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Dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, our workplace rehabilitation services seamlessly integrate with NDIS support to foster independence and enhance quality of life.
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February 10, 2026 AdrianUncategorized

As we move through the early months of 2026, itโ€™s the perfect time to reflect on our 2025 occupational therapy year in review. Throughout the year, our occupational therapy team experienced growth, strengthened community connections, and celebrated meaningful milestones across Sydney and Canberra.

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Supporting Small Business During Our 2025 Occupational Therapy Year in Review

One of the major highlights of our 2025 occupational therapy year in review was being selected for the Commonwealth Bank and Matildas small business campaign. As a result, our business was proudly promoted across Sydney.

We were incredibly grateful to be included in this initiative. Additionally, our Managing Director, Fiona, had the opportunity to meet Cameron from Married at First Sight as part of the campaign. Most importantly, we thank Commonwealth Bank and the Matildas for supporting Australian small businesses and community-focused organisations.

Commonwealth Bank Small Business
Matildas Official Website

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Team Culture, Student Placements and Workplace Connection

Throughout 2025, we shared many positive moments as a team. For example, we enjoyed team lunches, including a rice paper rollโ€“making session led by our resident expert, Nhi.

At the same time, we delivered many rewarding occupational therapy sessions with our clients. In addition, we welcomed university students on placement and hosted work experience student Ashleigh, who spent a fun and insightful week in our Canberra office. Supporting future health professionals remains an important part of our practice.

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A Personal Milestone in Our Occupational Therapy Year in Review

Four years ago, Fiona experienced a significant neurological health event that resulted in epilepsy. Since then, she has worked consistently toward recovery.

In 2025, she achieved a major milestone by returning to driving. Even occupational therapists sometimes need an OT themselves. Ultimately, this achievement reflects the importance of persistence, support, and consistent effort. We are incredibly proud of Fiona and her journey.

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Giving Back Through Community Events in 2025

In addition to our clinical work, our team attended several community events. One highlight was the ACT Insurance Ball, which raised funds for Toora Women INC.

Toora Women INC is a not-for-profit organisation supporting women impacted by homelessness, domestic violence, and alcohol and drug challenges. Each year, this event allows our team to connect, reflect, and give back to an important cause.

Toora Women INC

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Professional Development and Assistive Technology Training

As part of our 2025 occupational therapy year in review, Fiona and Tina attended an Assistive Technology training summit hosted by Astris PME in Sydney.

During the summit, they trialled a range of assistive technology, including power wheelchairs. As a result, our team gained valuable insight into how this equipment functions and feels for clients. This hands-on experience strengthens our assessments and recommendations.

Astris PME Assistive Technology

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Events, Training and Ongoing Professional Standards

Later in the year, we hosted a stall at the Deaf Festival in Sydney. Then, in November, our team completed CPR and First Aid training with Carlyโ€™s Helping Hearts. These sessions help ensure we continue delivering safe, high-quality occupational therapy services.

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Thank You for Being Part of Our 2025 Occupational Therapy Year in Review

Overall, 2025 was a rewarding year. We are grateful to do the work we do and to support individuals in achieving their goals through occupational therapy and assistive technology.

Finally, we thank our clients, partners, and community for your continued support. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026 and beyond.

Contact our Sydney and Canberra Occupational Therapy Clinics


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Do you spend most of your day sitting at a desk? If so, how often do you pause to stretch your muscles? Sitting for long periods in a hunched-over position can cause stiffness, poor posture, and tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.

Experts recommend taking short stretch breaks every 30โ€“45 minutes to keep your body moving. These mini breaks not only loosen tight muscles but also boost concentration, energy, and productivity.

Here are some simple desk stretches you can do right at your workstationโ€”no special equipment needed.


Shoulder Stretch at Your Desk

  • Interlock your hands behind your back while keeping your chest lifted and head up.

  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together and gently move your arms backward.

  • Hold the stretch for 10โ€“20 seconds until you feel tension release in your shoulders and upper back.

Tip: Repeat 2โ€“3 times during your workday to reduce stiffness.

Neck Stretch to Relieve Tension

  • Slowly turn your head to look over each shoulder, stretching the side neck muscles.

  • Drop your head gently from one side to the other to strengthen and release neck tension.

Pro Tip: Avoid jerking your neck; move slowly and breathe deeply for maximum benefit.

Arm Stretch for Forearms and Shoulders

  • Raise one arm in front of you, palm facing forward, fingers pointing downward.

  • Grab your palm with the opposite hand, locking your wrist.

  • Gently straighten the arm to stretch your forearm and upper arm.

Lower Back Stretch for Desk Workers

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward.

  • Gently push your hips forward and downward while exhaling.

  • Slowly lean backward to stretch the lower back, keeping your muscles relaxed.

Tip: Perform this stretch a few times each hour to prevent lower back pain from prolonged sitting.

Upper Back Stretch to Open the Shoulders

  • Move your hands in front of your body and interlock your fingers with palms facing outward.

  • Push your palms toward the ground, gently separating your shoulder blades.

  • Slightly bend your head forward until you feel a stretch between your shoulder blades.

✅ Benefits of Desk Stretches

  • Reduce neck, shoulder, and back tension

  • Improve posture while sitting

  • Increase energy and focus at work

  • Prevent long-term musculoskeletal issues


If youโ€™re experiencing persistent upper body tension or want personalised guidance, book an appointment with our team. Our expert therapists can create a tailored plan to help you move better, reduce discomfort, and stay productive.


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As a leading Exercise Physiologist in Sydney, Ethan joins The Rehabilitation Specialists team, bringing expertise in rehabilitation and sports performance to help clients stay active and recover effectively.

Ethan brings a strong passion for movement, health, and performance โ€” both professionally and personally. When heโ€™s not supporting clients on their rehabilitation journey, youโ€™ll likely find him playing or watching soccer and basketball, staying active and competitive in true sports-lover fashion.

Music That Fuels Performance

Ask Ethan about his music taste and youโ€™ll get a surprisingly diverse answer. He has a soft spot for 80s music, but when itโ€™s time to focus, โ€œBrain Stewโ€ by Green Day is his go-to hype track. To round things out, his favourite band is Foo Fighters, proving he appreciates a solid mix of classic and modern rock.

Fun Facts That Make Ethan Stand Out

Ethan definitely brings personality to the team. At just three years old, he won a dress-up competition at his local video store โ€” taking home a life-size Harry Potter as the prize. And if that wasnโ€™t impressive enough, heโ€™s also known for delivering a surprisingly accurate chicken impersonation.

Fuel for Recovery and Performance

When it comes to nutrition, Ethan knows the value of balance. If he had to choose just one meal for the rest of his life, it would be chicken curry โ€” a nutrient-rich option that supports recovery, energy, and even a good nightโ€™s sleep.

Inspired by Family, Focused on the Future

Like many of us, Ethan draws inspiration from his parents, whom he credits as incredible role models. Their values shaped who he is today โ€” something both he and his fiancรฉe (and their cat) are grateful for as they look toward the future together.

Welcome to the Team, Ethan

Weโ€™re thrilled to have Ethan join The Rehabilitation Specialists and look forward to seeing him grow, contribute, and help unlock our clientsโ€™ potential through evidence-based rehabilitation and exercise physiology.

Welcome to the team, Ethan โ€” weโ€™re excited to have you on board.

For more on exercise physiology benefits, see Exercise & Sports Science Australia



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Copyright by The Rehabilitation Specialists. All rights reserved.



Copyright by The Rehabilitation Specialists. All rights reserved.



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