TPC client goal win: How Ron, 88, regained his independence after a shoulder injury

In 2022 when Ron, 88, first became a client of The Physio Co, his goal was simple: To stay strong, stay independent, and keep doing the everyday things that mattered most to him.

For years, he’s worked alongside our physios to maintain that independence.

But a couple of months ago, Ron unfortunately had a fall, which caused muscular damage in his shoulder, making it painful and difficult to lift his arm overhead. Suddenly, one of his everyday tasks – hanging the washing on the clothes line – became a real struggle.

“Ron has always been independent,” his physio, Leon, says. “Not being able to do something as small as putting clothes on the line, it really got to him.”

Ron told Leon: “I want to be able to put my clothes up on the clothes line.”

And so Ron and Leon got to work the new goal.

The road back

Week by week, Ron and Leon worked on building his strength, practicing overhead movements, and easing tension in the muscles that had tightened after his fall.

There were massages to help relax overactive muscles, strength training to rebuild stability, and plenty of practice reaching overhead.

It wasn’t always easy, but Ron never gave up.

The breakthrough

The day Ron was able to lift his washing and hang it on the line again was one to remember.

He was both excited and relieved, sharing with Leon that he thought the injury might have set him back for good. Instead, he discovered just how much progress he could make with persistence and support.

Moving forward

Ron’s journey doesn’t stop here. Together, he and Leon are continuing to improve his shoulder strength and range, aiming for even more freedom with overhead movements.

For Ron,  being able to hang the washing again is more than just completing a household task – it’s proof that he’s regaining his independence, step by step.

And for us, having supported Ron since 2022, it’s a joy to celebrate another milestone in his journey!

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The Physio Co helps Aussie seniors to move more, with confidence! How can we help you (or your elderly Mum or Dad?) Contact us today on 1300 797 793 and speak with Nancy, Julia and Jess from the TPC Client Care team to discuss your situation. If they’re busy on other calls, leave a message and someone from the team will call you back for a chat!  Alternatively you can email us via [email protected]