What is physiotherapy?
Many people experience a number of physical difficulties, such as problems with strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination due to cancer or treatment for cancer. Physiotherapists work with people to optimise their function and mobility, and promote independence and quality of life.
Lifehouse physiotherapists offer services to inpatients including:
- Providing walking aids to allow for more independent mobility
- Prescribing strengthening, balance and stretching exercises
- Early mobilisation and prevention of complications after surgery
- Education on falls prevention
- Providing exercises and strategies to promote optimal respiratory function
Resources:
Contact details:
- Leah Steele – Leah.Steele@lh.org.au; 8514 0642
Who is my physiotherapist?
Leah Steele
Leah Steele is a physiotherapist at Lifehouse. She began her career as a Rotational Physiotherapist at Redcliffe Hospital after completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons 1A). She was attracted to Lifehouse by its holistic ethos and the unique opportunity to work in a young and growing hospital.
Leah helps inpatients who have difficulties with breathing or movement, with the aim of getting them home quickly and safely. She views her role as one of education and empowerment – giving people the knowledge they need to regain and maintain their quality of life and physical function.
Prior to joining Lifehouse, Leah volunteered at a hospital in Kenya, worked for a VIP in Saudi Arabia and was a Senior Physiotherapist at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.
She is inspired by patients, particularly older patients with a strong drive to keep their independence.
Justin Cheong
Justin Cheong trained at Curtin University of Technology in Perth. He spent three years working in rural and remote Western Australia, including the hospitals in Port Hedland, Geraldton and Kununurra. He has since spent time working in the NHS, the Princess Grace Hospital in London, and the Epworth Hospital Richmond in Melbourne.
Justin helps inpatients with breathing and mobility problems after surgery or illness. He provides education, exercises and guidance to maximize patients’ independence and mobility.
He is proud to be involved with a hospital that makes such huge difference in the lives of people with Cancer.
Louise Robins
Louise Robins is a physiotherapist at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Louise graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) from Australian Catholic University in Sydney. Louise began her career as a new graduate rotational physiotherapist at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital. Since then she has worked across the public and private healthcare systems in both acute and rehabilitation settings.
Louise enjoys working as a part of the multi-disciplinary team and across varied caseloads within the hospital. She has a special interest in the physiotherapy management of post-operative patients, in particular women’s health. Louise enjoys working with patients to promote independence with mobility and return to and maintenance of function with an aim to facilitate safe discharge.
