Step Confidently Into the New Year!
For Elizabeth, a vibrant 72-year-old retired teacher, life had always been about embracing every moment. She relished spending her days tending to her garden, meeting friends for tea, and sharing stories with her grandchildren. Yet, over time, something began to change, something she couldn’t quite grasp.
It started subtly. Elizabeth noticed that her once-steady gait had become somewhat unsteady. Her confident stride had given way to tentative steps. Each morning, as she rose from her bed, she couldn’t ignore the peculiar feeling of imbalance that now seemed to accompany her every move.
With a touch of anxiety creeping in, Elizabeth began to modify her daily routine. She avoided taking long walks, opting for shorter strolls instead. The thought of climbing stairs made her apprehensive, and she held onto handrails with an iron grip.
One sunny afternoon, over tea with a close friend, Elizabeth finally confided her concerns. Her friend gently suggested that Elizabeth consider seeking physical therapy to help address her balance and gait issues.
Hesitant but determined, Elizabeth decided to take the leap. She scheduled an appointment at Kinect Physiotherapy to assess her condition and hopefully find a way to regain her confidence and mobility.
The First Step: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Elizabeth met with one of our skilled physical therapists with a lot of experience helping individuals like her on the day of her appointment. To begin, her therapist conducted a thorough evaluation, including questions about her medications, vision, and any other health concerns that could impact her stability.
Next, she performed a physical exam that included the following tests:
- Range of motion: The physical therapist assessed her range of motion in the joints of the lower extremities.
- Muscle strength: The therapist also tested her muscle strength in the lower extremities and core.
- Observation: Her physical therapist observed Elizabeth’s walking pattern and looked for abnormalities in her walking.
- Footwear: Finally, her footwear was evaluated to ensure it was appropriate for her daily routine and recreational activities.
As they reviewed the assessment results, her therapist explained that Elizabeth’s gait had patterns that were likely contributing to her feelings of instability and fear of falling. Fortunately, she also reassured her they could work together to address these issues and help her regain her confidence.
Next Up: A Fall Risk Assessment
Her therapist also performed a fall risk assessment to get a complete picture. She asked Elizabeth more questions about her daily life, including specific questions about her home environment.
They discussed several measures to reduce obstacles at home that increase fall risks. Here are some common recommendations:
- Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords, and any other trip hazards from walkways.
- Move coffee tables, magazine racks, and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
- Secure loose rugs with a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose rugs from the home.
- Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpets on all surfaces that may get wet.
Her therapist then guided Elizabeth through a series of balance tests to identify specific areas of weakness or instability. These tests helped pinpoint the root causes of Elizabeth’s balance issues.
The Path to Recovery: Personalized Treatment Plan
With a comprehensive understanding of Elizabeth’s condition, her physical therapists designed a treatment plan tailored to her needs. The plan included a combination of mobility work, strengthening exercises, balance and coordination training, and gait activities.
As the weeks passed, Elizabeth noticed a remarkable transformation. Her unsteady steps began to regain their steadiness. She grew more confident with each session, and the fear of falling slowly ebbed away. She practiced walking on different surfaces and navigating obstacles under her therapist’s watchful eye, gradually rebuilding her trust in her abilities.
Regaining Confidence: Progress and Results
Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder that balance and gait issues can affect anyone, even without a specific injury or medical condition. Seeking the expertise of one of our skilled physical therapists can make all the difference in regaining confidence, improving mobility, and embracing life to the fullest.
If you or a loved one is struggling with balance and gait issues, don’t let the fear of falling hold you back. Reach out to Kinect Physiotherapy today, and take the first step towards a safer, more stable future!
Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!
Ready to feel your best again? Come back to Kinect Physiotherapy and let us help you achieve your wellness goals—book your appointment today!
Meal Prep: Greek Chicken Bowls
January is the perfect time to start fresh with your meal planning routine. Here is an easy and balanced meal planning recipe to try preparing in the new year!
Did you know? Nutrition counseling can complement your physical therapy services and help provide the results you’re looking for! Consuming enough calories, protein, and nutrients is very important when it comes to building muscles, maintaining bone health, or healing from an injury. Be sure to contact Fueled and Fit in the new year to learn more about your personalized nutritional needs!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cup brown rice (dry)
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
- 3 tbsps Greek seasoning
- 1 1/2 cucumber (medium diced)
- 3/4 red onion (medium diced)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsps red wine vinegar
- sea salt & black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350F (177C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- While the oven is heating, bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the brown rice, reduce to a simmer, cover and let cook for 30 minutes.
- Once the rice is on, lay the chicken breast on the baking sheet and sprinkle with Greek seasoning. Place in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the chicken and rice are cooking, dice your cucumber and red onion.
- Add them to a large bowl along with the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Divide the rice between containers along with the chicken and veggies.
- Enjoy!
Family Activities in the Snow
1. Snowman building
This is a classic activity that will keep everyone engaged and entertained for hours. The best part about it is that it doesn’t require any special skills and you can make it as simple or complex as you want!
2. Snowball fight
This is an excellent way for kids to release their energy and have some fun with their parents. You can also use this activity as an opportunity to teach them how to throw a snowball properly and then go on the hunt for all of those snowballs they’ve just created!
3. Igloo building
This activity is slightly more difficult than building a snowman–but the payoff is so rewarding! Your children will have a blast creating their igloo, and afterward, the whole family will have a spot to enjoy.
4. Snowshoeing
This is a great way to explore nature and ensure that your whole body gets some exercise. Snowshoeing is an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise, and it allows you to extend your hiking and running season throughout the winter.
5. Skiing
If you have access to a ski resort, this could be a fantastic option for you and your whole family. Skiing is an excellent form of exercise and is entertaining for the entire family. And don’t worry if you’re a beginner; there are options for all skill levels and teachers available at most ski resorts.
Thank You for Subscribing to Kinect Physiotherapy
Staff Spotlight: R. Matthew Cox, Physical Therapist
Matt earned his BS in Exercise Science with a focus in sports medicine from the University of Cincinnati in 2011. After that, he completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine Florida in 2014. Matt began his PT career as a travel therapist going from hospital to hospital treating patients all around the country. He settled in Raleigh and joined the Wake Forest Physical Therapy team in 2017. He is committed to providing patient-focused care and helping people achieve success in their rehabilitation.
Matt is level 2 certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling, and with his training from the University of St. Augustine, he is very well versed in manual joint mobilization to the spine and peripheral joints.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“I received excellent individual attention with great care and concern for my comfort. I learned how to manage and maintain continued improvement in a pre-surgical situation. I will definitely be back for post-op recovery. Kinect Physiotherapy has a very personal atmosphere and makes you feel like part of the ‘family’.”
– Peter L.
Refer a Friend
Our purpose at Kinect Physiotherapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
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Meet Our Team
Kaitlyn Walters
Intake Coordinator Receptionist
Karol ‘Kimbo’ Buchanan
Intake Coordinator Receptionist
R. Matthew Cox
PT, DPT
