Introducing Dean Thurgood Physiotherapist and the benefits of physiotherapy for all ages
Meet Dean Thurgood, the new onsite physiotherapist at Garden Village who is helping residents and the community experience the health and wellbeing benefits of physiotherapy.
Thurgood Physiotherapy is now located at Garden Village, expanding his services for residents and the wider community. The benefits of physiotherapy include enhanced mobility, injury prevention and management of chronic conditions to improve quality of life.
“Physiotherapy is an important part of our health and wellbeing program. We are delighted Dean has chosen to base his practice at Garden Village and look forward to seeing more residents take advantage of this great service on our doortstep” said CEO Craig Wearne.
Dean, how long have you worked with the Garden Village community and what services do you offer?
I’ve enjoyed working at Garden Village for the past three years. I facilitate group exercise and Hydrotherapy classes with Garden Village Aged Care residents twice a week and have recently started to offer physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy programs for independent living residents and the wider community.
What is most rewarding about working with older people?
Working as a Physiotherapist in aged care allows me to build strong working relationships with the residents. I regularly review with residents, provide education regarding manual handling, encourage regular exercise and activity to promote healthy ageing.
What type of physiotherapy do you offer?
I place a strong emphasis on accurate assessment, diagnosis and education with all patients. I utilize hands-on techniques including joint mobilization, massage, and dry needling to improve mobility and pain. I enjoy developing exercise programmes for people of all ages with a focus on building functional strength and improving quality of life so it’s great to have access to the Garden Village gym.
I’ve completed advanced training in dry needling for both general and athletic populations, observed many orthopedic surgeries, and have a particular interest in assessing and treating the neck, lower back, knee and hip/sacral pain.
Garden Village prioritizes physiotherapy exercise classes, why is this important?
The biggest benefit is to prevent falls and maintain independence. As we age, the risk of falls increases, and falls can result in serious injuries that can impact our quality of life. Falls prevention for seniors is important to maintain independence, mobility, and overall health. Daily exercise should include activities that improve strength and balance. I see and work with many residents in Garden Village who have been impacted by falls, and work with many to prevent future falls. It is vital that all residents participate in prevention measures long before the falls and near misses occur. Prevention is the key, don’t wait until you have had a fall to do something about it.
Tell us about the new location and services for the community
I have a modern clinic space with access to the well equipped Garden Village gym located in the Cascades. The clinic and gym are both quiet, comfortable and calm spaces ideal for one on one physio sessions. There’s car parking on Garden Crescent and the Waterfalls Cafe is open for coffee. Garden Village has a beautiful recently upgraded hydrotherapy pool used for aqua aerobics and by allied health professionals like myself to support people’s rehabilitation and exercise.
Is your practice open to the community and the general public?
Yes everyone is welcome, bookings can be made via mobile, Facebook or contact me through Garden Village.
Thurgood Physiotherapy
Suite 1, 19 Garden Crescent (The Cascades), Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444
M – 0422852807
E – deanthurgoodphysiotherapy@gmail.com
