About Ray:

Ray was born in Southport in 1948 and raised in Brisbane. He spend 24 years (1964-1988) serving for the Australian Navy and then spent 7 years lecturing aerospace at RMIT in Melbourne (1989-1996).

In 1996, the year Ray retired, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease that affects the production of Dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is essential for transporting messages from the brain to the muscles. If these levels are low, motor symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowness of movement), resting tremors, rigidity, freezing and others can occur. Additionally, non motor symptoms such as pain, decreased mood, poor sleep and problems with memory can also occur with Parkinson’s.

Gym Based Rehabilitation

After a little persuasion from our physios, Ray commenced a personalised program in our onsite gym (see above video) consisting of resistance, cardiovascular and balance exercises. Since starting this program 3 years ago he has noticed a dramatic decrease in the amount of falls he was having and now no longer requires the wheelchair and walking stick he used to rely on. With the help of his nutritionist, he now weighs less than what he did 5 years ago (with an increased muscle mass) and goes on regular walks with his wife. A big burden for his wife was having to help with Ray’s transfers, nowadays Ray tells us he leaps to his feet without requiring any assistance!

While he does admit it is sometimes hard to find the motivation to turn up week in, week out, the quality of life this rehab program has given him and his family is something worth a lot more than an hour or so in the gym!

Great job Ray, keep it up!

If you would like any more information about how we can help you,
please don’t hesitate to enquire online or give us a ring on 07 5532 0999

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