Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc, 36 - 38 Henley Beach Road,
Mile End SA 5031
Postal address: GPO Box 414, Adelaide SA 5001| Email:
info@mdasa.org.au | Tel: 08 8234 5266 | Fax: 08 8234 5866
Client Services
The primary role of Client Services is to support the individual needs of people with neuromuscular disorders and their families and carers. In addition, the Muscular Dysrophy Association receives government funding from the Disability Service Office (Department for Families and Communities) to provide a range of community based services. We also rely heavily on donations received from the community, corporate sponsorship and funds raised from special events to provide and maintain our services.
Services we provide include:
Hydrotherapy
Physiotherapy
Speech Therapy
Counselling
Short-term Equipment Loan
Disorder Information, Education and Support
Respite Area
Recreation
To enquire about any of our services please contact the Association.
Hydrotherapy
Physiotherapists from the Adelaide Neurophysiotherapy Centre, host our weekly hydrotherapy sessions. Sessions are held on Thursdays at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with the assistance of Hydrotherapy Attendants.
The therapists design water exercise programs for people with neuromuscular disorders, to assist them to maintain flexibility and to experience an increased degree of movement that is often not possible out of water. The hydrotherapy attendants provide massage, passive stretching and personal care as required. Please note that waiting lists may apply.
If you wish to access this service or require further information please contact the Association.
Physiotherapy
Some years ago, neurophysiotherapists Ann Buchan and Jan Poulos started a clinic for the Muscular Dystrophy Association after recognising a need for specialised support. Support was needed in relation to analysis of muscle function, and issues with walking, posture, joints, pain or balance. There was also a need for advice on aids for walking, mobility, wheelchairs and splints.
Neurological physiotherapy is a sub specialty of physiotherapy which aims at providing therapy for a wide range of neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
It is important to understand that many forms of muscular dystrophy can actually be aggravated by attempts of strengthening exercise. When residual ‘normal’ muscles are overused, severe contractures and pain can result causing further disability.
If you wish to access this service or require further information please contact the Association.
Speech Therapy
The speech therapist is able to offer assessment, treatment, advice and counselling to people with neuromuscular disorders who have difficulties with speech, language, voice, swallowing or memory.
The speech therapist assesses the level of clearness of speech and the type of speech disorder to devise an appropriate therapy program. Therapy programs are designed on an individual basis with the aim of addressing specific issues.
For example, a person who experiences dysphagia (difficulty with swallowing) as a result of Muscular Dystrophy will require a comprehensive assessment in order to receive advice about positioning and diet.
If you wish to access this service or require further information please contact the Association.
Counselling
Counselling support is available to assist individuals and families, affected by muscular dystrophy, to manage the impact and the affects of having a neuromuscular disorder.
Professional counselling is provided by a qualified health professional working in private practice. All counselling sessions are confidential between the individual and the Counsellor.
If you wish to access this service or require further information please contact the Association.
