Uncategorized Archives - Rehabilitation Specialists

Meet TRS Clinical Lead Miranda

TRS Clinical Lead Miranda joined the team on 17 February and works remotely from Melbourne in a part-time role. With nearly 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, Miranda brings deep knowledge across health, rehabilitation, injury and disability.

As TRS Clinical Lead Miranda, she supports our clinicians and helps ensure we deliver the best services possible to our clients.

A Career Built on Experience

Miranda has worked across many areas of occupational therapy. Her career spans health, rehabilitation, injury management and disability services. This experience allows TRS Clinical Lead Miranda to guide and support clinicians across the organisation.

If you’d like to learn more about the role of occupational therapists, visit the
Occupational Therapy Australia website: https://otaus.com.au

A Love for Swing Dancing

Throughout life we pick up hobbies and sometimes leave them behind. But a few passions stay with us forever.

For Miranda, that passion is teaching swing dancing. While she doesn’t teach at the moment, she hopes to return to it one day.

Life Outside of Work

When she’s not working, TRS Clinical Lead Miranda enjoys spending time with her family. She loves cooking, going for gentle walks, and spending time in the garden.

She also enjoys giving Fiona Brockhoff a run for her money with her gardening skills. When Miranda is outside in the garden, she often has Double J playing in the background. She’s a big fan of the station.

If you’re curious about Double J, you can listen here:
https://www.abc.net.au/doublej

Miranda’s First Job

Before becoming an occupational therapist, Miranda started working at 16 years old. Her first job was ironing clothes for Rajee Fashions in Launceston, Tasmania.

Later she worked as a checkout operator at Woolworths.

If you had to choose just one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chicken? Pasta? Steak?

Not Miranda.

Her pick would be crispy skin fresh salmon — although she jokes it probably wouldn’t be from Tasmania.

A Life Guided by Kindness

There’s a saying: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

This quote reflects TRS Clinical Lead Miranda perfectly. She brings a glass-half-full attitude to every day and looks for ways to lift others up.

When asked to describe her life in one word, Miranda chose Kindness. Anyone who has worked with her would likely agree.

Connect With TRS Clinical Lead Miranda

TRS Clinical Lead Miranda is always happy to connect. She’s keen to meet the team and build relationships across the organisation.

As we move through the early months of 2026, it’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.

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

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 roll–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.

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.

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

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

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 Carly’s Helping Hearts. These sessions help ensure we continue delivering safe, high-quality occupational therapy services.

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 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.

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 — both professionally and personally. When he’s not supporting clients on their rehabilitation journey, you’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 you’ll get a surprisingly diverse answer. He has a soft spot for 80s music, but when it’s time to focus, “Brain Stew” 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 — taking home a life-size Harry Potter as the prize. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, he’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 — a nutrient-rich option that supports recovery, energy, and even a good night’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 — something both he and his fiancée (and their cat) are grateful for as they look toward the future together.

Welcome to the Team, Ethan

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

Welcome to the team, Ethan — we’re excited to have you on board.

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

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.

Did you know the average NRL game attracts around 21,000 fans? On August 10th, Sydney absolutely eclipsed that number, with 90,000 people taking part in the legendary City2Surf. Since 1971, the city has come to a standstill for this 14km run from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach, a celebration of endurance, community, and resilience.

And speaking of resilience—Elijah, our very own Happiness Ambassador, was right there in the crowd for the fifth time since his life-changing accident.

Each year, Elijah edges closer to his ultimate goal: running the full 14km just like he did back in 2015. This year marked a major milestone—he pushed his wheelchair for 6km, then walked the final 2km independently.

For the first time in five years, Elijah was able to walk at eye level with other participants. A small shift for many, but for Elijah, it was a giant step forward—literally and symbolically.

“You might be faster, more able, more capable than me,” Elijah says.
“But you’re not going to outwork me. I’ll always take one more step, do one more rep—I’ll make you regret trying to outwork me.”

Every year, Elijah completes the run alongside his close friend Joey. Together, they push each other—physically and mentally—fuelled by the shared promise: to keep going until Elijah is running again.

It’s not a matter of if. It’s just a matter of when.

He may not be running the full course yet, but there’s no doubt: Elijah will complete all 14km on his own, and then? He’ll be back running it like before.

Elijah embodies everything we stand for here at TRS. His positivity is infectious, his determination unmatched, and his presence in the office lifts us all. That’s why he’s more than just a Happiness Ambassador—he’s a daily reminder of what it means to never give up.

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!

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