“It was Boxing Day and the family went to visit my husbands grave like every year. This time however I had to hold onto my son to get over the bumpy ground. This is when I thought: I don’t want to become one of those people who couldn’t do anything. I don’t want to be one of these people who just sits in a chair.”
A scenario like this might feel familiar; perhaps one day we do something that used to be easy and we realise it’s not as easy as we would like. Perhaps we see a loved one struggling with their walking. Or sometimes it could be an event like a fall that leads us to make changes.
So Doreen decided it was time for change and started coming to our Strength and Balance classes.
What happens at a Strength and Balance class?
When Doreen first came she had an assessment with a Physiotherapist. This ensured that there were not any medical reasons for her loss of balance that needed dealing with and that it was safe for her to exercise. She also had a thorough assessment of her balance to help identify her weaknesses and make sure exercises were tailored to suit her.
We also worked with Doreen to identify her goals so her exercises could be targeted appropriately and strategies could be discussed to help her achieve them.
The great thing about a Physio led class is that we have experience managing a wide range of health conditions, so whatever the issue we can tailor the exercise to you. For example, we may be able to adapt exercises to account for and even improve your arthritic knee or to help your recovery after a stroke.
After this assessment Doreen was able to join the class. Each week she took part in a range of exercises tailored to her that help her arm and leg strength, balance and flexibility.
What happened next?
Understandably Doreen was apprehensive at the start and concerned about going alone but now she looks forward to it.
Doreen feels she has made great improvements and her family has seen change. Things that had been a problem for a long time improved such as:
-getting off a chair
-getting up and down stairs by herself
-standing unaided
-co-ordination
-confidence to get up and down hills
-she’s stopped clinging onto railings.
She even saw changes she didn’t expect. Doreen’s blood pressure is now the best it has been in fifteen years and her asthma doesn’t trouble her as much. But most importantly Doreen says she no longer feels so frightened.
Could you or someone you know benefit from our strength and balance class? Get in touch with Severn Physiotherapy to find out more, or have a look at our website.
