I wanted to write this as I feel I have so much to share about the amazing
clients 1st Step works with. The need to highlight just how much true
rehabilitation is happening and refer back to my original motto, ‘Making
exercise accessible to everyone’.
So, what does this, ‘Standing for the first time’, mean?
Let me explain one client’s journey (her name has been changed to keep
confidentiality).
Clare came to 1st Step after spending the best part of eight months sat in her
chair and relying on carers coming four times a day for all her daily needs.
Clare is unable to move independently because her knees need to be replaced
(She is on the waiting list). From previously being independent to relying on
other people 100% has been a very hard change to accept. Past
experiences had left her quite anxious about exercise, even though she knew it
would help her.
We have now been working together for nearly 6 months, and I am super
proud to say we have built Clare’s fitness up to such an extent that she has
managed to stand upright, consistently, several times a day. Initially, it was with an aid but now we are working towards Clare using her own leg strength to stand up. Half stands are being achieved already. It will not be long before a full stand is achieved- independently.
Both of us screamed with joy and Clare burst into tears on the first stand a while back, I cannot imagine the elation she will feel when she can stand off her own steam. Imagine the possibilities this will create!
The anxiety of standing was something she overcame - absolutely brilliant! The hard work she had put in enabled her legs to be strong enough to stand, and she managed this without her very strong pain killers. In fact, the stronger she gets, the fewer painkillers she needs to take. You have to remember her knees still need replacing. It is
astounding the changes Clare has made to her quality of life, just by exercising.
Carers are still needed for now, but we are well on the way in her journey to
make her as strong as can be when that surgery date arrives. The ultimate goal
is not to have carers anymore, and to be fully independent again. I believe she
will get there. I will keep you all posted on when that goal has been reached.
In the meantime, if this resonates with you and you know real exercise rehab is
what you need then please get in touch with me on www.1ststeprfs.com and
let’s take our 1st Step together. Quite literally.
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