Technology has finally made its mark on physiotherapy in South Africa. At Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, MoveSmart, a physiotherapy and rehabilitation solutions service, is transforming rehabilitation by integrating advanced technologies, enhancing patient care, and supporting the work of orthopaedic surgeons like Dr Ashley Naidoo.
“The MoveSmart solution integrates recognised rehabilitation and preventative care programmes into therapy practices, allowing physiotherapists, surgeons, and patients to track their weekly improvement. This data collection and analysis from pre to post-surgery provide invaluable insights, enhancing care protocols and patient outcomes,” comments Dr Naidoo.
"Data is the new oil," he asserts, emphasising its pivotal role in modern healthcare. "The capacity to gather and analyse patient outcomes from pre- to post-surgery is invaluable, shaping care and driving continuous improvement in treatment protocols and patient care strategies."
| Pic: Br Ashley Naidoo: Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ashley Naidoo says, "Data is the new oil. The capacity to gather and analyse patient outcomes from pre- to post-surgery is invaluable, shaping care and driving continuous improvement in treatment protocols and patient care strategies." |
| Pic: Ulaysha Narandas: Ulaysha Narandas of MoveSmart champions cutting-edge technology to ensure precise, personalised rehabilitation. “With people living longer, our goal is to help them stay healthy and independent,” she emphasises. |
Under the leadership of physiotherapist Ulaysha Narandas, MoveSmart has embraced cutting-edge international technologies from brands like HUR and Technobody, significantly enhancing precision and effectiveness in rehabilitation. Narandas, passionate about her work, underscores the importance of personalised care: "Nowadays, people are living longer, well into their eighties and nineties. That is why we are dedicated to helping our patients live healthier lives while remaining independent for as long as possible." This commitment shines through in the individualised care provided to each patient, from the youngest at eight to the oldest at 88.
Dr Naidoo reports that patients have responded positively to the new approach, noting that they feel more involved in their care. “They can track their progress in motion, strength and stability weekly; this boosts morale and encourages them to take responsibility and engage in their recovery. These advanced technologies help ensure patients remain more compliant with prescribed programmes, which are crucial for optimal outcomes and fall prevention, especially among elderly osteoporotic patients.
"Preventing the next fall is vital for their longevity," he explains. “This physiotherapy and rehabilitation solution offers specific programmes to reduce falls in this demographic, showcasing the technology's role in patient safety and expedited recovery. One of my patients, a young athlete who suffered a biceps tendon rupture, exemplifies this success. After surgical repair and six weeks of rest, he engaged in MoveSmart’s biceps curl regimen. By twelve weeks, he regained his preoperative strength and range of motion in the elbow, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced physiotherapy in accelerating recovery and restoring function.
“Many of our patients are referred by their doctors and specialists, while other, happy patients recommend us to friends and family. The positive feedback is heartwarming, with patients often describing their visits as the highlight of their week. It is this personal connection that drives our dedicated team to treat each patient with genuine care,” says Narandas.
One particularly compelling story is that of Lukie du Preez, who slipped a disc in his back in 2018 at the age of 38. "That was the beginning of a world of pain for me," he recalls. “After many years of pain, relief only came when I joined the Discovery Spinal Conservation Care Programme and met Ulaysha Narandas and her team at MoveSmart. The personalised programme and HUR machines made a significant difference to me, so much so that I would feel years younger and pain-free within ten minutes of my arrival," he says. Today, Lukie is on a maintenance programme and has regained much of his active lifestyle.
The transformation Lukie experienced is not unique. Many patients, initially apprehensive about the high-tech equipment, quickly become advocates once they experience the benefits. The equipment, imported from Finland, was the first in the South African market when Narandas introduced it. "I knew how valuable this equipment would be in treating our patients in South Africa. To begin with, the equipment’s medical-grade pneumatic technology, which works with air pressure, is safer and causes less strain on the joints.”
“MoveSmart's humancentric approach begins with a comprehensive assessment, including precise measurements to customise the equipment settings. Patients receive hands-on treatment before being given a personalised tag that ensures the equipment is tailored to their needs. This system enhances safety and effectiveness and allows for the collaboration of results and progress with the care team, motivating patients to stay committed to their rehabilitation journey,” explains Narandas.
One of the standout features of the system is its emphasis on "Smart Rehab," a concept that blends personalised care with intelligent technology. This approach allows for tailored rehabilitation programmes that adapt to each patient's progress and specific needs. The integration of Finnish-designed HUR equipment ensures that exercises are safe and efficient, benefiting patients with various non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and other ailments.
“The innovative strength training protocols are tailored to manage and alleviate symptoms associated with NCDs. Using HUR's specialised strength training equipment, known for its ergonomic design and precise resistance control, the team can help patients achieve better health outcomes with reduced risk of injury. This is particularly beneficial for older patients and those with co-morbidities, where strength training can also help with fall prevention.
Back and neck problems can severely impact daily life and productivity. The physiotherapy team designs rehabilitation programmes for these conditions to relieve pain and improve mobility and function. The integration of Italian-manufactured Technobody devices, which offer advanced therapies and telerehabilitation solutions, ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that targets the root causes of their issues,” notes Narandas.
The collaboration with HUR and Technobody underscores MoveSmart's commitment to integrating the best global practices and products into the South African market. HUR's reputation for quality and reliability in strength training equipment complements Technobody's innovative therapies, enhancing the rehabilitation experience for patients at MoveSmart.
“It has been two years since we installed the equipment, and my confidence in this solution has strengthened due to its consistent performance and the positive results we've seen. The equipment has not only benefited me personally, given the physically demanding nature of my work, but it has also significantly improved the outcomes for our patients. Their progress and feedback have further reinforced my belief in the effectiveness of this solution. We work with a myriad of different conditions, from patients with diabetes and hypertension to individuals with dizziness and balance issues brought on by vestibular problems and, of course, patients with general joint injuries and spinal conditions,” adds Narandas.
“We are piloting a programme with Discovery for their Spinal Conservation Care Programme. The programme consists of treatments funded from the risk-benefit, which is superb for qualifying medical scheme members. In the case of adult patients with diabetes, many of whom are referred to us by their doctors, we focus on strength training. As you age, you lose muscle mass year after year, and with older patients and those with co-morbidities, we focus on building muscle mass. The best way to do so is through exercise and strength training. In older patients, this also helps with fall prevention,” concludes Narandas.
Contact MoveSmart by visiting www.movesmart.co.za or calling 011 304 7911.
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Notes to editors
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Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Waterfall City Hospital
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster, Clementine Forsthofer or Natasha Burger
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