Case Studies | Physio Matters

New Confidence after Stroke - Pat's Story

59 year old Pat from Rochdale was shocked to have a stroke in September 2008, as she had no previous health problems.

The Client

Pat had her stroke while at home. The stroke affected her right side and gave her some problems finding the right words to say in conversation. Pat had been treated in a rehabilitation unit and made great progress, but still felt that she had not regained her confidence. She referred herself to Physio Matters after her GP recommended us to her.

The Problem

When first assessed by Colin, he found that Pat could walk with the help of one person, but could not walk alone. As a result she needed to use a wheelchair all the time indoors. Pat had not walked outside for months, which limited her social life. She didnt believe that she would ever be able to walk outside on her own again.

Our Solution

Colin worked with Pat to help her regain her confidence. When she first began to walk, she was very apprehensive and felt as though she would be unable to do all that was asked of her. Together, Pat and Colin initially worked to get her walking short distances in the house with a walking stick. Pat quickly made progress and since then has been to the supermarket in one session, working on being able to walk around with a shopping trolley.

The Results

With determination and patience, Pat can now do more that she ever believed possible. She can now walk around the house on her own with a walking stick (and sometimes without - when she is feeling brave). She can also get in and out of her front and back doors and walk around the outsider of her house. She can drive a mobility scooter to the shops , and hopes to do more work on shopping at the supermarket. Pat recently went on breaks to Blackpool and Scotland and managed better than she ever expected.

The Future

When Pat started physiotherapy with Physio Matters. she was very nervous and only able to walk when holding someones hand. She felt despondent yet was determined to improve, and explains: "My future goals include walking from my scooter at the local shops and not using my wheelchair at all in the house. I also want to attempt stairs and crossing roads. I still feel nervous, but I am much more confident in my abilities. And I enjoy bragging to Colin at each session about what I have achieved!"

For more information about Stroke and Physiotherapy please click HERE

Managing Parkinsons Disease - Peters Story

The Client

Peter, 67, lives in Oldham and is retired after working as a plumber. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in 1998.

The Problem

Peter referred himself to Physio Matters for advice, support and treatment due to problems with his walking and when he found that he was starting to fall when walking about the house. Colin Green visited Peter and his wife, Joan in January 2008 to assess the problems and discuss future physiotherapy goals with them. Peter and Joan identified the main problems as being getting out of a chair and falling.

With a progressive neurological condition, such as Parkinsons Disease, the main focus of treatment is trying to maintain the ability to perform everyday tasks and reduce complications relating to the condition, such as muscle and joint stiffness.

Our Solution

Colin has been working closely with Peter and Joan for more than 18 months on a weekly basis to identify problems and potential problems and focus on these. "The main areas that we have been working on are getting Peter out of his chair and being able to turn over in bed", explains Colin. "Both these activities can be difficult due to a lack of mobility in a persons trunk due to Parkinsons Disease." However, this is being managed with physiotherapy treatment sessions and through the hard work of Peter and Joan with a home exercise programme that Colin has devised.

The Results

"The home exercise portion Physio Matters treatment is often crucial in maintaining improvements between treatment sessions. Peter and Joan have been very keen on practicing between visits and this has proved useful," says Colin.

Peter still has problems with getting in and out of the chair but this is variable. If Peter analyses his movement and splits it into sections, he is much more successful. Colin has been able to provide support, assistance and advice to both Peter and Joan as they cope with this difficult condition.

The Future

Although Peters condition is progressive and there have been difficulties over the past months it continues to help Peter to have specific goals he can aim towards. Also Peter values the support given in the treatment sessions, and says: "Im pleased when Colin visits me but I confess that I am also pleased when he leaves me alone at the end of the session, so I can have a rest!"

For more information on Parkinsons Disease please click HERE

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