transfers; others walk independently but struggle with balance, coordination or endurance in busy environments.
Assessment starts with what the person wants to do and what currently gets in the way. A short walk in a quiet room may not show the demands of getting to a local activity, managing uneven ground or moving when fatigued.
For Tandem’s approach and clinician background, see Clinical Focus and About Chris.
Physical rehabilitation
Assess stepping, turning, coordination and the ability to control movement during everyday tasks. Practice can progress from a predictable home route to more demanding settings when appropriate, with falls risk and supervision considered throughout.
Review bed mobility, standing up and movement between surfaces, including assistance and equipment. Walking aids may be trialled where suitable. Complex seating and other assistive technology needs are coordinated with occupational therapists and relevant services.
Use functional strengthening and activity practice to address physical capacity. Session length, rest breaks and exercise dose account for fatigue and the rest of the person’s day; more activity is not automatically better.
With consent, involve carers or support workers in agreed transfer, walking and exercise routines. Clear instructions about assistance, prompts and when to stop can help the plan remain usable between appointments and across different workers.
Home assessment considers furniture, access routes and support routines; community assessment explores a meaningful route or activity, including distance, surfaces, distractions and rest opportunities.
For example, a goal of joining a local group may involve practising the walk from transport to the venue, identifying the assistance needed and building tolerance gradually. This is physical rehabilitation within a wider participation plan, with other barriers discussed with the relevant team.
See the Mobile Physiotherapy assessment approach.
Continuity and team input
Rehabilitation needs may continue after the initial recovery period. Goals can shift towards maintaining mobility, returning to activities or adapting to changes in health, home or support. Review is based on function and priorities rather than a promised recovery timeline.
With consent, Chris can communicate with rehabilitation physicians, brain injury services, GPs, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists or neuropsychologists, case managers and other treating professionals. Swallowing, cognition, communication, psychological and medical concerns require their respective clinicians. Home modifications and complex equipment planning require appropriately qualified input.
Anyone can enquire. Include physical difficulties, precautions, communication and support needs. Referring for someone else requires consent or appropriate authority.
Visits cover Western Sydney and The Hills District, including Penrith, Parramatta and Blacktown, subject to clinical fit and availability. See Service Areas.
Private enquiries welcome. NDIS funding: self-managed and plan-managed only; Tandem is not NDIS-registered. iCare / LTCS is subject to scheme requirements and approval where required. Funding is confirmed before services start.
For needs following a stroke, see stroke physiotherapy. For a closer look at recurrent falls or near misses, read about falls risk and physiotherapy.