Compass Rehab

22/06/2026

𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 F𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁?
Executive function an umbrella term for the brain’s mental functions. They are a set of mental skills that aid in a person’s ability to:
· plan
· manage time
· initiate tasks
· prioritise and organise
· working memory
· manage emotions
· inhibition
· sustain focus and attention
· cognitive flexibility
· self-monitoring

These items can be widely categorised into three main areas - Working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 – is the brains ability to hold information in the short term until you use it. It is essentially is the mental “holding space” that helps us stay organised, focused, and able to follow through on tasks in everyday life. An example would be to remember a phone number long enough to dial it. It allows you to pick up where you left off after an interruption, keep track of steps, such as when cooking or solving a maths problem. Working memory in children allows them to follow multi-step instructions, connect ideas, play games that require planning and joining into social activities after a break.

𝗜𝗻𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 – is the brains ability to stop before acting on impulse so better choices can be made. It is essentially the skill the skill that helps us stay thoughtful, patient, and in control of our actions. It helps to filter distractions so focus is maintained, be less reactive and resist temptations. In children, inhibitory control allows them to wait their turn, stay calm, and avoid distractions.

𝗖𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – is the brains ability to “switch gears” smoothly when things change. Essentially it is what helps us stay adaptable, creative, and open to new solutions rather than rigidly sticking to one way of thinking. It aids in helping you to adjust to new rules, plans or situations. It allows you to see things from alternative perspectives, change your approach and notice mistakes and fix them. In children cognitive flexibility helps them to learn exceptions to rules, try new ways to solve things, and try different ways to resolve conflicts with friends.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽?
Occupational therapists are uniquely placed to support individuals to develop personalised practical skills and in adapting environments to support cognitive needs. Occupational therapists assist by analysing the task and breaking down components into smaller manageable pieces and assisting with prioritising and time management. They support in identification and implementation of environmental adaptations such as visual aids, timers, or workspace modification.

At Compass Rehab, our occupational therapists will work with you or your child to support their individual needs that will enable them to support and manage executive functioning.

References
A Guide to Executive Function: What is it, and how is it developed? (2026, April 3). Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. https://www.rfr.bz/f511e0dce

19/06/2026

𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗔𝗗𝗟’𝘀)

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗔𝗗𝗟’𝘀)?
ADL’s are the essential, routine physical and self-care tasks a person completes each day in order to manage themselves and maintain well-being.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗜𝗔𝗗𝗟’𝘀)?
IADL’s are the tasks and activities that are not an essential for body function, though remain necessary for independent living.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁?
ADL’s include activities such as mobility, personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, sleeping and eating.

IADL’s require greater physical, cognitive and organisational skills and include meal preparation, financial management, medication management, housework or chores and maintenance, shopping, transportation or community access and communication.

All of these tasks and activities are necessary for a person to live independently, engage socially and for overall health and well-being.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽?
These activities are core to occupational therapy. Occupational therapists are skilled in assessing a person’s ability to engage in ADL’s and IADL’s, and to the level of participation due to diagnosis, following illness or injury or ageing. They provide assistance through, therapeutic intervention, emotional regulation, adaptive equipment, environmental/home modifications, task modification and/or energy conservation.

📩Contact Compass Rehab
📞4112 4446 📧[email protected]

15/06/2026

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerves, which disrupts messages between the brain and body. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include fatigue, numbness or tingling, changes in vision, and difficulties with movement.

Living with MS can bring daily ups and downs, but physiotherapy can help you stay active, steady, and confident.

Physio can help manage MS-related changes by improving strength, balance, and coordination, and by addressing common symptoms such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, and reduced mobility. Your physiotherapist may also work with you on walking, posture, and falls prevention through a tailored exercise program.

Physiotherapy isn’t just about physical gains—it’s about maintaining independence and quality of life. Your program is personalised to what matters to you and paced to suit your energy levels, symptoms, and progression over time.

With the right support, you can keep doing the things that matter most to you.

If you or someone you care for is living with MS, our team is here to support at every stage of your journey.

📩Contact Compass Rehab
📞4112 4446 📧[email protected]

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling muscles. Over time the brain and spinal cord lose the ability to send signals to muscles, leading to weakness, muscle wasting, stiffness, cramps, and difficulties with mobility, speech, swallowing, and breathing.

Symptoms can vary between people, but common signs include:
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Tripping or difficulty walking
- Reduced grip strength
- Muscle twitching or cramps
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing as the condition progresses

There is currently no cure, but treatment focuses on maintaining quality of life, comfort, independence and safety.

Physiotherapy can play a very important role throughout the course of MND. A physiotherapist will usually tailor treatment depending on the person’s stage of disease progression, symptoms, and goals. Physiotherapists can assist with:

- Mobility and balance
- Strength and flexibility
- Falls prevention
- Pain and stiffness management
- Breathing support
- Equipment and mobility aids

Early support and tailored treatment can make a meaningful difference for people living with MND.

📩Contact Compass Rehab
📞4112 4446 📧[email protected]

07/06/2026

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲
Is getting in and out of bed, the shower, or the toilet becoming harder or unsafe?
Assistive Technology (AT) equipment can help improve safety, comfort, and independence at home. Simple changes can often make everyday tasks easier and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Examples of AT may include:
- Shower chairs
- Grab rails
- Over toilet aids
- Mobility walkers
- Lift recliner chairs
- Adjustable beds
- Pressure care mattresses
- Wheelchairs and scooters

An Occupational Therapist (OT) can assess how you move and function in your home environment and recommend equipment that matches your needs, goals, and daily routine. We focus on:
✔ Safety and falls prevention
✔ Independence with daily tasks
✔ Pressure care and comfort
✔ Energy conservation and fatigue management
✔ Supporting ageing in place and community access

The right equipment is not about “losing independence.” It’s often what helps people keep it.

📩Contact us today to discuss how OT and Assistive Technology may support you or your loved one.

📞4112 4446 📧[email protected]

04/06/2026

Helping you live more independently, every day.

Our Occupational Therapy team supports you to build skills for daily living—at home, at work, and in the community. From equipment solutions to functional assessments, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

Let’s work together to make life easier.

📩Contact Compass Rehab
📞4112 4446 📧[email protected]

31/05/2026

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune neurological condition where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath (the protective coating) around peripheral nerves. This can lead to progressive weakness, numbness, and changes in sensation in the arms and legs that may persist for months or years. Physiotherapy can play an important role in managing symptoms and supporting recovery.

Physio can help people with CIDP build strength, improve balance, and move more confidently. Your physiotherapist will develop a targeted exercise program based on your current abilities to support walking, coordination, and day-to-day function—while also helping you manage fatigue.

Physiotherapists can also assist with gait retraining, falls prevention, and recommending suitable equipment or supports if needed. Because CIDP symptoms can fluctuate, your program is reviewed and adjusted over time to match your goals, progress, and energy levels.

The goal is to help you stay as independent, active, and safe as possible.

If you or someone you care for is living with CIDP our team is here to support you every step of the way.

📩Contact Compass Rehab
📞4112 4446 📧[email protected]

26/05/2026

Types of Brain Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function.
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): An umbrella term for any brain damage occurring after birth, including TBIs, strokes, or infections.
- Concussion: A type of mild TBI that can affect brain function, often resulting from a direct blow to the head.

Common Causes
- Trauma: Falls, sports, motor vehicle accidents, and assaults.
- Medical Conditions: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, tumor, infection (encephalitis/meningitis), or lack of oxygen (hypoxia).
- Toxins/Alcohol: Substance misuse or toxic exposure that affects brain function over time.

Recovery from a brain injury can be complex, and support often needs to be tailored to the individual.

Physiotherapy can help improve movement, strength, balance, and coordination after brain injury. Treatment may focus on walking practice, posture, and rebuilding control in affected limbs, with goals set around what matters most to you.

Physiotherapists can also help manage muscle stiffness (spasticity, rigidity), reduce falls risk, and support a safe return to everyday activities. Therapy may include exercise-based rehabilitation, hands-on techniques, and functional training to make daily tasks easier, with your program reviewed and progressed over time.

Recovery after brain injury looks different for everyone—but with the right support, meaningful progress is always possible.

If you or someone you care for is recovering from a brain injury, our team is here to guide and support you along the way.

📩Contact Compass Rehab
📞4112 4446 📧[email protected]