Mid North Coast Allied Health - Hastings

25/09/2025

23/09/2025

Incorporating Sign Language in Early Childhood Development
In celebration of International Sign Language Day – September 23rd

Communication is at the heart of every child’s development. Before children even speak, they observe, mimic, and gesture to express their needs and connect with the world. This is where sign language becomes a powerful tool—not just for children with hearing impairments, but for all children, especially in the early years.

🌱 Why Use Sign Language in Early Childhood?
Boosts Communication Before Speech Develops
Babies and toddlers can sign before they can speak. Teaching simple signs like “more,” “eat,” or “help” reduces frustration, supports emotional regulation, and strengthens the parent-child bond.

Enhances Language and Cognitive Skills
Research shows that using signs alongside spoken language can increase vocabulary, understanding, and memory retention. Signing engages multiple areas of the brain, supporting deeper learning.

Supports Children with Diverse Needs
For children with developmental delays, speech and language challenges, or autism spectrum disorders, sign language can provide an accessible communication bridge, promoting independence and confidence.

Encourages Inclusion and Empathy
Introducing sign language early fosters awareness and inclusion. Children learn that communication comes in many forms and grow up valuing diversity.

👶 Simple Ways to Incorporate Sign Language in Early Learning Environments:
Start Small: Teach a few key signs like “hello,” “more,” “please,” “thank you,” and “toilet.” Use them consistently during routines.

Use Songs and Rhymes: Signing along with songs like "Twinkle Twinkle" or "The Wheels on the Bus" makes learning fun and memorable.

Storytime with Signs: Add signs while reading books to support understanding and attention.

Model Frequently: Use signs alongside spoken words. Repetition and consistency are key.

Encourage Peer Interaction: Teach a few signs to groups of children to promote social interaction and play.

23/09/2025

Mid North Coast Allied Health – Team Development Day 🌟

Last week, our team came together for an engaging and energising Development Day, filled with valuable learning, collaboration, and a strong sense of connection.

The day was structured to strengthen both our clinical knowledge and our culture, combining formal learning with interactive team-building activities—and even finishing with a fun and relaxed golf afternoon to celebrate our teamwork!

🎓 Headlining the day were presentations from our experienced clinicians across multiple disciplines, sharing their knowledge and insights:

Prue Nesbitt (Occupational Therapist) – Older Adult Services

Caleisha Thrower (Occupational Therapist) – Paediatric Occupational Therapy

Darrell Pascoe (Physiotherapist) – Parkinson’s Management

Candace Foy (Paediatric Physiotherapist) – Introduction to Paediatric Physiotherapy

Candy Williams (Exercise Physiologist) – Lymphatic Services & Cancer CX Classes

Josiah (Physiotherapist) – MANPLAN Program

Zade Goodenough & Rohan Toft (Physiotherapists) – GLA:D Program for Osteoarthritis

💼 We were also privileged to welcome Daniel Glauberts, Operations and Multi-Site Manager at Healthia, as our guest speaker. Daniel delivered a powerful session on team development, highlighting the importance of working collaboratively and growing together as a high-performing, values-driven team.

As part of the day, we also recognised team members who exemplify the Mid North Coast Allied Health values 🏆

Communication – Annie & Jen, Practice Managers

Client Care – Juliana, Physiotherapist

Support – Nathan, Lead Physiotherapist

Congratulations to all our award recipients for leading by example and living out our core values every day. 👏

This development day was not only an investment in our professional growth but a celebration of the amazing culture we’re building as a team. Here's to continuous learning, collaboration, and delivering exceptional care to our community!

22/09/2025

Have you seen us out at Sovereign Place Town Centre? There’s easy parking, convenient access, and lots of other great retailers to visit while you’re there! Why not book in and see our team today?

Did you know we’ve got a physio right here at Sovereign Place? 🙌

Mid North Coast Allied Health - Hastings makes it easy to look after your health - close to home, close to work and tailored to you.

22/09/2025

Our Physiotherapists and Remedial Massage Therapists work hand in hand to get you on the road to recovery - But why do they work so well together?

While physiotherapy focuses on diagnosing and correcting the underlying causes of pain or dysfunction, remedial massage works more directly on the soft tissues to help the body feel better, move more freely, and recover faster. When used together, they create a more holistic, well-rounded approach to healing.

This combination is especially powerful for people dealing with chronic pain, recurring injuries, or high stress and tension. Massage offers immediate relief and relaxation, while physiotherapy builds resilience and function over time. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or someone navigating a long-term condition, the teamwork between physio and massage means better results, faster. 🤝🌿

📍At Mid North Coast Allied Health, we often integrate both into a person’s treatment plan— because healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about using every tool we can to help you move well, feel well, and live well.

17/09/2025

PD Warrior Classes

This program is designed to slow your progression and reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease through neuroplastic change. We use effortful exercises to re-wire the brain to move better and more freely, allowing you to return to activities that Parkinson's limits for you.

Some great benefits to the class:
➡️Enhance your mobility

➡️Improve balance and Co-ordination

➡️Gain more confidence and reduce anxiety!

💡Neuroplasticity: Capacity for the brain to re-wire your movement patterns in response to stimulating activity.

15/09/2025

Dry Needling 💢🌿

How does dry needling help?
Dry needling is a technique used to treat pain and dysfunction. It is great to reduce pain, increased muscle relaxation and release of chemicals associated with the pain response.

It isn't a stand-alone treatment, and therapists will use this technique adjunct or as a component of a comprehensive treatment plan. We offer this service as this treatment works hand in hand with manual therapy by targeting muscle knots, tightness, and pain.

☎ 1300 273 747
✉ info@mncalliedhealth.com
📱 http://mncalliedhealth.com

11/09/2025

R U OK? Day – A Reminder to Check In, Speak Up, and Support Each Other 🌼

Today is R U OK? Day, a powerful national reminder that a simple conversation could change a life.

Mental health challenges don’t always look the same – they can be hidden behind a smile, masked by busy schedules, or brushed off with a quick "I'm fine." But asking “Are you OK?” with genuine care can make a world of difference.

At Mid North Coast Allied Health, we understand how important it is to feel heard, supported, and connected. Whether you're struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures, our compassionate team is here to walk alongside you.

🧠 We offer a range of mental health support services, including:
➡Occupational therapy
➡Support for children, teens, and adults
➡NDIS support and tailored care plans
➡Tools to help manage emotional well-being

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself.

This R U OK? Day, take a moment to check in – with your colleagues, friends, family, and yourself. And if you or someone you know needs extra support, we're here to help.