As we step into a new year, we are looking forward to what 2026 has to offer. It’s not just about the return to work milestones that sit at the center of occupational rehabilitation, but the everyday life improvements our clients experienced along the way.
Because while our programs are designed to help people return to work, the changes we see most often – and the ones that stay with our team the longest – are the small but meaningful shifts that happen at home, with family, in the community, or simply within a person’s own confidence.
Below, our Exercise Physiologists share some of the moments from 2025 that stood out to them. These are examples of how targeted exercise, authentic support, and truly listening to clients can create life-changing outcomes in ways both big and small.
Tessa Thurston, Adelaide
“One of my clients has made an exceptional lifestyle shift, steadily building strength, improving his fitness, and committing to regular walking, gym sessions, and even reintroducing tennis and family activities. His progress really highlighted how consistent small steps can create meaningful, long-term change.”
“Another client has found real grounding through our nature-based sessions, with each hike helping her feel clearer, more settled, and more supported during a challenging period. These outdoor walks have become a valuable part of her routine and have played an important role in improving her mental health and overall wellbeing.”
Cara Leyton, Palmerston North
“After years of requiring easy slip-on sandals, my client is now able to wear tie-up shoes due to being able to reach down and put them on.”
“Another client, who hadn’t managed a proper outdoor walk in 8 to 10 years (beyond short trips like walking from the car to a shop) completed his first full outdoor walk earlier this year and has now progressed to running outside.”
Caitlin Milne, Nelson 
“One of my clients who was referred to help manage his fatigue post-stroke is now able to add in a social activity such as lawn bowls and attending a friend’s BBQ without suffering from a significant flare up that day or the next. He can also now drive to the office one day per week, which has been huge for his mental health after feeling isolated at home.”
“Another client said to me the other day that I am one of the only health professional he has ever engaged with who really listened to him and understood him. He said our sessions – and knowing he is going to meet me – have been one of the only things in the week to look forward to and have helped him more than I would ever understand.”
Shara Kinney, S
ydney
“I have an older couple, almost 80-year-old husband and wife, who were involved in an MVA. They were not really compliant with previous treatment and their case manager wasn’t sure how they would go with EP.
Now they are exercising almost every day. The wife bought a reformer Pilates bed for our sessions, and now completes 20 minutes on this five days per week. The husband is out using his exercise bands and stretches regularly. Every week when I see them, they have more questions about how to improve different parts of their function and show me how much exercise they have done. The biggest win so far is standing up from a seated position without having to push off the table — and they love showing off to friends and family how much strength they’ve gained.”
Tessa Nielsen, New Plymouth
“A client I am seeing with long covid is now able to go out for a meal with a friend or group of friends each week. Previously this would cause too much PEM (post exertional malaise), so she had avoided it for almost a year.”
“Another client was able to go fishing (standing in the river) post knee replacement. Prior to EP, he didn’t have the balance and was scared of falling.”
“I also had a client with generalised anxiety disorder who started doing parkruns after avoiding crowds for six-plus months. At first, we had her going along with her sister for support, and then on her own.”
Ryan Free, Melbourne
“My client has seen a huge shift in mood and motivation. She’s now getting up on time every morning instead of spending hours or even whole days in bed. She’s lifting groceries without pain, moving furniture for friends, and can climb up to four flights of stairs – all things she would have previously avoided due to pain.
Her psychosocial fatigue has dropped significantly, and she’s re-engaging socially, even attending parties she never would have considered in mid 2025. Her emotional wellbeing has lifted from 45% to 80%, and she reports feeling happier and more energised most of the time.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
These stories remind us that progress doesn’t always come in dramatic leaps. Sometimes it’s the ability to tie your shoes, attend a BBQ without an exacerbation, enjoy a walk in nature, or stand up from a chair without pushing off the table.
To our referrers: Thank you for placing your trust in us throughout 2025. Your referrals make these outcomes possible, and they help people reclaim not just their work lives, but the parts of life that matter most.
We look forward to partnering with you in 2026 – and continuing to support people to return to work and to the everyday moments that make life feel full.
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