Physiofit for Later Life
Physiofit recognise that as people live longer their desire to stay fit and independent grows ever stronger. We do not feel that age is a barrier and don't accept that immobility, loss of confidence and falls are simply an inevitable part of ageing. We believe they can be helped by targeted physiotherapy input.
We offer services targeted at prevention including our Functional MOT, falls prevention service and a broad spectrum of treatments for pain, strength, mobility, balance issues or a combination of problems. We also offer small, bespoke classes to improve fitness, confidence and balance aimed at ensuring you stay fit and healthy in a safe and enjoyable environment.
We believe you should be involved in deciding which treatment would suit you best, therefore after a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist will explain the treatment options available to you and enable you to make an informed choice about how you can best maximise your potential or maintain your functional ability. Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and might include stretching, strengthening, balance and walking re-education, postural awareness and mobility advice.
We offer a wide range of expertise across our team of experienced physiotherapists. We can offer treatment for:
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Arthritis, aches and pains
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Hip and knee replacements after surgery
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Pain management
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Back pain
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Rehabilitation following general surgery, orthopaedic surgery or after a stay in hospital or following an illness
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Neurological conditions including: Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis,
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Osteoporosis
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1:1 Functional MOT – the proactive approach to staying fit
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Mobility issues and walking aid assessments
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Exercises for strength, balance, posture and flexibility
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Dizziness including BPPV
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Respiratory physio for asthma, breathing problems and shortness of breath
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Physiofit for later life classes – group exercises for balance, mobility and strength
Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological physiotherapy is the treatment of patients who have a neurological disorder such as a stroke, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.
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Our neuro trained physiotherapists can help maximise potential at any stage of a condition, whether to prevent deterioration, provide maintenance support or to improve quality of life and promote independence. Our team have trained in Bobath techniques and are PD Warrior trained.
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A detailed initial neurological assessment is required to identify your physical impairments and set goals before your treatment sessions commence. Treatment can be carried out in our clinic or within your home setting whichever you prefer. Our therapists will be involved with the patient, their family and carers as appropriate, setting realistic goals as a basis of a rehabilitation programme.
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Advice and recommendations can be given on suitable walking aids and home adaptations or equipment that might make your life easier.​
Respiratory Physiotherapy
At Physiofit we can assess patients with acute or chronic, long term respiratory conditions. In conjunction with the client we provide a comprehensive treatment plan, including advice and information about their condition, in order for them to regain and maximise quality of life and maintain function for normal activities.
Conditions treated include:
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Bronchiectasis
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Disordered breathing pattern (Chronic hyperventilation syndrome)
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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Asthma
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Rehabilitation following acute respiratory illness e.g. Pneumonia, ARDS
Treatments may include:
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Education and information about the condition
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Breathing exercises and control
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Breathing pattern re-education
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Secretion clearance techniques and positioning
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Inhaler technique review
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Graduated exercise, activity pacing and coping strategies
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Relaxation techniques
Treatment is provided on a one-to-one basis with an initial 1-hour appointment. This can either be at the clinic or in the patient's home, depending on their needs.
“Half of people who have a fall will fall again within the next 12 months”​
Physiofit Falls Prevention Service
As we get older the risk of falls increase, with most taking place within the home. The good news is that there are some simple changes experienced physiotherapists can make to prevent falls, which can help patients feel safer and remain independent in their own home.
About the Falls Prevention Service:
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We have a team of experienced physiotherapists who offer falls prevention advice and support
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We can arrange a home visit to carry out a Falls Prevention Check including a multifactorial risk assessment of the home environment
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We offer balance retraining and strengthening programmes to build confidence
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Physiofit for later life group fitness classes - close supervision and a bespoke programme for each participant focusing on strength, flexibility, core stability, breathing control, balance and endurance.
A multi-factorial falls prevention assessment?
In line with NICE guidelines on falls for older people, anyone who has experienced one or more, non-accidental falls, over the age of 65 should be offered a 1:1 multifactorial assessment to assess why they might have fallen and to restore confidence to reduce the risk of it happening again. This service is equally important for those at risk of a fall and especially those people who are losing their confidence.
It includes:
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Identification of a patient's falls history including how, when, where and frequency
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Assessment of gait, balance and mobility, and muscle weakness
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Assessment of osteoporosis risk
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Assessment of home hazards ensuring appropriate equipment is in situ
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Assessment of the older person's perceived functional ability and fear relating to falling
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General cardiovascular fitness
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Medication and medical conditions – some medication can increase the risk of falls
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Assessment of visual impairment
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Assessment of cognitive impairment and neurological examination
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Assessment of urinary incontinence which when present may precipitate falls
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We work closely with Pace Podiatry if biomechanical adaptations are necessary to the feet or shoes
We will teach a patient specific exercises to address any strength, balance and core stability issues identified. We will use digital or printed exercise sheets. Both oral and written education will be offered to patients and carers where relevant. We use reliable outcome measures for patients to track their progress every 6 weeks, to show their risk of falls reducing over time and inspire confidence
Our Later Life Team:
All members of our team have extensive experience in a domiciliary setting, both in the NHS and private sector working with people in later life and their multi-pathology needs. They are registered with the HPC (Health Professions Council) and CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) including the special interest group for the provision of therapy for the older person, ACPIN. All members of the team have current enhanced police checks and carry photo ID. This means they are governed by a professional code of conduct and ongoing professional development.
We have close professional ties with other allied health professionals such as podiatrists, speech therapists and occupational therapists who also provide the unique service of mobile therapy.