What do you think when you hear the word ‘outreach’?

ROMANEY KENNEDY (RECEPTION)

The definition of outreach is:

noun. /ˈaʊtriːtʃ/

The extent or length of reaching out.

That is exactly what Lou and her team of osteopaths at Central Mallee Osteopathy have been doing over this unfamiliar and unique year that has been 2020. Growing up on a farm in Berriwillock, she is aware of the importance of good health along with good pain management, injury treatment, and rehabilitation programming and execution – so taking the team on the road to offer high quality allied health services, implementing an Osteopathy Outreach Program to rural communities during Covid (and beyond) was a no brainer.

SCROLL TO END FOR A SPECIAL 2020 OUTREACH PHOTO GALLERY

The team at Central Mallee Osteopathy believes that extending their outreach services to those in rural Mallee locations during this time has been essential to supporting people in their communities both physically and mentally. So, what does an Osteopath do? Osteopathy is very similar to physiotherapy and chiropractic, using a combination of techniques and an individualised approach, focusing on your musculoskeletal system – the bones, muscles, nerves, and other tissues that support your body and control its movements. Using the whole body, the way it moves and strengthening the right parts to ease pain and improve performance.

Jake, Louise & Lachlan, Birchip Outreach

The outreach services have been made possible by the dedicated support of the communities and patients that are involved. During times of adversity, we have understood that those living in rural communities have often faced uncertain times, loneliness and isolation, changes in normal healthy habits and behaviours, with fears around what the future holds.

It has never been more important to deliver our knowledge and support, making our outreach services available to towns such as: Berriwillock, Boort, Birchip, Ouyen, Robinvale, Woomelang and Wycheproof. While all of these Mallee towns have unique differences, they do have one thing in common – that welcoming small country town feel that you just can’t beat, and something that we look forward to every time we visit.

Early morning starts, packing up and hauling clinic equipment from place to place, enjoying country roads and sunsets at the end of long and arduous fully booked days away from our normal clinic comforts. We have taken every precaution to ensure our patients received the utmost care in safe and secure environments. We may have looked a little bit different, but rest assured that underneath our masks and additional PPE, our patients received the same dedicated CMO care that we have become well known for.

Like others in small business, this year forced CMO to be as innovative as possible, to think laterally, and adapt where needed to ensure all people could access essential care. CMO also added online Telehealth connectivity, online bookings and FREE introductory phone consults for new patients to chat with our osteopathic professionals. It has involved a massive team effort, thats for sure!

For Lou and her CMO team, the ability to make this care readily available to those in outreach communities, closer to home is both rewarding and fulfilling. There is a quote that I found while I was writing this article, from no one other than Louise herself. I think it is very appropriate with everything that is happening in the world to date. - “You can’t put a price on going out of your own way to create a meaningful impact. It doesn’t matter how far you have to extend yourself to make it happen. The value is beyond rewarding. Our people are worth it, and what it teaches you is priceless.” Our outreach services are valuable and we take great pride in providing our support for those who are isolated and unable to travel during difficult times.

Thank you to all those who have supported our outreach endeavours, and to our valued patients who have utilised our services.

If you or a family member are experiencing pain or discomfort, are requiring injury management consulting, or have the inability to travel distances to see us in person at our main clinics, you are never alone!

Call our clinic today on (03) 5032 2914 to make a booking or to enquire further about the services we offer - outreach services to a town near you, Telehealth or phone consult options.