What do Allied Health Professionals Do?
Allied Health Professionals generally include the following disciplines:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech Pathology
- Dietetics
- Social Work
- Podiatry
Allied Health Professionals study at University between 3-4 years to achieve an undergraduate degree.
Do Allied Health Professionals need to keep learning after university?
Yes, absolutely! Allied Health Professionals are required to have ongoing learning every year to maintain their registrations and currency to practice. The mandatory requirements differ between the professions, however all involve a significant amount of new learning and keeping up with current scientific and evidence based approaches.
So what do Allied Health Professionals actually do?
Allied Health Professionals work closely alongside individuals and in conjunction with other medical professionals to assist individuals to improve, rehabilitate or manage specific health and wellbeing concerns.
Not all health conditions can go away or be treated with medication, in these cases Allied Health professionals play an important role in managing the effects of conditions and reducing the impact of these condition via what’s known as a ‘conservative approach’.
How do Allied Health Professionals work?
Every Allied Health Professional starts with an Initial Assessment to find out all they can about the person they are working with. Sometimes this involves conversation, sometimes specific testing and other times observation of physical activity or daily task completion.
After goals have been established, a treatment plan (or therapy plan) can be developed and program implemented that is matched to the individual’s needs.
What conditions can Allied Health Professionals help with?
Almost all conditions! Allied Health Professionals work with individuals with genetic conditions, respiratory problems, musculoskeletal issues, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, connective tissue conditions and cardiac conditions to name a few.
How will I know if an Allied Health Professional is needed?
If you, or someone you know needs assistance with diet or anything to do with gastrointestinal health it is likely you may need a Dietitian.
If you, or someone you know needs assistance with mobility, transfers or having difficulty with pain, you may need a Physiotherapist.
If you, or someone you know is having difficulty with their swallow and / or their speech, you may need a Speech Pathologist.
If you, our someone you know is having pain in their feet or difficulty with their shoes, you may need a Podiatrist.
If you, or someone you know is needing assistance with managing life transitions or having difficulties with adjusting to illness or disability, you may need a Social Worker.
If you or someone you know is having difficulties with their independence, activity and safety at home you may need an Occupational Therapist.
Need to know more?
Call us today if you or someone you know is needing an Allied Health Assessment and our friendly team will assist you and connect you with one of our qualified Allied Health Professionals. You can email our team at intake@ssrg.com.au or you can call us on 1300 729 190 and we will be happy to help!
Author: Regina Heffernan
More about the author…
Regina is an Occupational Therapist and the Owner / Director of Smart Solutions Rehab Group. Regina oversees all aspects of business operations including training, recruitment, marketing and business development. Regina believes that quality is the most important element of all the work delivered by SSRG.
Regina has worked extensively within the Government and Not-for-Profit sector over the past 20 years, with comprehensive training and special interest in the area of Complex Home Modifications. Regina holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of QLD and an Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy. Regina is a qualified WorkHab Assessor and also has Independent Home Modifications competencies.