How will my mobility be assessed?
This depends on the problem, for example, some people struggle to turn over in bed. In this instance your physiotherapist would assess your ability to do this task by observing you try by yourself. The physiotherapist would then give you strategies and exercises to help with any specific problems and thereby maintain independence. If your main problem was walking, then your physiotherapist would watch you while you walked and analyse your gait (walking pattern). They would then make recommendations based on what they saw. The same thing goes for balance and strength problems.
Will I have to use any aids such as a walking stick?
Not necessarily. Our aim is to restore the most normal function as safely possible. Ideally we would aim to have you moving without any secondary aid at all, but when this is deemed unsafe, and when the physiotherapist feels you may be at risk, then they will discuss mobility aids with you. This could be walking sticks, crutches, zimmer frames and walkers.
What exercises will I be given?
Again, this very much depends on your individual circumstances. It could include individualised home exercise plans, one to one movement re-education sessions, individualised gym programmes or access to our exercise groups.
I feel I need more support
If you’re in the Middlesbrough area, Middlesbrough Council has a range of programmes to give you varying degrees of support.
For those in the Redcar and Cleveland area, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council also provide a range of programmes to give you varying degrees of support.
These schemes are a good stepping stone if you feel that you need a little more ongoing support to help you once you have completed your course of physiotherapy. Please talk to your physiotherapist if you would like to be referred to one of the services and they will recommend to your GP that you are referred to the scheme if it is appropriate.