There’s nothing quite like a walk in the great outdoors to reinvigorate mind, body and spirit. It’s so inspiring that Graham, one of The Physio Co’s latest success stories, likes to capture scenes on his phone camera.
However, when walking becomes difficult, you can imagine the difficulty of trying to keep your balance while holding a phone camera in one hand and a walking stick in the other.
At The Physio Co, our clients work towards meaningful goals that make their effort sticking to their exercise routine all worthwhile.
Once we’ve worked with a client to decide on a fitting target, we help them not just to reach that goal – but smash it out of the park!
Once Graham joined forces with The Physio Co, his goal was obvious, given the pleasure he gets from being in the fresh air:
“To be able to comfortably take photographs on my walks outdoors.”
His physio, Emily Johnson, was impressed by Graham’s attitude from the outset.
“I remember getting along right away and being impressed by his insightfulness,” she says. “He was able to articulate what he wanted to work on and the barriers he had encountered before. This clarity meant that we could collaboratively create an exercise program that addressed Graham’s needs.
“Having a physio work with him also gave him a helpful dose of accountability and encouragement, which he recognised as vital to his success.”
Emily incorporated the Otago Falls Prevention Program (developed in New Zealand) in Graham’s program using strength, balance and range of motion exercises.
To help Graham regain the stability and confidence he needed for his photography hobby, the pair went for walks and practised taking photos of the treetops, with support at hand as needed. Even the occasional spot of wet weather didn’t deter Graham from the task in hand.
Emily helped Graham to develop different stances, using his feet to widen his support base, and positioning his feet to create stability while leaning backwards to capture higher-up shots of treetops.
Once Graham achieved his goal, there were many heartfelt congratulations – but the big reward was the inner satisfaction of being able to do the things he set out to do.
Graham says: “I gain self-satisfaction by achieving my goals. My goals are to work on the Otago program and to help my balance and walk without a walking stick – all achieved, and I feel much better.
“Emily is always helpful, encouraging and sympathetic to my situation.”
For her part, Emily has high praise for her client. “Graham is one of the patients any physio is blessed to have,” she says. “Graham is always willing to give things a go and is motivated to achieve his goals.”
A tremendous effort, Graham, and thanks for delivering another success for The Physio Co!
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