When you’re working towards an exercise goal, it helps to have an image in your mind of the end result. For Nico Koutsoubis (pictured), the image that keeps him going when physio sessions are tough is being out in the garden with his chooks. TPC physio Karleen started working with Nico in November 2019 to try to address weakness in his left side. This was as a result of a stroke, caused by an infection in a shunt in his head. The pair knew Nico’s rehabilitation required plenty of hard work and determination; Nico couldn’t walk and was only able to sit on the side of the bed for 10 minutes. This is where The Physio Co’s goal-setting plans come into play. Walking on the spot The first goal was to get Nico standing and walking on the spot, although Karleen could see his frustration as, naturally, he was eager to get walking again. Next, she got him walking two metres at a time, using a two-wheeled frame. Karleen noticed Nico’s posture was poor, so discussed with his family getting a gutter frame. Karleen’s advice was right, and Nico – perhaps with that image in his mind of sitting in the morning sun with his chooks – started making good progress. On the first day using the gutter frame Nico walked, with help from Karleen and his wife, Poppy, 10 metres with rests, then up to 20 metres. But this was all inside the house, and outside was where Nico really wanted to be. So, with Karleen behind and Poppy in front to ensure his safety, Nico started to take some small – but metaphorically huge – steps outside. The stroke has affected Nico’s speech, but his amusing comments make Karleen and Poppy laugh. Keep on moving Karleen says: “Once we get going on walking with Nico he never wants to sit down and rest but to keep on moving.  He even tells Poppy if she is going to knock into things (as she is walking backwards) and he tells her where to go.  This makes Poppy laugh which is great to see as Nico has problems with communication but manages to keep her safe.” Nico describes his goal as: “I want to be able to walk with my new frame and Karleen down the ramp and into the garden so I can see my chooks and sit in the sun.” Poppy appreciates Karleen’s hard work and Karleen, for her part, says: “Poppy is amazing with Nico and is working hard to keep him at home so she can care for him.  Poppy helps me with walking Nico and comes up with some great goals for him. “ Well done Nico – sometimes the road to recovery is a long one, but with The Physio Co he’s meeting his goal! If you’d like us to help you (or a loved one) achieve your goals, contact us today!