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Monday 9am - 5:30pm Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9:30am - 5:30am

The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre

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The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre

The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre trains the whole person – mind, body & soul.

The Next Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery, is a not for profit organisation that has been established by a community of people affected by spinal cord injury both personally and indirectly. Due to the lack of support and knowledge that follow this injury, these people have banded together to establish and open a world class spinal cord injury recovery facility in Australia that will offer proven m

odalities and exercise therapy to support not only the physical wellbeing, but also the psychological side of a person and families suffering from the injury. All proven modalities will be provided to promote the best possible recovery outcomes.

17/04/2025

We don’t just put the FUN in functional, we bring real-life goals into every session!

At The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre, our recovery specialists create adaptive exercises that mirror the activities our athletes are working towards, like getting back out on the water and casting a line.

From simulated casting movements to grip and upper body strength training, we tailor each exercise to replicate the physical actions needed for fishing.

It’s not just about movement, it’s about making every rep count toward something meaningful.

Because when recovery is built around what you love, it’s not just therapy, it’s a comeback!

07/03/2025

Our podcast TAKING A DETOUR is now LIVE on Spotify!

TAKING A DETOUR is the podcast that embraces life’s unexpected twists on the road to recovery, healing, and growth. Hosted by Rhiannon Tracey and the team at The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre, each episode shares inspiring stories, expert insights, and practical tools to help you move forward. Whether overcoming challenges or redefining resilience, remember, every detour is still progress. Let’s take this journey together!

Available now on Spotify and coming soon to Apple Podcasts.

Listen here ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ParBmVwGcNauKwEyAxD9D?si=90dTtW4KQV-2y1Nvz9gReQ

Or follow link in our bio! You can also follow the podcasts Instagram page to get involved in the conversations!

03/03/2025

Have you ever noticed that in many of our images our athletes eyes are closed?

We can confirm it’s not because they are sleeping, unless of course it’s post session and they absolutely deserve the rest, it’s actually because we often use visualisation as a therapy method within our sessions at TNS.

Check out our latest blog live now on our website that explains this method in depth and how you can incorporate it into your recovery journey!

➡️ https://www.thenextstepsci.org.au/the-power-of-visualisation-in-rehabilitation/

28/02/2025

A Powerful Recovery Combo for SCI & Neurological Conditions – Special March Offer!

For those living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) or neurological condition, managing circulation, muscle tone, and recovery can be a challenge.

Finding the right therapies may make a difference in how your body feels and functions daily. That’s why many people turn to NormaTec compression therapy and massage, which could work together to support better movement, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being.

How This Combination Can Help!

NormaTec compression boots are designed to stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent fluid buildup, while massage therapy aims to relieve muscle tightness, reduce spasticity, and promote relaxation.

When used together, they may offer a well-rounded approach to recovery:

NormaTec - Supporting Circulation & Swelling Reduction:
•May encourage better blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
•Could help reduce swelling, stiffness, and the risk of pressure sores.
•Could assist with muscle recovery and fatigue management.

Massage Therapy - Promoting Muscle & Nerve Health:
•Has the potential to ease tight muscles and spasticity.
•May stimulate the nervous system, supporting better body awareness and relaxation.
•Could help with flexibility and overall comfort.

Why They Work Well Together!
Encouraging Circulatory & Lymphatic Flow:
NormaTec may help move fluid buildup, while massage can improve fresh blood circulation.

Reducing Muscle Tension & Discomfort: Massage can help relax tight muscles, while NormaTec can assist in flushing out metabolic waste.

Potential to Prevent Secondary Complications: Regular use may help lower the risk of pressure sores, circulation issues, and nerve pain.

Promoting Relaxation & Stress Relief: These therapies may support better sleep, reduced discomfort, and overall well-being.

Throughout March, when you purchase a NormaTec compression session, you’ll receive a FREE 30-minute massage with our physiotherapist!

This is a great opportunity to experience how these therapies can work together to enhance your recovery and daily comfort!

📅 Spots are limited, book your session today!

20/02/2025

MY FUNDING HAS BEEN CUT - WHAT CAN I DO?

Embarking on a recovery journey through exercise physiology and physiotherapy is one of the most empowering choices you can make.

At The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre, you’ll find expert guidance and tailored support to regain strength, mobility, and independence.

But let’s be real, accessing these services can be a financial challenge.

Consistency is key to achieving lasting results, yet if your current funding only covers one session per week, you might not be getting the full support you need.

That’s where fundraising and alternative funding options come in.

💡 Explore Your Funding Options:
• Private health insurance may cover part of your sessions.
• Medicare’s EPC/CDM Plan provides rebates for chronic conditions.
• NDIS participants, advocate for what you deserve! Don’t settle for limited funding if you need more. Request a plan review, provide medical evidence, and fight for your rights.

If these options don’t fully cover your needs, it’s time to get creative.

💪 Ways to Raise Additional Funds:
✔️ Crowdfunding: Share your story on GoFundMe or Fundly, people want to help when they see your determination.
✔️ Host a Fundraiser: A BBQ, car wash, or raffle can bring your community together for a great cause—YOU!
✔️ Apply for Grants & Sponsorships: Organisations and local businesses often support recovery initiatives.
✔️ Sell Your Skills: Whether it’s handmade crafts, photography, or yard work, use your talents to generate extra funds.
✔️ Ask for Support: Friends and family want to help, give them the opportunity to contribute.

You Are Worth It!!

Recovery isn’t just about showing up, it’s about fighting for yourself.

You deserve the best possible care, and if financial barriers stand in the way, know that there are ways to overcome them. Be bold, be persistent, and never be afraid to ask for what you need.

Your health, your strength, your future is all within reach!

19/02/2025

Gait Training at The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre

Regaining the ability to walk after a spinal cord injury or neurological condition is about more than just movement, it’s about freedom, confidence and independence.

At The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre, we provide specialised gait training to help individuals improve strength, balance and coordination at any stage of their recovery.

Using techniques like body-weight-supported treadmill training, functional electrical stimulation and hands-on therapy, we create a personalised program to help you progress towards your mobility goals in a safe and effective way.

We understand that everyone’s recovery journey is unique, and while outcomes may vary, our commitment remains the same, to support and celebrate every milestone along the way.
Whether it’s improving movement control, standing with confidence, or taking steps towards greater mobility, every achievement is meaningful, and we’ll be with you at every stage of your progress!

Gait training is beneficial for individuals recovering from:
✔ Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
✔ Stroke (CVA)
✔ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
✔ Parkinson’s Disease
✔ Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
✔ Cerebral Palsy (CP)

📍 Take your next step with us! Contact The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre today to start your journey towards greater mobility.

12/02/2025

Sports aren’t just about competition, they’re a game-changer for mental health!

From stress relief to confidence boosts, staying active helps clear the mind and build resilience.

Whether you’re playing, training, or just moving, every step counts toward better health & well-being.

Our Team Leader & Exercise Physiologist shares his knowledge and personal experiences getting involved and playing sport for health benefits, over on our blog!

Featured in this photo is our

05/02/2025

Ever wondered what an Exercise Physiology session at TNS looks like?

At The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre, every session is a mix of movement, progress, fun, and lots of laughter!

Here’s what to expect when joining us for a session!

🔥 Warm-up: Light cardio, dynamic stretching & mental prep to get in the zone.

🎯 Focused training: Personalized exercises targeting neuroplasticity, strength, endurance & mobility.

📈 Progressive overload: Smart, evidence-based training to push limits safely.

😂 Fun & laughter: Because healing happens best when you’re smiling!

🧘 Cool-down & recovery: Active recovery, reflection & next steps for continued progress.

Your journey to greatness starts here!

04/02/2025

At The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre we believe in nurturing our health and wellbeing both inside and outside the workplace.

While our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and hard work during work hours, we know that taking time to unwind, reset, and focus on our personal wellbeing is just as important.

In our Beyond Boundaries blog series, we’ll share the various health and wellness practices explored by our team members outside of work to help recharge, reset, and feel their best.

Team TNS recognises that wellness is a holistic practice that goes beyond what happens in the office.

By exploring a variety of activities, from connecting with nature to holistic healing, sports, mindfulness, and healthy eating, we continue to support our team’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

We hope our Beyond Boundaries series encourages you to discover your own wellness practices and make self-care a priority.

Stay tuned for more insights into our team’s wellness journeys, and remember: wellbeing is a journey, not a destination!

31/01/2025

Ever wondered how a Physiotherapist can assist with your recovery AND your NDIS Planning?

Ok, before we get into this let’s talk about what a Physiotherapist can actually do. (I mean, they do go to university for a long time and all - so did our EP’s!)

Physiotherapists are experts in movement and rehabilitation, helping individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and regain independence.

They play a crucial role in neurological, spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery, and recovery for the general population, using evidence-based interventions to improve strength, mobility, and function.

Physiotherapy & Neurological Recovery - INCLUDING spinal cord injury:
Rehabilitation begins as soon as the patient is medically stable. A physiotherapist can help with:

✅ Strength & mobility training
✅ Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES, TENS)
✅ Hand therapy & upper limb function
✅ Gait training & wheelchair skills
✅ Dry Needling
✅ Massage

Physiotherapy & the NDIS:
Physiotherapists are recognized NDIS providers, helping participants access funding, create care plans, and provide assessments to support their needs.

Recovery is different for everyone, and a team-centered approach ensures the best outcomes. If you or someone you know is navigating their recovery, a physiotherapist can make a life-changing difference!

Our absolute champion of a physiotherapist, Olivia is available for all the above services and would love to have a good old chat with you to discuss how she can help you take your next step.

Book in now for your free 15 minute discovery call with Liv on 9408 4871.

29/01/2025

MIDWEEK MOTIVATION: Move your body to elevate your mind!

Your body was made to move, and today is the perfect day to honor that!

Whether it’s a walk, a push of your wheelchair down the street, a workout, or a stretch session, movement fuels your energy, lifts your mood, and strengthens your body.

But did you know an Exercise Physiologist can help you move safely and effectively for maximum results?

Oh you didn’t?! Well let us explain to you why!

Why move today? ✅ Boost your mood—hello, endorphins! 😃 ✅ Reduce stress & anxiety—your mind will thank you. 🧘‍♀️ ✅ Strengthen your body—because strong feels amazing! 💥 ✅ Improve performance & prevent injury—move smarter, not harder! 🚀

💡 But why work with an Exercise Physiologist? ✔️ Personalized guidance for your goals & needs ✔️ Safe movement for injury prevention & rehab ✔️ Expert advice for chronic conditions & mobility issues ✔️ Motivation & accountability to keep you on track.

Working with an exercise physiologist can take your movement game to the next level. These experts tailor workouts to your unique needs, ensuring that you’re not just moving, but moving in the most effective way possible. From boosting your energy to improving your strength and flexibility, the benefits are endless.

Not sold yet?

Well if the above wasn’t enough, the TNS Exercise Physiologist’s are also great golfers, alright dancers, great coffee makers, and some of the best in the field of neurological conditions including spinal cord injuries.

That being said, we are here to get EVERYONE moving, so if you’re not sold yet, get in touch and book in a free 15 minute discovery call with our facilities founder Rhiannon. If her recovery journey doesn’t get you moving like the inflatable man in a car yard, then we don’t know what will!

Give us a call on 9408 4871 or get in touch via social media to find out more.

20/01/2025

Let’s Talk - Realistic Recovery Goals!

There’s a common belief that the first 12 months after a spinal cord injury (SCI) are when the most significant gains in function and strength happen.

Why is this? Well, in those early months, the brain and nervous system are especially primed for neuroplasticity—basically, the ability to adapt and rewire.
This period of heightened neuroplasticity can give people a better chance at regaining some function.

But, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean every injury can be “fixed” with effort alone. It just means that rehabilitation progress might be more noticeable within that first year.

That said, the theory doesn’t always take into account the reality of those first 12 months. It’s a time of huge life change, and there are many reasons—both physical and emotional—why rehab might get interrupted or feel difficult to stick with.

*Head on over to our Instagram to read more on this topic!

Address

Melbourne, VIC

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9:30am - 5:30am

Telephone

+61394084871

Website

http://www.thenextstepsci.org.au/

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