When our physical powers start to wane, our psychological make-up can also suffer as our confidence takes a tumble.
Grace, a client of The Physio Co, had lost her confidence in walking after a fall – as many people do – and found she would also get tired easily.
Her dearest wish was to maintain her independence by living in her own home, so with that in mind, her daughter Catherine found The Physio Co online and got in touch, feeling this would be convenient than Grace having to attend a clinic.
One of The Physio Co’s key aims is ‘seniors smashing goals’, so our team work to find a target with our clients right from the get-go. They could fix their sights on being strong for a family celebration, for instance, or just wanting to be mobile for a better quality of life – and able to run your own errands without being so dependent on others.
In Grace’s case, it was a very practical ambition: “To improve my balance and endurance so that I can walk around the shops at Doncaster Shopping Centre more comfortably with my daughter.”
To achieve this, Grace embarked on 12 weekly sessions to help achieve her eventual goal, and initially to manage the back pain she was enduring.
Outdoor walks
Firstly, a podiatrist review was recommended for orthotic prescription, which made a big difference in Grace’s walking. With her TPC physio Shilpa, she started doing exercises and outdoor walks to regain her confidence, increasing the duration of her walk each time.
Often getting close to your first goal can create another one to meet, as confidence returns and horizons are broadened. In Grace’s case, her progress was so good that she started focusing on attending her grand-daughter’s upcoming wedding without her stick.
As the sessions continued, so did Grace’s progress and when it came to Shilpa’s review, they realised Grace was walking the equivalent of her route around Doncaster Shopping Centre without realising it!
Grace is over the moon about regaining her freedom and mobility. In her words, she felt “absolutely elated, it was freedom, being able to enjoy the shops and not look at how much you have to walk”.
Wonderful work
Her daughters were rapt with the results of her sessions with The Physio Co, with Catherine commenting:
“Shilpa, I want to thank you for the wonderful work you’ve done with mum. We went shopping at Doncaster and she was able to walk so well.”
Her other daughter, Glenda, echoed those sentiments:
“Thank you, Shilpa, for all that you have done with Mum. I really notice the difference in her ability and confidence to walk further. It’s so lovely to be able to take her out and share experiences with her.”
For Shilpa, her satisfaction comes from seeing yet another TPC client smashing their goal (in this case, literally by some distance).
“I feel elated being able to help her and see the spark in her eyes when she spoke of how she felt when she achieved her goal,” Shilpa said. “I could not be happier for her – and for her to be able to go to her granddaughter’s wedding without her stick was a proud moment for her. I absolutely love working with her and am continuing to help her with her next goal now!”
Like to know how we can help you, or your elderly Mum or Dad, to smash their physical goals? The Physio Co’s team of physiotherapists are available to visit you wherever you call home. We are here to help, so get in touch today for more information – please call on 1300 797 793 or email [email protected]
1300 797 793