cognitive-training-for-return-to-work-assessment-session.jpg?fit=965%2C680&ssl=1

CogniFit Cognitive Training at TRS

At The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS), we provide CogniFit cognitive training to address cognitive difficulties that may impact work performance and everyday functioning. Through structured, personalised brain training, we help clients strengthen cognitive skills, build capacity, and work toward meaningful goals — including return to work and increased independence.

What Is CogniFit?

CogniFit is a digital brain training platform designed to enhance cognitive health through interactive, evidence-based exercises. Importantly, it combines detailed assessment with targeted training, allowing us to deliver highly individualised programs.

First, clients complete a comprehensive assessment. This assessment evaluates five core cognitive domains:

Memory
Attention
Perception
Coordination
Reasoning

In total, CogniFit measures more than 20 specific cognitive abilities within these domains. As a result, it generates a detailed cognitive profile that highlights strengths as well as areas requiring development.

Because of this structured approach, our consultants can prescribe a program tailored specifically to each client’s needs.

You can learn more about the science behind CogniFit here:
https://www.cognifit.com

How We Deliver CogniFit Cognitive Training at TRS

At TRS, several consultants are trained to prescribe and monitor CogniFit programs. Rather than offering generic brain games, we integrate cognitive training into a broader rehabilitation framework.

Typically:

Clients complete three online sessions per week
Programs run for 8–12 weeks, depending on individual goals
Consultants provide regular face-to-face or telehealth sessions
Progress is monitored and programs are adjusted as needed

Throughout the process, we actively track improvements and provide practical strategies to help clients apply gains in real-world environments.

CogniFit in Workplace Rehabilitation

Cognitive difficulties often affect concentration, memory, emotional regulation and task efficiency following injury or illness. Therefore, we use CogniFit cognitive training to support structured cognitive training for return to work within our workplace rehabilitation services.

As cognitive function improves, clients may:

Perform tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors
Require less supervision
Manage higher task complexity
Sustain attention for longer periods
Tolerate greater cognitive and emotional demands
Recover more quickly after interruptions
Retain and recall information more effectively
Process information better in busy environments

Consequently, improved cognitive capacity often translates into increased work readiness and sustainable return-to-work outcomes.

To learn more about our broader rehabilitation services, visit our Workplace Rehabilitation page.
[Internal link to Workplace Rehabilitation Services]

Additionally, guidance on workplace adjustments can be found via JobAccess:
https://www.jobaccess.gov.au

CogniFit in the NDIS Space

In addition to workplace rehabilitation, we provide CogniFit cognitive training to NDIS participants. Here, our focus shifts toward improving daily functioning, independence and skill development.

How It Works

First, a consultant meets with the participant to identify goals.
Then, we develop a tailored training program aligned with those goals.
After that, the participant completes sessions online while attending regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust difficulty levels.

How Cognitive Improvements Translate to Daily Life

As cognitive skills strengthen, participants may experience:

Improved attention during conversations
Better short-term and working memory
Faster processing speed
Enhanced planning and organisation
Greater emotional regulation

For example, participants often report improved ability to manage appointments, remember instructions, or respond calmly to unexpected challenges.

To explore related services, visit our NDIS Services page.
[Internal link to NDIS Services]

Who Can Benefit from CogniFit Cognitive Training?

We have used CogniFit with clients who present with:

Physical injury
Psychological injury
Illness or disability
Long-term post-injury cognitive difficulties

Importantly, both early referrals and clients referred more than 18 months post-injury have demonstrated measurable improvements in capacity.

Because cognitive skills remain adaptable, targeted training can support meaningful rehabilitation at multiple stages of recovery.

Interested in CogniFit Cognitive Training?

If you would like to learn how CogniFit cognitive training at TRS can support your goals — whether for return to work or improved daily functioning — contact us today to speak with one of our consultants.

hinomi-march-blog-post-cover.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=1

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 30–45 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 workstation—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 10–20 seconds until you feel tension release in your shoulders and upper back.

Tip: Repeat 2–3 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 you’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.

istockphoto-1397054263-612x612-1.jpg?fit=612%2C408&ssl=1

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified health professional who specialises in designing and delivering exercise, lifestyle, and behaviour modification programs to prevent and manage chronic diseases, injuries, and other health conditions.

Every AEP holds a minimum four-year tertiary degree and is accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Their extensive education and clinical training equip them with a deep understanding of the complexities of chronic health conditions, enabling them to create individualised, evidence-based exercise programs that support long-term health and well-being.

Why See an AEP?

AEPs play a vital role in helping people:

Prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis
Recover from injuries and return to physical activity safely
Improve strength, mobility, and overall fitness
Make sustainable lifestyle and behaviour changes for better health outcomes

Exercise Physiology at The Rehab Specialists

At The Rehab Specialists, we are Canberra’s trusted destination for expert Exercise Physiology services. Our dedicated team of AEPs is passionate about empowering you to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or striving to enhance your fitness, our exercise physiologists will work with you to develop a personalised program tailored to your specific goals and needs.

We combine evidence-based practice with compassionate care, ensuring that every session supports you in achieving meaningful, long-term improvements in your quality of life.

What Our AEPs Offer

Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists provide a range of clinical exercise interventions, including:

Health and physical activity education
Lifestyle modification programs with a focus on behaviour change
Support and guidance to help you achieve and maintain optimal health

As recognised allied health professionals, AEPs work across a broad spectrum of health, exercise, and sport settings. Their ultimate goal is to help you prevent or manage chronic conditions, restore physical function, and enhance overall wellness.

Take the next step towards better health today.
Contact The Rehab Specialists to learn more about how our Exercise Physiology services can help you move better, feel stronger, and live well.

A couple of months ago, Callum rejoined us as Team Leader / Business Development Manager, Exercise Physiologist, and Rehabilitation Consultant. Some of you may even remember him from back in 2016, when he was part of the TRS team. After a short break, he couldn’t resist coming back—and we’re so glad he did!

Who is Callum?

When Callum isn’t helping clients achieve their rehabilitation goals, you’ll likely find him spending quality time with his partner, Hayley, and daughter, Billie—or kicking a soccer ball around. Despite having had three ACL reconstructions, Callum still makes time to play, whether that’s on the field or with his family.

A fun fact about Callum: he once wore the green and gold, representing Australia in Futsal! Not many people get that opportunity, and it’s something he’s very proud of.

Callum’s Approach to Life

Callum is a big believer in looking on the bright side of every situation. His resilience and positive outlook shape not only his personal life but also his professional approach. When asked who he’d most like to meet, his answer wasn’t a famous celebrity—it was himself in 10 years’ time, reflecting his commitment to growth and continual improvement.

Callum’s Professional Expertise

With over nine years of experience in clinical rehabilitation and occupational health, Callum brings a wealth of knowledge to TRS. He has worked with a wide variety of conditions, including:

Mental health challenges
Musculoskeletal injuries
Neurological conditions
PTSD and other complex recovery pathways

He has a proven track record of supporting individuals through difficult rehabilitation journeys, always with the goal of achieving sustainable recovery and safe return-to-work outcomes.

Services Callum Provides at TRS

At TRS, Callum offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to individuals, workplaces, and organisations:

Management of complex psychological claims
Complex Job Task Analysis
Manual handling training
NDIS Exercise Physiology treatment services
Disability services, including advice on reasonable adjustments
Wellness coaching
New employer services
Initial Needs Assessments
Ergonomic and workstation assessments
Non-standardised functional assessments
Workplace assessments (physical and psychological)
Transferable skills analysis

Why We’re Excited to Have Callum Back

Callum is not only passionate about helping people but also dedicated to building positive, long-term relationships with clients, employers, and the TRS team. His unique combination of personal resilience, professional expertise, and genuine care makes him an incredible asset to our organisation.

We’re thrilled to have him leading the way as we continue to grow and provide high-quality rehabilitation and occupational health services.

Did you know that by 2050, one in four Australians is expected to experience hearing loss? That’s a dramatic increase from one in six in 2021. According to the 2021 Census, over 16,000 people in Australia use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) at home—a number that continues to grow as awareness and inclusion improve.

On August 30th, TRS (Total Rehab Solutions) had the honour of hosting a stall at the vibrant Deaf Festival in Sydney—an event that truly celebrated the culture, strength, and unity of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

The festival had something for everyone—from mouthwatering food trucks and handcrafted jewellery stalls to a kids’ corner filled with fun games, face painting, and creative activities. There were also booths showcasing Assistive Technology (AT) and a buzzing entertainment stage featuring talented performers throughout the day.

Connecting with the Community

Being part of this event gave us a powerful platform to connect directly with the community. We were able to educate visitors about the wide range of services we provide, especially for those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or living with communication barriers. At TRS, we pride ourselves on offering tailored support to help individuals achieve their goals—whatever they may be.

This mission is personal for us. Our Managing Director, Fiona, and our Operations Manager, Nick, are both profoundly deaf. Their lived experiences shape how we operate as a company and push us to ensure that every person we support feels seen, understood, and empowered.

A Day to Remember

The atmosphere at the festival was electric from start to finish. We had countless meaningful conversations, and the energy of the day was truly infectious. Events like this remind us why we do what we do—to create lasting impact, one person at a time.

A Big Thank You to the TRS Family

This day wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and passion of our amazing TRS team. The commitment our staff shows—both to one another and to the communities we serve—is what makes moments like these so memorable.

We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to be part of such a special day.

Here’s to many more years of supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, celebrating inclusion, and sharing the work we love.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services we offer, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

join-our-team1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1

Join a Supportive, Dynamic Team as a Workplace Rehabilitation Consultant in Sydney!

Are you a passionate and experienced Allied Health Professional living in Sydney?
If you’re nodding your head, we’ve got great news for you!

The Rehabilitation Specialists (TRS) are on the lookout for a skilled Workplace Rehabilitation Consultant to join our vibrant Sydney team. We’re known for our exceptional team culture, supportive leadership, and our drive to make a real difference in the lives of our clients.

Why TRS?

At TRS, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. If you’re enthusiastic, customer-focused, and ready to bring your skills to a collaborative team, we want to meet you!

Here’s what we’re looking for:

A qualified Allied Health professional (e.g., Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Rehab Counsellor, Psychologist, or similar)
At least 2 years’ experience in workplace rehabilitation
A proactive, empathetic, and team-oriented approach
Currently working in the Workplace Rehabilitation industry

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Workplace Rehabilitation Consultant at TRS, you’ll work with a range of national and state-based clients across the Comcare, Workers Compensation, CTP, Non-Compensation, and Life Insurance schemes.

Your day-to-day will include:

Managing a diverse and engaging caseload
Participating in case reviews and quality assurance activities
Supporting business development and marketing efforts where required

Why Our Team Loves TRS

Still need a nudge? Here’s why our consultants love being part of the TRS family:

Career Growth

We’re committed to your development. Set your professional goals—and we’ll help you reach them with tailored career planning and support.

Perks & Recognition

Enjoy birthday leave, fun team events, and reward & recognition programs that celebrate your achievements.

Tools to Succeed

We’ve got you covered with all the essentials—laptop, mobile phone, and access to pool cars.

Flexibility

Work the way that suits you best. Once you’re settled in, you’ll benefit from flexible hours and the freedom to work across different locations, including remotely.

Who We’re Looking For

You’re a motivated, empathetic, and solutions-focused Allied Health professional. You’re passionate about helping people return to work and achieve their health goals. You’re also:

A team player (not a ball hog )
A natural leader
Someone who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment

If that sounds like you—we want to hear from you!

Ready to Join the TRS Team?

Don’t wait! If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and be part of a company that truly values its people, we’d love to connect.

Send your CV and cover letter to: [email protected]
Learn more and apply via SEEK: Rehabilitation Consultant Job in Haymarket, Sydney NSW – SEEK

Join TRS—and let’s make a difference together.

At TRS, we’re committed to improving accessibility and support for clients with vision loss. On Tuesday, May 20, our Sydney and Canberra teams participated in a valuable training session with Vision Australia, Australia’s leading provider of blind and low vision services. The training focused on understanding the impacts of vision impairment, eye health, and how to use assistive technology to empower individuals with low vision or blindness.

️ Understanding Vision Loss and Its Impact

During the training, we explored:

The day-to-day challenges faced by individuals with vision loss
Common eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts
The difference between low vision and complete blindness
Practical strategies to support clients who are blind or visually impaired

We also learned about assistive technologies — tools that can help individuals navigate their environments, communicate, and maintain independence.

About Vision Australia

Vision Australia is a national, for-purpose organisation that supports Australians of all ages who are blind or have low vision. Their services are designed to promote:

Independence
Employment
Education
Social inclusion

With over 150 years of experience, Vision Australia is the most trusted name in vision support services.

Did You Know?

There are an estimated 453,000 people in Australia living with blindness or low vision.
90% of them have low vision; only 10% are completely blind.
Vision Australia serves clients of all ages — from children to seniors.
Only 24% of Australians with vision impairment are in full-time work, underscoring the need for inclusive workplace practices.

‍ Why This Training Matters to TRS

At TRS (The Right Support), we pride ourselves on ongoing staff training. Sessions like this ensure that we stay up to date with the best practices for supporting clients with disabilities, particularly those with low vision or blindness.

Our teams walked away feeling more confident in how to:

Recommend technology solutions
Offer practical day-to-day support
Understand and empathise with the lived experience of vision impairment

We’re grateful to Vision Australia for this opportunity and look forward to implementing what we’ve learned across all our services.

On Friday, May 2nd, some of our amazing TRS team members had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Insurance Ball—an annual highlight for professionals in the rehabilitation and insurance industries. Dressed in their finest, our staff enjoyed a well-deserved evening of celebration, connection, and giving back.

This much-anticipated event is more than just a night of glamour. Each year, the Insurance Ball raises funds for a local charity doing meaningful work in the community. In 2025, the chosen beneficiary was Toora Women’s Inc., a Canberra-based organisation dedicated to supporting women affected by trauma.

Who Does Toora Women’s Inc. Support?

Toora Women’s Inc. provides critical support services for women, non-binary, and feminine-identifying individuals over 18 who are navigating challenges such as:

Domestic, family, and sexual violence
Alcohol and drug dependency
Homelessness or risk of homelessness
Mental health conditions
Reintegration following time in correctional institutions

Toora’s trauma-informed approach recognises the complex needs of its clients, providing tailored, evidence-based therapeutic support to foster long-term healing and empowerment.

Toora’s Services: Building Strength and Healing

Toora offers a wide range of counselling services and group programs, facilitated by qualified, registered professionals. Their services include:

One-on-One Counselling

Using therapeutic models such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy, Toora helps individuals build emotional resilience and reclaim control over their lives.

‍ Circles of Security Parenting Program (COS-P)

This eight-week course strengthens the parent-child bond and helps caregivers understand and meet their children’s emotional needs.

Healing Trauma Group

A six-week program empowering women with practical tools to manage trauma, develop healthy relationships, and practice self-love and care.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

An eight-week evidence-based program for women affected by trauma, substance misuse, and domestic violence, focused on emotional regulation and personal empowerment.

Leading the Way in Women’s Homelessness Support

Toora also operates the largest specialist homelessness support service in the ACT for women and children. Their holistic services address a wide range of contributing factors—such as trauma, financial stress, mental health issues, substance abuse, and domestic violence—ensuring clients receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

A Night to Remember for a Cause That Matters

The team at TRS is proud to have been part of this meaningful night. The 2025 Insurance Ball is a cherished tradition we look forward to each year—not just for the celebration, but for the opportunity to contribute to causes that truly change lives.

We are honoured to support Toora Women’s Inc. and the incredible work they do in our community. Here’s to a night of elegance, impact, and hope!

At The Rehabilitation Specialists, one of our favourite things is welcoming university students for their placements — and this time, we’ve hit the jackpot with two incredible Occupational Therapy (OT) students joining us!

For eight weeks, starting from March 24th, we’ve been lucky to have Victor and Liz on board, working alongside our NDIS OTs and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Meet Victor!

Victor is passionate about learning and always brings a calm, friendly energy to the team. Outside of OT, he’s a huge basketball fan — and a big admirer of King LeBron James.

One of his favourite things to do? Walking his dog! In fact, if you ever want to see Victor light up or have a great conversation, just ask him about his dog — it’s guaranteed to make him smile.

Another fun fact: Victor is multilingual, speaking both Cantonese and Mandarin fluently!

Say Hello to Liz!

Liz is a creative soul with a love for dogs, reading, and all things arts and crafts. She doesn’t just stick to one type of craft either — Liz enjoys exploring it all, with a particular passion for crochet and using her spinning wheel.

Just like Victor, Liz is also a dog lover. Her wonderful service dog, Pixel, even joins her at the TRS office and comes along to OT appointments! Pixel has quickly become part of the TRS family too.

Making an Impact at TRS

Victor and Liz have shared that they’ve felt incredibly welcomed by the TRS team and have already learned so much from their placement so far. From seeing a wide range of clients to gaining new insights and experiences, their journey has been full of growth.

We’re so grateful to have Victor, Liz, and Pixel with us for these two months. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and fresh perspectives have made a real difference — and we can’t wait to see what the rest of their placement brings.

Welcome again to the TRS family — we’re so lucky to have you!

Megan-2023-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C680&ssl=1

How Can Employment Services Support You?

Our Employment Services aim to assist you in achieving your unique career objectives, no matter what they look like. Depending on your specific needs, our Employment Consultants can provide support in areas such as:

CV development and updates
Cover letter creation
Online job search assistance
Selection criteria responses
Job application support
Interview coaching and mock interviews
Basic computer skills training
Follow-up call coaching
Cold canvassing support
Disclosure coaching for injury, illness, or disability
General employment coaching

Meet our Employment consultant Megan!

Megan commenced at The Rehabilitation Specialists in August 2021 as one of our rehab admin assistants. Since commencing with The Rehabilitation Specialists, she has worked within the rehabilitation space and has grown her knowledge across multiple insurance schemes. Megan has now also moved into being an Employment Services Consultant, where she has found her niche being able to involve her coaching, mentoring, and wholistic approach in her services to help people find a job!

Megan works across both the workplace rehabilitation and NDIS space and in 2024 she completed her External Case Manager course. This allows her to act as a case manager, remotely based, to assist in organising employees’ return to work. Megan’s has strengths in organisation, prioritisation and time management, and her passion is to ensure that everyone around her is supported and enabled to be able to work towards their goals along their journey.

Megan is moving, but don’t worry, she isn’t leaving us!

After working in Canberra since August 2021, Megan has decided that she wants to get some fresh air and has moved down to the coast to see how life is over there. Even though Megan will no longer be working in our Canberra office every day, she will be keeping on top of her employment role and offering job seeking services in the Merimbula area as well as online!

One thing all of us are confident about is that even through Megan will no longer be working in the office with us day in and day out. She will be working to the best of her ability and will still be coming back to see us and her Canberra based clients regularly.

If you are in need of some support returning to work or if you are looking for a new job, reach out to us! We would love to hear from you!