Physiotherapy helping seniors stay mobile, safe & happy in their own homes
At The Physio Co, we love to share inspiring stories of clients who triumph over adversity through hard work and determination.
Walter (pictured below) had a big challenge ahead of him when a road accident left him with multiple fractures to the C2 vertebrae in his neck, his sternum and heel bone.
But Walter is a wonderful, intelligent 93-year-old man who wanted to get back to enjoying life with his wife, Judy, in their lovely sunny apartment on Sydney’s leafy North Shore.
After being treated in hospital for a while after the accident, Walter then spent three months in a rehabilitation facility. He had to wear a collar around his neck and a moon-boot on his right foot for six weeks.
Walter showed great determination in overcoming all these challenges and was able to return home. Since then his recovery has been inspirational, says Sue, his physio, who has been helping him to set goals during their sessions.
Ever the dutiful husband, one of Walter’s goals was to be able to reach up to a high cupboard for a mug so he could make Judy a cup of tea (and reach for the biscuit tin), or reach the port glasses. To do this, he needed to work with Sue to extend the movement in his right shoulder and neck. Using a theraband, Walter worked to strengthen his shoulders, and Sue used manual therapy to loosen up his neck and shoulder joints.
Sue said:
![Walter 5869](https://www.thephysioco.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/walter-5869-225x300.jpg)
“Walter’s positive attitude has been amazing and he was determined to achieve this goal.”By developing more movement and strength, he could reach the mugs and finally was able to put them into the microwave and make Judy a lovely cuppa – and, importantly, without too much discomfort. Walter said he found the sessions “mentally stimulating and really helped loosen up all his joints”, and said Sue’s help motivated him to do more exercises between sessions. Sue said: “I am so pleased with how Walter is progressing and how dedicated he is to do his exercises. He is such a pleasure and inspiration to treat.” Well done Walter – another of The Physio Co’s clients who are setting and smashing their goals, helping them to stay mobile, safe and happy in their own homes.
![](https://www.thephysioco.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screenshot-2019-12-19-19.20.19-800x531.png)