Living with fibromyalgia and chronic pain involves an overly sensitive nervous system where unguided exercise can trigger painful flare-ups. This often leads to avoiding movement altogether, which worsens muscle weakness and pain over time. Healthstin Hurstville, located within the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre, offers NDIS-funded professional health services to help individuals safely break this cycle of inactivity and manage their pain.
Breaking the Cycle of Inactivity
When every movement hurts, resting feels like the safest option. However, prolonged rest causes muscles to shrink and joints to stiffen, making the body even more sensitive to pain. The primary goal of intervention isn't just fitness, but restoring the ability to perform everyday activities comfortably.
NDIS Exercise Physiology Support
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) design safe, gentle movement plans tailored to long-term health conditions.
- Funding: These services are covered under the NDIS "Capacity Building" (Improved Daily Living) category.
- Goals: Programs are designed to align with personal NDIS goals, such as managing chronic fatigue, building aerobic capacity, preventing falls, and supporting daily self-care tasks.
Core Movement Therapies
Healthstin bridges the gap between clinical rehabilitation and long-term physical wellbeing through two main pillars:
- Warm-Water Hydrotherapy: Exercising in the on-site heated pool (32°C to 34°C) provides a gentle, low-impact environment.
- Weightless Support: The water supports up to 90% of body weight, relieving joint pressure.
- Healing Warmth: The warm temperature boosts blood flow and calms an over-sensitive nervous system.
- Gentle Resistance: Safely builds muscle strength without jarring impacts.
- Pacing and Load Management: Clinicians teach pacing to prevent the common "boom-and-bust" cycle (overdoing it on good days, leading to massive flare-ups). Movement plans are scaled up very slowly as physical confidence grows.
Group Environments and Community Support
For those transitioning from one-on-one therapy, Healthstin offers fully supervised group classes. These sessions:
- Connect you with peers who understand the daily realities of chronic pain.
- Allow health professionals to modify movements on the spot based on your daily energy levels.
- Provide a cost-effective way to stretch NDIS Capacity Building funding.
Accessing Your Support
Navigating NDIS plans—whether self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed—is made easier by experienced providers who handle the necessary clinical paperwork. Support begins with an initial clinical intake assessment to map out funding, identify physical triggers, and build a personalized roadmap.
Getting Started: Healthstin offers flexible delivery options, including in-clinic facilities, hydrotherapy sessions, and home visits. To begin your journey toward manageable movement, you can book a FREE 30-minute consultation with the Healthstin Hurstville team by calling 1300 090 931.