Hydrotherapy and its Benefits
Hydrotherapy is a form of physical therapy performed in water. The buoyancy, resistance and temperature of water are ideal for therapy, allowing easier movement and less strain on the body. Hydrotherapy can be a great low-impact activity for those who live with pain, have weakness or low fitness, or cannot safely perform traditional resistance training […]
Exercise Physiology for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder. It is the second most common neurological disease in Australia, after dementia, affecting over 150,000 people. Exercise is crucial in Parkinson’s Disease management. Not only does it help reduce both motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease, but there is also increasing evidence to show that […]
More Than Just “Late Bloomers”: Early Signs of Communication Delay Every Parent Should Know
“He’ll talk when he’s ready.” “She’s just the quiet type.” For generations, well-meaning friends and family have reassured worried parents with phrases like these. While children do indeed develop at their own pace, the “wait and see” approach can sometimes delay crucial support for children with speech and language difficulties (Buschmann et al., 2008). Communication […]
Who Can Benefit from Occupational Therapy?
27th October to 2nd November is 2025 OT Week , as celebrated by the Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA). This year’s theme is “Occupational Therapy in Action”. Here at Patches, we love to celebrate our occupational therapists, who work within our multidisciplinary team to provide high quality therapy for our clients. What is occupational therapy? Occupational […]
Treating Osteoarthritis and Low Back Pain with Exercise Physiology
Exercise is not just for fitness. It is one of the most powerful ways to reduce pain and boost your body’s strength. Whether it’s chronic joint pain, low back issues, or osteoarthritis, research shows that regular, structured exercise can benefit by: Even short, consistent sessions like 30 minutes a few times a week can make […]
Living With Chronic Pain? How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the expected healing time of an injury or illness, generally for more than 3 months. Chronic pain is a complex condition; it differs from acute pain, which develops quickly and typically doesn’t last long. Everyone experiences chronic pain differently. Common causes include injury, chronic health conditions and illnesses, […]
Stuttering in Children
Stuttering is a speech disorder that affects the normal flow of speech. This condition presents as repetitions, prolongations in sounds, syllables, or words, and blocks (when no sound comes out for a period of time). Children may also present with physical symptoms such as blinking or head or body movements when trying to talk. There […]
Time’s Up! How Alarm Clocks Can Help with Time Management for Children with ADHD
Time management can be particularly challenging for children with ADHD, as they often struggle with staying focused, managing their attention, and transitioning between tasks. However, implementing simple strategies, such as using clocks and alarms, can significantly help parents and children manage daily routines, especially when getting ready for school. Why Time Management is a Struggle […]
Nurturing the Mind: The Role of Exercise in Mental Wellness
“Nurturing the Mind through Exercise: The Role of Exercise in Mental Wellness”, our latest webinar delved into the significant impact of exercise and movement on mental well-being. Patches CEO and Paediatrician, Dr James Fitzpatrick, and Perth and Pilbara Team Leader and Exercise Physiologist, Jake Nimmo, shared valuable insights and practical strategies to help attendees understand […]
The Role of Allied Health in Aged Care: Supporting Independence and Quality of Life
As we age, maintaining independence and a good quality of life becomes increasingly important. For many older adults, everyday tasks, mobility, and even communication can become challenging. This is where allied health professionals play a pivotal role in aged care, helping individuals remain as independent and engaged as possible while supporting their overall well-being. What […]
Harnessing the Power of Exercise Physiology for ADHD and Autism
Living with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present unique challenges for individuals and their families. While traditional interventions like therapy and medication are widely recognised, there is growing evidence supporting the positive impact of exercise physiology on managing symptoms associated with ADHD and ASD. Our […]