Renal Rehabilitation

Active Body’s ‘R&R’ Renal Rehabilitation Program

Our rehabilitation program is designed to improve everyday life of people suffering Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, over a 6 week period and give them the base to continue rehabilitation after the program, either at Active Body Physiotherapy or in their home environment. After an initial assessment, the program is tailored to reach each person’s goals as well as the goals of practitioners and allied health professionals. We are able to rehabilitate people with severe disease because of our program flexibility and safety procedures.

The Active Body team is highly qualified and experienced in rehabilitation, physiotherapy and exercise. Our aim is to provide an evidence based program featuring education and exercise in a relaxed social environment.

The 5 E’s

Our rehabilitation program is based on recommendations by The National Kidney Foundation of Australia, Life Options Rehabilitation Advisory Council and current research. The rehabilitation program is based on the 5 E's

1. Exercise
2. Education
3. Encouragement
4. Employment
5. Evaluation

Exercise

The exercise program is run 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Exercise is tailored to the specific goals and needs of each person. Each person’s progress is closely monitored to ensure patients reach their goals in a safe environment.

Studies show strength and endurance exercise for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease can enhance:

• Blood pressure
• Heart and artery function
• Cholesterol
• Blood sugar
• Ability to do everyday tasks
• Mental wellbeing
   

Aerobic exercise, stretching and weights are part of each 1 hour exercise session. The intensity and types of exercise each person does is determined by the severity of their disease.

Patients blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose and weight are measured prior to and at the end of each exercise session. This ensures safety and allows staff to make necessary adjustments to each patient’s program.

Patients receiving dialysis will not have their BP taken from the arm with vascular access.

Exercises can be adapted for anyone who suffers from other problems with bones, joints muscles or nerves. Further treatment for these conditions can be arranged with a physiotherapist outside rehabilitation if required.

Education

Information about renal disease, associated diseases, diet and exercise as well as other relevant topics to each person are provided. Anyone’s concerns regarding kidney disease and rehabilitation will be addressed during the rehabilitation sessions by staff.

Smoking and CKD

Our education package explains the effects of smoking on kidney function and why it is harder for CKD patients to give up. QUIT packs and advice regarding nicotine replacement therapy will be provided to smokers wanting to quit.

Encouragement

Motivation is the key factor in any exercise program. Our staff are energetic and friendly creating an environment in which people want to exercise. Time and refreshments are provided at the end of each rehabilitation session to get to know other people in the group.

Employment

Fact sheets, relevant web site details and information from the CES will be available to encourage patients to find and stay in active employment. Staff are also happy to liaise with employers if required

Evaluation

Questionnaires, tests for fitness, strength and flexibility are conducted before the program begins and re-evaluated at the end of the program. A report from these tests will detail improvements in endurance, strength, flexibility and any techniques we used to avoid secondary complications. The report will also include any possible recommendations for ongoing care.

We are passionate about this program and hope the data collected can be used for future research in collaboration with other institutions.

Managing Co–Morbidities of CKD

Our program is designed to be flexible and accommodate diseases associated with CKD. The diseases with which people can participate in the program include; Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Neuropathies, Hypertension, Anaemia, Hyperparathyroidism and Renal Osteodystrophy, Dyslipidaemia & Malnutrition. If you have any questions regarding your condition please do not hesitate to discuss it with our staff.

 

Outcomes & Ongoing Recommendations

Your Active Body Report details improvements in endurance, strength, flexibility and rehabilitation techniques we used. This report will also include any possible recommendations for ongoing care.

We are passionate about this program and hope the data collected can be used for future research in collaboration with other institutions with your permission.