When Nita, 93, was first referred to TPC by her care manager, her main concern was persistent shoulder pain that made daily activities more difficult, especially her beloved hobby of knitting.
A longtime member of the Mothers’ Union at her church, St Barnabas, Nita has spent decades knitting warm beanies for international seafarers who pass through Australian ports, supported by a local charity. It’s a cause close to her heart, and one she wasn’t ready to give up.
In her early sessions with her TPC physiotherapist May-Ann, Nita told her:
“I just want to be able to keep knitting.”
That became their first shared goal. And with a combination of hands-on treatment, tailored exercises, and Nita’s dedication, they got there!
Shared focus
During the warmer months, Nita shifted her attention to gardening and hanging up washing. But as the weather cooled, the knitting needles came back out – and so did the shared focus on keeping her shoulders happy and pain-free.
Nita and May-Ann met twice a week: one session for massage, which Nita found helpful in calming any flare-ups, and another to review and progress her exercises. Her commitment was remarkable, completing movement exercises every day and strengthening her shoulders 2–3 times a week.
A few simple changes also made a big difference:
- Pacing herself: Nita now limits herself to two rows of knitting at a time.
- Better posture: She invested in a new armchair that offers more support and keeps her posture in check.
Though her eyesight isn’t what it once was and each beanie takes more time these days, Nita beams with pride when she talks about her ability to keep contributing. For her, knitting isn’t just a hobby, it’s a meaningful way to stay connected to her church community by helping others.
When Nita met her goal of knitting again without pain, her physio May-Ann felt so proud of her. Nita often refers to May-Ann as her “miracle worker”, though the real miracle is her perseverance and spirit. Supporting someone to keep doing what they love, even in the face of challenges, is the most rewarding part of the work we do at TPC.
Next up? May is helping Nita to comfortably reach behind her to tuck in her shirt. It’s a small thing, but as with all her goals, it’s something that will help her feel more independent and confident.
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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]
1300 797 793