20 Years of AIM – A Journey of Growth & Impact

Celebrating Two Decades of Making a Difference 5th March 2025 marks a special milestone for AIM – 20 years of supporting Northlanders in work, life, and wellbeing! What started in 2005 as a vision shared by two Occupational Therapists, Debr & Debg, has grown into a team of 20+ expert clinicians, delivering rehabilitation, injury prevention, […]

Occupational Therapy: Empowering Healthcare in Northland

This article was published in OT Insight, The Magazine of Occupational Therapy New Zealand, August 2024.   The Journey of AIM: A Passion for Occupational Therapy in Northland In the heart of Northland, two dedicated occupational therapists, Deb Rafferty and Deb Glendinning, have built a thriving private practice driven by collaboration, expertise, and a shared […]

Flexibility: If You Don’t Use It, You Lose It

This article has kindly been shared by Alison Richmond from Provention. Why Do We Lose Flexibility?   The Real Causes Behind Reduced Mobility Flexibility is something we often take for granted – until it starts to fade. Watching young children move effortlessly – touching their toes, squatting deeply, or rolling forward – can make us […]

The Importance of Flexibility for Joint Health

This article has kindly been shared by Alison Richmond from Provention. Why Flexibility Matters for Your Joints and Strength Musculoskeletal flexibility plays a crucial role in overall health and wellbeing. In this series, Alison explores key aspects of why flexibility is important for your joint health, including: What flexibility is Factors that can reduce it […]

The Science Behind Why Walking is Good for Us

  We all know that walking is great for our bodies, but did you know it’s equally powerful for our brains?   The Science Behind a 20-Minute Stroll Research has shown that even a brief walk can have remarkable effects on your mental clarity, problem-solving skills and mood, as well as your body. Just 20 […]

Driving Tips – Injury Risks from Prolonged Driving

This article has kindly been shared by Alison Richmond from Provention. Driving for prolonged periods can take a serious toll on your lower back. One of the most common ways to injure your lower back is through twisting, especially when getting out of your vehicle. While this movement seems harmless, it’s actually a significant stressor […]

Driving Tips – Why It’s Essential to Stretch & Take Breaks Often

  This article has kindly been shared by Alison Richmond from Provention. Long hours in the driver’s seat can take a toll on your body. The human body simply wasn’t designed to stay stationary for extended periods. Sitting still for too long can lead to issues like shortened or lengthened muscles, ligament creep, and even […]

Driving Tips – Best Grip on the Steering Wheel

This article has been kindly shared by Alison Richmond from Provention. In this blog Alison focusses on a seemingly small detail that can make a big difference during long drives: the best grip on the steering wheel. The way you place your hands on the wheel greatly impacts not only your driving safety but also […]

Driving Tips – Posture

This article has been kindly shared by Alison Richmond from Provention. Long drives, whether for holidays or for work can be both exciting and tiring. Unfortunately, they often leave us with unwelcome aches and pains in the back, neck, and shoulders. If this sounds familiar, keep reading! We’ve got tips and advice to help you […]

The True Cost of Poor Manual Handling Skills

Did you know that poor manual handling skills can lead to more than just immediate injuries?  The consequences ripple through an organisation, resulting in lost productivity, higher absenteeism, increased insurance premiums, and potentially legal liabilities. In 2023 alone, ACC reported over 195,000 work-related injury claims, costing the country $1billion! Among these claims, over 50,000 were related […]