Natasha has been a practising Massage and Myotherapist for the past 12 years. She has worked with a lifespan of clients helping them improve their health, to live their best life. Natasha has a passion for leading dynamic teams to achieve optimal outcomes for clients and their families and is looking forward to leading the Victorian Massage Therapy team to achieve great things.
Natasha has spent numerous years working with Commonwealth and Olympic athletes on injury prevention, treatments, and rehabilitation programs. Travelling both within Australia and overseas leading teams of clinical staff in various settings has given her great insight into the importance and many aspects of Olympic level teamwork.
One of the most rewarding roles she has had to date was symptom managing palliative and aged care clients with terminal illnesses. Natasha led a team of 16 clinicians across four disciplines in Massage, Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, MND Family support work. The interdisciplinary nature and collegiality of the work was both motivating and made going to work each day a joy for her.
Treating clients specifically for symptom management brings rewards to not only the client, but their loved ones who are so grateful for the care. I am passionate about leading and working with a team to create great outcomes for clients and their families and friends.
Natasha enjoys a work life balance, continuing to upgrade her industry knowledge, keeping fit at the gym, following live music events and spending time with her two Cavoodles, Chai and Murphy.
Get Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
We can help you take the guesswork and uncertainty out of whether your client would benefit from the success of physiotherapy, an exercise program or assistive equipment to improve their mobility when movement is challenging.
Our multidisciplinary team understand that mobility inside the home, within the community and beyond is a requirement for independence and a cornerstone of quality of life at all ages.
To assess mobility, our team may:
Perform a thorough subjective assessment to ascertain what aspects of movement a client is finding challenging and what effect that has on their lives.
Analyse gait on a variety of surfaces.
Evaluate a person’s ability to move in bed, sit and stand up.
Assess stair or step climbing, if appropriate.
Determine the need for mobility aids.
Assess strength, endurance, and balance to understand the causes of loss of mobility.
Once a thorough assessment has been performed, we will work with clients to create goals of treatment and individualised interventions that can help them to reach those objectives.
Here’s five signs that a person may need a mobility assessment:
Reduced ability to manage activities of daily living due to problems with walking, standing up or stair climbing.
Loss of confidence in leaving the house.
Family members or caregivers reporting an increased need to assist with standing-up and walking.
A history of falling or fear of falling.
Anyone returning home after a period of prolonged hospitalisation due to injury or illness who is experiencing a reduction in function.
With our multidisciplinary and holistic wellbeing approach, Empower’s assessment reports provide clarity and direction to equip you with the knowledge to determine the best care plan going forward.
We pride ourselves in the delivery of innovative, high-quality, allied health solutions that constantly evolve to exceed the needs of your clients and their communities. Our service model integrates five service commitments that empower you to help your clients improve their sense of self-identity, quality of life, and ability to live safely in their environment.
Extensive service offerings
Care provided by highly skilled clinicians
A team approach to delivering continuity of care
User friendly referral process
Superior reports providing clarity on future care needs.
Click on your relevant health care industry sector below to learn more.
How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Working with the ex-service community for over a decade has given Kristy has a passion for aged care and lots of respect for the aging community.
Kristy has noticed
a huge need for greater pain management in the form of non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical approaches.
Manual therapy in the form of massage provides many benefits for clients physical and mental health including decreased depression and agitation, resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.
The COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for therapeutic touch as a way to connect and manage pain. Working in residential and community-based care during lockdowns has allowed Kristy the opportunity to connect with the most vulnerable and isolated members of our society who at times are in desperate need for human interaction.
Kristy has experience with high care, dementia, individual and group exercise therapy programs promoting strength and balance. Pain management therapy is also a specialist area for Kristy having implemented and managed a wellness centre promoting wellbeing and quality of life of countless residents. It is one of her proudest achievements to date.
Unfortunately, due to Covid, the organisation made the heartbreaking decision to close the clinic and like many others during the pandemic, this gave Kristy the opportunity to embark on a new career path. Kristy studied remedial massage therapy whilst working part time as a community based Allied Health Assistant and has now joined the team here at Empower Healthcare.
Personally, Kristy enjoys painting pet portraits and lives with her husband, dog Jester and cat Artemis.
Kristy joins a team of highly trained massage therapist who use a therapeutic approach to massage. They offer a broad range of individualised massage treatments chosen to accommodate the mobility status, preferences and needs of the people they see at home.
Our clinicians bring their own equipment with them and can massage the client on a massage table, on their bed, or in high supported sitting with a range of relaxing oils and creams, or the personal products preferred by the client.
Kristy is looking forward to working with the Mornington and surrounds community helping her clients to live their best lives.
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
About Empower Healthcare
We Change Lives
Changing lives is what we do. Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.
Founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.
The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology – https://aussie-online-casinos.com/best-paying-online-pokies/.
Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.
A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients. Helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.
Empower Healthcare has a team of Allied Health Assistants (AHA’s) that work under the direction of Physiotherapists to deliver holistic care.
This diverse role can range from delivering tailored treatment plans to providing education to clients and families. Far from dull, the role of an AHA is another service approach available to freeing up funds for improved access to extended therapy, equipment and medical needs.
Nathan shares his experience as an Allied Health Assistant
Being an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) at Empower allows me to use my experience to make a connection with people and their community whilst offering the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals. Since completing my Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, I have gained experience in aged care, community health, and in-home care.
I have been involved in many community health programs including hydrotherapy, chronic pain management, and balance and strengthening exercise programs, working alongside several different health professionals most notably Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists.
Working as an AHA in the community allows me to see and share in the clients benefits and achievements which is inspiring. Working closely with people from all walks of life and being a part of their story is a special feeling. I am very fortunate to be able to help empower others and have a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Outside of work I love spending time with my family which includes my wife, my two energetic, competitive and rapidly growing boys, and our much loved (spoilt) border collie Tilly. I try to stay fit and active and enjoy jogging, riding, and walking. I also love getting to work in the garden especially growing veggies and chilies. In my down time I love to read (usually historical fiction), and enjoy watching most sports including AFL, basketball and soccer, and I am a tragic fan of the Tour de France.
Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.
Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care and knew how to do it. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.
The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fueled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.
Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.
A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients- helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.
How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Home massage offers the power of touch whilst assisting accelerated healing, induce relaxation, reduce pain, and provides general comfort for the receiver. During a time when human contact and interaction have been drastically reduced due to social distancing requirements a home massage can help. This ancient evidence-based therapy is more vital than ever in addressing the needs of people who have limited mobility and are isolated while managing chronic conditions at home.
Highly Trained Health Care Professionals
Empower massage clinicians are highly trained health care professionals who use a therapeutic approach to massage. They offer a broad range of individualised massage treatments chosen to accommodate the mobility status, preferences and needs of the people they see at home.
Our clinicians bring their own equipment with them and can massage the client on a massage table, on their bed, or in high supported sitting with a range of relaxing oils and creams, or the personal products preferred by the client.
Benefits of Home Massage
Decreased depression and agitation, resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.
Many people are anxious about massage until they have one and experience the benefits that this therapy can bring, including;
Relaxation of muscles and soft tissue that have become tight and shortened due to postural changes and decreased activity.
Reduction in pain caused by common conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back problems.
Improved circulation leading to decreased swelling and improved lymphatic function.
Decreased depression and agitation, resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.
Living independently does not have to mean living in isolation and in pain. Massage therapy can be a powerful tool in improving the quality of life of people who struggle to access services and supports outside of their homes and who wish to continue living life the way they want to, where they want to.
Click here to learn more about our remedial massage service offerings.
How To Get Started With Empower
To arrange a referral, click on the image below
About Empower Healthcare
We Change Lives
Changing lives is what we do.
Delivering high quality allied health services is how we do it.
Empower Healthcare was founded in 2016 by two people who were determined to improve the standards of allied health services in residential aged care and knew how to do it. With industry knowledge and an innovative approach, Adam and Matthew set about defining what allied health services can be when quality and person-centred care is placed before all else in healthcare.
The partnership, that merged clinical expertise with business acumen, soon established Empower Healthcare as a leading provider of quality physiotherapy services in residential aged care facilities in Victoria. This success fuelled the expansion of our services within residential aged care, home care and NDIS to deliver occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, podiatry, dietetics, osteopathy, massage and speech pathology.
Now offering comprehensive allied health services with more than 180 dedicated and passionate clinicians working in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, Empower Healthcare is growing and taking our unique approach with us.
A lot has changed over the years but not our commitment to the highest quality care, delivered by expert clinicians, aimed at improving the independence and quality of life of our clients- helping our clients live their lives the way they want to.
Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Many chronic conditions like Diabetes, require more than 1 or 2 allied health team members for good management. Diabetes is an example of a complicated condition where an assessment may reveal the need for referral to a few members of the multidisciplinary team.
Here are a some of the ways that the various professions can help people managing Diabetes.
Nurses
Nurses monitor blood sugar levels and assist with medication management. They also manage the general health of people, including the comorbidities that are common in people with Diabetes, such as high blood pressure, kidney disfunction and eye disorders.
Dietitians
A well-managed diet is a cornerstone of diabetes care. Dietitians can develop individualized meal plans that take the tastes and preferences of people into account, while ensuring that blood glucose levels remain stable.
Podiatrists
Foot care is an essential part of care for people who are struggling to manage their sugar levels. Podiatrists ensure the correct footwear, nail care and skin management of the feet to prevent ulcers and ingrown toenails.
Physiotherapists
Diabetes can result in various complications that reduce mobility and having input from a physiotherapist to promote strength, balance and endurance can improve the independence and health outcomes of people with diabetes at any stage of the disease.
Occupational Therapists
Unfortunately, some of the health consequences of diabetes can result in disability requiring relearning and reablement for some of life’s vital activities of daily living. OT’s can provide rehabilitation to improve the function of people managing some of the more serious effects of diabetes and assist with the adaptions that homes may need to make living independently at home possible and enjoyable.
Massage Therapists
Along with the benefits of relaxation and improved well-being, massage may also be useful in managing the painful neuropathies that occur in people with diabetes. Combined with the effects on circulation and stress relief, massage therapy is an important adjunct to other therapies in the management of diabetes.
If your client is not on top of their diabetes care plan, let Empower Healthcare bring together the expertise and skills of different allied health professionals to support your client in management of their complex condition.
The Empower Difference
Changing Lives Through Exceptional Care
We pride ourselves in the delivery of innovative, high-quality, allied health solutions that constantly evolve to exceed the needs of your clients and their communities. Our service model integrates five service commitments that empower you to help your clients improve their sense of self-identity, quality of life, and ability to live safely in their environment.
Extensive service offerings
Care provided by highly skilled clinicians
A team approach to delivering continuity of care
User friendly referral process
Superior reports providing clarity on future care needs.
Click on your relevant health care industry sector below to learn more.
How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years as part of holistic health practices. Thanks to a growing body of research, we now understand why massage is effective and how best to use it to improve health and wellbeing across all life stages. While regular massage therapy may improve overall quality of life, here are some specific benefits for older adults receiving regular massage therapy:
Relaxation of muscles and soft tissue that have become tight and shortened due to postural changes and decreased activity in later life.
Reduction in pain caused by common conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back problems.
Improved circulation leading to decreased swelling and improved lymphatic function.
Decreased depression and agitation in older adults resulting in feelings of wellbeing and comfort.
Older adults bear much of the stress and anxiety during the current COVID-19 crisis. The limits on safe human interaction and touch have resulted in poor mental health outcomes for many people. The powerful stress relieving effects of massage therapy can help to alleviate the impact of social distancing and isolation for vulnerable seniors living at home and improve their ability to manage living independently for longer.
Empower Healthcare is a national allied-health service provider and partner with Home Care package providers, NDIS plan managers & Aged Care organisations to deliver life changing allied health services. We offer a full-service platform from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics to osteopathy, massage therapy and most recently, home nursing services and pride ourselves in the delivery of high-quality therapy solutions, value packed services and responsive ethos.
It is a very exciting time with Empower Healthcare building on the success of its Victorian operation and now expanding nationally into NSW & WA. With a growing team of 100+ clinicians, we provide over 1,500 treatments every day and service more than 100 healthcare organisations. Building on this strong foundation, we are well positioned and committed to delivering exceptional care.
Our therapists genuinely care about the people we work with and take the time to build strong relationships that holistically improve social, physical and mental wellbeing to live happier and healthier lives.
How To Get Clients Started With Our Home Care & NDIS Services
Simply click on the image below for our referral form.
Empower’s incredibly skilful remedial massage team are available and ready to renew massage therapy services to Home Care clients.
If your client is suffering from chronic pain, muscle soreness and or tightness, restriction of movement and muscle tension, our therapists are here to help.
Our accredited and experienced therapists deliver soothing remedial massage techniques that will release muscle pain, tension, stimulate circulation and aid natural healing processes in damaged areas of the body.
Click here to learn more about our remedial massage service offerings.
Our Service Guarantee
“Our promise: We respond faster. Whether it’s our short waiting lists, same day reporting or simple referral process, you can rest assured that your client is in the best hands.”
We have listened to our clients and they don’t have the time to micro-manage their portfolio. They want to partner with someone that is reliable and dependable with transparent pricing structures.
Adam Gilroy Smith, CEO reveals, “Empower has grown by 100% over the past year based on our service model across Home Care, NDIS and Residential Aged Care. By listening to our clients and the challenges they face, we adapt, stay well positioned and respond fast to deliver exceptional care. The launch of our new service model is another example of Empower Healthcare’s ability to be agile in a rapidly changing environment.”
Having a massage is one of the most relaxing things on Earth. I mean it doesn’t take a Scientist to know that having a massage feels so good. But there are a few Scientific things occurring to our bodies during and after a massage that explain why we feel so good.
1. Increased circulation
Research tells us that massage leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) through stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system receptors. Through the physical manipulation of soft tissue and associated chemical responses, the circulatory or cardiovascular system ensures that blood is circulated throughout the body.
Why is this important you ask?
Well blood contains nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones and blood cells and the circulatory system is the means to transport these to and from the cells and tissues within our bodies. This creates healthier cells and tissues within the body by removing the toxins and waste to promote homeostasis.
2. Increased levels of Happy chemicals: Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphins
This quartet is responsible for our happiness and many studies have shown that Massage leads to increased levels of these neurotransmitters in our systems. So not only is Massage beneficial for our Physical wellbeing but improves our Mental wellbeing also.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurohormone that is released by the Hypothalamus in our bodies and provides us with improved psychological effects. This neurotransmitter helps regulate movement, emotional response and most importantly controls the brains reward and pleasure centers. So for some people receiving a massage induces the same sense of pleasure as physical intimacy, alcohol or recreational drugs. No wonder some people have an addiction to massages!
Serotonin
Serotonin is a mood stabiliser and often flows when we feel significant or important. Research has shown that massages can decease our levels of cortisol by 30 percent and when the production of Cortisol is inhibited our brains are in an optimal state to produce serotonin. As a result from the positive impact on mood and feelings of content it is not uncommon for people to fall asleep during a massage despite rigorous physical manipulation.
Oxytocin
More commonly known as the “love hormone” is released when massage is not vigorous i.e. a gentle massage you would receive in a spa whilst getting pampered. The increased production of this hormone often leads to that warm and fuzzy feeling inside and is often elevated in nursing mothers or people who fall in love.
Endorphins
We’ve all heard of Endorphins but what are they actually? Endorphins or “endogenous morphine” refers to a morphine-like substance originating from within the body (they are produced by the Central Nervous System and the Pituitary Gland). Their primary role is to inhibit the communication of pain signals but can also produce a feeling of euphoria (an experience of pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of wellbeing and happiness) funnily enough the same sensation experienced from other opoids.
