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Showing posts from August, 2024

Adapting the new normal post brain stroke

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 Accepting the new normal after a brain stroke involves adapting to changes and focusing on rehabilitation and recovery. As a physiotherapist, my role is to guide patients through this transition with a compassionate, individualized approach. First, we assess the extent of physical impairments and functional limitations caused by the stroke. This helps us set realistic goals and develop a personalized therapy plan. Emphasis is placed on improving mobility, strength, and coordination through targeted exercises and activities. We also address any adaptive techniques or assistive devices needed to enhance daily living activities. We focus on adaptive devices like walker or stick as a safety measure more than a supportive device if possible. Encouraging patients to embrace their new routines, while celebrating progress and small victories, is crucial. Support from family and caregivers is integral, as they play a vital role in the recovery process. By focusing on gradual improvement and fo

Is loosing balance normal with ageing?

  Have you met anyone saying, I can do a lot of work in the house, I walk for 45 minutes everyday but walking on slippery surface is scary. Now what is this? We fail to admit that we are losing balance while walking on slippery grounds, down the stairs or uneven grounds. We find it normal with ageing. But is it normal? NO, it isn’t normal and lets shed light on why it isn’t.   As you age, a lot of degeneration and system changes happen that are normal. But loosing balance isn’t a normal change. We have three systems in the body that control balance: Vision (major one), somatosensory (your sensory and musculoskeletal system) and vestibular system (the system in between your ears). All of this goes through ageing but if one of the systems is affected more than the normal ageing process, it will affect in increasing the risk of fall. So what are the signs to know that I am at a risk of fall?? When there is fear of fall on a particular surface which was normal at first. Walking on une