Following numerous investigations, surgeries and treatment modalities, the client experienced a plateau with his recovery. As a result of the injury, he was only able to work on reduced hours with restrictions and reported some depressive symptoms. He noted a significant lack of strength, confidence, self-empowerment and a low quality of life and wellbeing.
When the RAWI commenced, the client was very fearful of exercise due to his beliefs around the fragility of his injury. The RAWI commenced with walking in his local community and education being provided regarding his injury, pain and strategies to further his recovery. Regular engagement in RAWI also prompted a noticeable improvement in his mental health symptoms, functional tolerances and confidence with movement.
RAWI provided support and encouragement to assist with motivation and gradually increasing activity levels. Sessions were then transitioned and supervised within his local gym to increase social engagement, where suitable equipment and exercises were identified to not only rehabilitate the client’s right shoulder but improve wholistic strength and conditioning. Additionally, the program was aimed at improving the client’s self-efficacy and confidence with using his right shoulder to perform his work duties and leisure activities.
In addition, a Workplace Treatment Session took place whereby the client’s pre-injury duties were observed, and manual handling strategies and modifications were provided. This resulted in an improvement in the client’s confidence and ability to perform his pre-injury duties.
Towards the end of treatment, to further promote independence, the RAWI was delivered via TeleHealth. This allowed the client to continue his treatment from the comfort of his own home, and allowed the RAWI to support the client in modifying his activities of daily living and leisure activities so that he could re-engage in activities that were meaningful and enjoyable. The client was provided with ‘Physiapp’ that referenced his exercise program in video format to ensure he was able to complete treatment independently, as required.
Education was provided around the importance of regular activity and improving functional strength and fitness to facilitate a return to work on pre-injury duties. Strategies around pacing were discussed and implemented to facilitate a graded and durable return to pre-injury duties. The RAWI was established to assist with improving strength and promoting the development of routine, for which the client was regularly supported, both face-to-face and digitally, to ensure consistency and program compliance.