The SAC physiotherapy service has commenced since year 1999 providing care to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) according to their physical presentations. By receiving various treatment or trainings, PLWHA are expected to improve or maintain their physical abilities enabling them to develop a better quality of life and a better preparation for community re-integration.

PLWHA may suffer from various physical problems either be a side effect of HAART or complication developed upon the disease. All these problems may greatly affect their functional independence. These conditions indicate the need of prompt physiotherapy service among members under our care.

The SAC physiotherapy service operates under a referral system. Assessment would be arranged for the referred patient with treatment plan and goals set according to their needs and clinical presentations. Communication with referral agency would be ensured through regular progress reports and discharge report.

The SAC physiotherapy service provides both centre based and outreach services according to patients’ physical capabilities. Outreach home treatment would be provided if the clients were too weak for them to come to centre. Individual intervention as well as assessment and recommendation on home environment would be done for outreach cases. They will be encouraged to attend our centre for more intensive training and treatment once their condition become more stable.

Within the centre, a wide choice of equipment is present for clients’ intervention. Frequency of intervention sessions would depend on the need, capability and availability of the clients. Regular reassessment would be carried out to monitor their progress. Exercise groups are also implemented to train up participants’ strengthening, flexibility, muscle control, balance and coordination.

Since commencement of the service, all recipients showed improvement or maintenance in their physical ability. At the same time, as conveyed by the clients, all those who joined physiotherapy service responded that they have shown improvement on both self-care ability and mobility and they became more confident when going out.