Day Rehabilitation (Outpatients)

Our Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Program is tailored for patients who

• have undergone or are about to undergo joint replacement surgery
• have suffered a recent fracture
• have undergone spinal surgery such as a fusion, discectomy or laminectomy
• need treatment to improve strength, mobility, flexibility, endurance and balance
• need to improve the way they walk
• need to improve their ability to do everyday activities

Our Reconditioning Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients who

• have recently experienced a serious acute episode of illness
• undergone a surgical procedure
• have a chronic medical condition
• need treatment to improve strength, endurance and balance
• need to improve their ability to do everyday activities

Our multidisciplinary Falls Management Program is suitable for those who are at risk of falling or who have experienced a fall.

The program aims to help reduce the risk of falls, increase a participant's self-confidence in situations where falls may occur and understand the factors which can contribute to the risk.

The program is designed to maintain personal independence and maximise participation in an active and fulfilling life. For more information about our Falls Management Program, please refer to this brochure.

Our Neurological Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients who

• have recently had a stroke
• have recently undergone brain surgery
• have a neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis
• need treatment to improve strength, endurance and balance
• need help in reading, writing and finding the right words to say
• need to improve their ability to do everyday activities

We also have a Parkinson's Day Rehabilitation Program for those both recently diagnosed and for those who have been diagnosed for a period of time.

If you or someone you care for suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, at times, you may feel out of control and not know where to turn for help. That’s why Ramsay Health Care has implemented a Parkinson’s disease program based on best current evidence to help to improve outcomes and quality of life. Click here for a brochure on the Parkinson's Disease Day Program.

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is tailored for people who have heart disease, have had a cardiac procedure, have heart failure, or experience risk factors associated with heart disease.

The aim of the program is to help people return to their previous lifestyles and activities through exercise and education. For more information about Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, please read this brochure.

Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients who have chronic respiratory illnesses such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to help patients feel better and breathe easier. Our program can help

• increase your ability to do everyday activities including hobbies and leisure activities
• improve exercise performance
• reduce breathlessness
• reduce hospitalisation frequency

Click here for a brochure about our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

Our Persistent Pain Rehabilitation Program, EMPOWER, is based on current best practice management of this condition using a team based approach.

We understand that having persistent pain is a whole life problem, not just a physical one, and recognise that for people living with persistent pain, the control and alleviation of symptoms can be a lifelong journey.

Our role is to partner with you and create a dynamic pain management strategy by exploring concepts such as pacing, graded exposure, relaxation, stress management and return to exercises/activity.

The program has a multidisciplinary focus and includes physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, psychology and dietitian input

Click here for a brochure about our Pain Rehabilitation Program.

The aim of the Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation Service is to assist people to resume or commence driving in a safe manner to maximise independence in the community.

This service is provided by a qualified Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor who works closely with qualified driving instructors. These instructors have experience working with clients with a variety of medical conditions and are able to provide expert tuition in the use of vehicle modifications.

For more information, click here for a brochure about our Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation Service.

Rehabilitation is essential for cancer patients on their journey to recovery in restoring strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Our specialised Oncology Rehabilitation Program is designed to support you every step of the way.

At Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital, we understand that every patient's journey is unique. Our program is tailored to meet your individual needs, whether you're recovering from surgery, undergoing chemotherapy, or managing long-term effects of treatment. Our expert team of oncology rehabilitation specialists is here to help you regain your strength and vitality. Find out more

If you or a loved one are need treatment for cancer, you can access comprehensive CancerCare services at our Ramsay Health Care partner Warringal Private Hospital. Treatment plans are tailored to your needs and a network of coordinated support services are available under one roof. Find out more.

Vestibular disorders can vary in their cause and symptoms. The area concerned may be the inner ear, nerves or brain. Some causes of vestibular dysfunction can include:

• Vestibular neuritis (a viral infection of the inner ear)
• Acoustic neuroma (a benign tumour which grows along the vestibular nerve)
• Meniere's Disease (a disorder which involves the build-up of fluid in the inner ear)
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) (a disorder caused by debris freely floating in the fluid of the inner ear)
• Ototoxicity (an adverse reaction of inner ear structures to certain medications)
• Vestibular migraine (a type of migraine which causes dizziness rather than headache)
• Stroke (an interference with the blood supply to the inner ear and vestibular areas within the brain)
• Trauma (for example: motor vehicle accidents, significant falls)

Vestibular symptoms can affect everyone slightly differently. Some examples of how symptoms may present could include:

• Dizziness, light headedness, nausea
• Unsteadiness, decreased balance
• Fatigue, feeling of reduced energy
• Blurry vision
• A sensation that the room is spinning or moving
• A foggy or cloudy feeling, decreased concentration

Our multidisciplinary neurological rehabilitation team is trained in the assessment and management of various types of vestibular issues.

Your rehabilitation program will be individualised and person-centered, using vestibular exercises which are tailored to your needs based on your assessment findings.

We use the latest evidence in assessing and treating these conditions, to ensure we achieve your best outcomes. 

Click here for a brochure about our vestibular rehabilitation program.

Our multidisciplinary 'Long Term Sporting Injury Rehabilitation' pathway takes a holistic approach to helping you return to sport.

We recognise how important sports are to our patients, and aim not only to successfully get you back to your level of chosen sport, but to help you excel moving forward - and prevent injury recurrence.

Patients have access to Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Hydrotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, as well as medical input where required.

Examples of long term sporting injuries we can help with:

• ACL rehabilitation (conservative, prehabilitation, or post-surgical rehabilitation)
• Complex fracture management (e.g. ankle, foot, upper limb)
• Joint instability rehabilitation (conservative or post surgical, e.g. shoulder subluxation/dislocation)
• Persistent musculoskeletal issues/pain (e.g. groin pain)

We have agreements with most health funds to ensure your costs are kept to a minimum.

To see if we can help you with your rehab, call 03 9841 1490 for more information or view this brochure.

The Donvale Heart Failure Program is a multi-disciplinary day program for people living with heart failure or cardiomyopathy. It aims to help you resume an active and fulfilling life. It aims to improve both physical and emotional wellbeing and reduce further problems or hospital readmissions.

The multi-disciplinary program combines health education, exercise and support in a small group environment.

The exercise sessions are individually targeted to each participant’s current level of activity. They encourage a gradual increase in activity.

The comprehensive education sessions cover topics including:

• What is heart failure?
• Recognising and managing heart failure symptoms
• Medications for heart failure
• Healthy eating for heart health
• Depression and stress management
• Benefits and guidelines for activity and exercise
• Energy conservation and pacing
• Making informed choices

How is day rehabilitation funded?

Day rehabilitation is covered by your private health hospital cover. Please note, there may be an out of pocket fee, and a doctors referral is required.

How often or for how long do I attend?

Usually you will attend one to two times a week for 6 weeks however it varies from program to program.

Stroke Rehabilitation is a coordinated multi-disciplinary program to help you recover from stroke.

Our program is designed to help you resume an active and fulfilling life. It also aims to reduce your risk of future stroke.

Stroke rehabilitation can occur with people who have experienced recent stroke or who have chronic stroke symptoms.

Click here for a brochure about our Stroke Rehabilitation Service.

The Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Management Program is a comprehensive program designed to reduce the symptoms of lymphoedema / chronic oedema and provide you with ongoing education and skills to help achieve effective self-management.

At the commencement of your program, you will receive a comprehensive lymphoedema assessment. We incorporate SOZO bioimpedance for surveillance and early detection of fluid and tissue changes.

Depending on your individual goals and requirements, you may undertake either a lymphoedema maintenance and monitoring program or a complete decongestive therapy program for an agreed period of time.

Find out more about lymphoedema and lipoedema.

What is Spasticity?

Spasticity occurs when there is damage to the brain or spinal cord that results in stiff or rigid muscles. It may also cause unusual tightness, spasms, increased muscle tone, limb deformity, abnormal positioning of a limb or pain. These changes to the muscles may lead to difficulty with daily tasks such as walking, transferring, feeding or dressing.

Your care program

A comprehensive multidisciplinary program has been designed to assess, treat and reduce spasticity and provide you with ongoing education and skills to help achieve your goals and promote effective self-management.

At the commencement of your program, you will have a thorough assessment with a specialist rehabilitation physician. This will then be followed by an assessment with an occupational therapist and physiotherapist.

Depending on your individual needs and rehabilitation goals, you may be offered medical interventions such as Botulinum Toxin injections. Your physiotherapist and occupational therapist will recommend an individualised therapy program for you, which may include hydrotherapy.

Clinic Structure

The frequency and structure of therapy recommended is dependent on your individual needs and goals. A collaborative decision between the spasticity management team and yourself, will determine whether you will benefit from inpatient rehabilitation or day rehabilitation services.