Last week I was helping a woman who had a stroke in her twenties and is now in her fifties to her car. She said to me ‘I’m fine walking if it’s level and light Anna, but life’s not like that is it?”
This phrase has stuck in my mind and to me encapsulates the daily struggle some people who are living with disability following stroke face. Getting out and about is often more difficult in the winter months and in our neurological physiotherapy sessions at heads up! we work together to re-gain confidence in standing and walking.
At this time of year there are the challenges of short hours of daylight, unpredictable weather patterns and biting winds to name but a few. Often it is the confidence and encouragement afforded by being with another person which makes the important difference and allows people to continue to get out in the fresh air over the winter.
There is plenty of research backing up the benefits of walking in the countryside and the beneficial effects of being in nature on the mood. Even if you live in the middle of a city, the benefits of getting out and about are well worth the planning, wrapping up to keep warm and unwrapping again.
headsup! Is a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.
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