Growing older brings freedom, time, and new opportunities. But it also brings natural changes to balance, strength and confidence. Falls are one of the biggest health risks for people over 65 — yet the encouraging news is this: Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing. They are highly preventable. This blog explains the best evidence on staying active, how much exercise older adults really need, practical ways to make the home safer, and how community activities can keep yo

Hearing the words clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)  can feel worrying and confusing. Many people ask: Is this MS? Will it get worse? What can I do? This guide explains CIS in clear, non-frightening language and gives practical advice to help you stay active and confident. What is Clinically Isolated Syndrome? Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a single episode of neurological symptoms  caused by inflammation in the brain or spinal cord. The symptoms must last at least 24

A detailed guide for older adults and families If you’ve noticed that you, a partner, parent, or friend has started shuffling their feet when walking , you are absolutely not alone. It’s one of the most common changes people notice as they get older — and it can feel worrying when you don’t know why it’s happening. The good news is this: shuffling walking is often treatable and manageable , especially when the cause is understood early. In this article we’ll explore the main

Mobility aids like walking frames and rollators can restore confidence, prevent falls, and support independence after injury, surgery, illness, or simply with age-related balance changes. In the UK — especially in areas like Mid Cornwall — many people turn to these aids during recovery or to maintain safe movement at home and beyond. The main options are the standard Zimmer frame  (non-wheeled), the wheeled Zimmer frame  (two-wheeled), and the four-wheeled walker  (rollator).

If you or a loved one has recently had a hip or knee replacement, returning home is a major milestone—and sometimes a little daunting. Here in Cornwall, many of us enjoy walking along coastal paths, tending gardens, or simply soaking in the sea air. After surgery at the Royal Cornwall Hospital  in Truro, Duchy Hospital  in Truro, or elsewhere, the goal is to regain mobility safely, steadily, and confidently so you can return to the activities you love. Home physiotherapy offe

The vastus medialis oblique (VMO)  is a crucial part of the quadriceps muscle group, located on the inner portion of the thigh just above the knee. Although small, it plays a big role in stabilising the knee , especially the patella (kneecap), and in controlling the final degrees of knee extension. Weakness or dysfunction in this muscle can lead to knee instability, pain, and difficulty performing high-demand activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs. At Physio@

Heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft surgery or CABG) is one of the most common and effective heart operations performed worldwide. If you or a loved one has had bypass surgery, returning home can feel like a big step. While the surgery restores blood flow to the heart, the body still needs time to heal. The weeks following discharge are focused on: Supporting lung recovery Rebuilding strength and endurance Protecting the healing breastbone Gradually

It can be incredibly frustrating. You suffer a fall, sustain a wedge fracture in your back, and spend weeks resting and recovering. Eventually you attend your follow-up appointment and receive the good news — the bone has healed. But there is a catch. Your back is still painful, stiff, and uncomfortable . If this is your experience, you are far from alone. Physiotherapists see this situation frequently. Even when a spinal fracture has healed on scans, it is very common for pe

A physiotherapist’s view on the evidence If you read newspapers or browse online adverts aimed at older adults, you will almost certainly have seen vibrating foot plates . These are small machines placed on the floor so you can sit in a chair with your feet resting on the plate while it vibrates . The adverts often claim they can: Improve circulation Strengthen muscles Reduce stiffness Improve balance Prevent falls It sounds appealing — especially if exercise feels difficult.