From falls to finding freedom

At Optimum Chiropractic Clinic, we believe that movement is key to a fulfilling life. We often see patients who have lost confidence in their bodies due to persistent pain and stiffness. Today, we want to share an inspiring, story of a patient who, in just four weeks, has made incredible strides in reclaiming her independence and function.

Where the Journey Began

Just one month ago, this patient came to see our Chiropractor Ben struggling with significant knee pain and stiffness, which severely impacted her daily life. Simple, everyday activities had become major hurdles.

- Getting out of bed in the morning was an event she dreaded due to severe pain and stiffness.

- Sitting for any length of time, like enjoying a lunch with friends, resulted in painful stiffness upon standing.

- She relied heavily on a walking stick, not just for support but as a "safety net" against a constant fear of falling.

- A simple task like getting in and out of the bath was impossible without assistance.

Her world was shrinking, and her confidence was low. The goal was clear: to help her regain strength, improve balance, and restore her ability to move freely and without fear.

Four Weeks Later: The Transformation

After just four weeks of a dedicated, personalised programme combining manual therapy and specific rehabilitation exercises, the early changes have been nothing short of remarkable.

One of the most objective measures we are using is the 'Timed Up and Go' (TUG) test. This simple test involves standing up from a chair, walking 3 metres, turning around, walking back, and sitting down again. It's a powerful indicator of mobility, strength, and fall risk.

- Initially, her time was 23.5 seconds, placing her at a high-risk for future falls.

- Four weeks later, she completed the test in just 14.7 seconds!

This is a phenomenal 37% improvement. It's not just a number on a page; it represents a huge leap in functional ability and a significant reduction in her risk of falling.

Beyond the test results, the real-world changes are what truly matter:

- She can now get in and out of the bath completely unaided. This is a massive step towards independence.

- While she still uses her stick for confidence on longer walks, she now happily walks to her neighbour's house without it.

- Her balance has improved so much that she is progressing to more advanced exercises, including ones that challenges her balance while turning her head, a key part of staying stable in the real world.

- She is consistently walking her dog for 20-30 minutes at a time.

The Road Ahead

This journey is far from over. Morning stiffness and pain after prolonged sitting are stubborn issues that we are continuing to work on. However, these early functional gains are the crucial foundation for long-term recovery. They demonstrate that with the right guidance and consistent effort, it is possible to improve function and strength, even when pain levels haven't fully caught up.

This patient's story is a powerful testament to what can be achieved in a short time. It highlights that progress isn't just about reducing pain; it's about regaining life. It’s about the freedom to take a bath, the confidence to walk without a stick, and the ability to get up and go. We are incredibly proud of her progress and excited to see how much further she will go.

If this story resonates with you, and you feel that pain or a fear of falling is holding you back, please get in touch. Let's work together to get you back to doing the things you love. You can get in touch by calling us on 01202 070 731 sending us an email on optimumchiropracticclinic@gmail.com or you can click here to book now.