Sample Physical Therapy Session

Here's what Pa did in physical therapy today. First the therapist had him walk with a walker. Pa has to remember to pick up his right foot when he walks; otherwise he shuffles or take very small steps. Then he had a balance exercise. All he had to do is take a single step forward and back with his right foot. But he's not shifting his weight correctly when he does that and ends up losing his balance. He also doesn't correct himself automatically even though he knows he's losing his balance.

Another exercise he did is going up some steps to simulate walking upstairs at home. The PT steps have railings on both sides. We'll have to add another handrail at home. It would be helpful for Ma, too.

The therapist also had Pa walk without the aid of a walker. He did pretty well with that and walked all the way back from the PT room to his room with just one rest stop.