Balance is something most of us take for granted — until it starts to change. As we get older, many people notice they feel less steady when walking, turning quickly, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg. Poor balance can affect confidence, reduce activity levels, and increase the risk of falls. The good news is that balance can often be improved with regular practice. Like strength and fitness, balance responds well to training. This blog explains: Why balance changes wit

I recently attended some training from Exeter University on falls and thought I would share some of the key takeaways from it. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, hospital admission and loss of independence in older adults. However, despite common belief, falling is not simply an inevitable part of ageing. Research consistently shows that many falls are preventable through a combination of strength training, balance work, environmental modification, good nutrition

For many people recovering from illness, surgery, or a long hospital stay, being moved with a hoist can feel like a necessary step. But it often comes with a worrying thought: “Will I ever get back to standing and walking again?” The answer, in many cases, is yes — but only with the right progression, at the right time, and with the right support. Why Are Hoists Used? A hoist is used when: Someone cannot safely take weight through their legs Transfers would otherwise be unsaf

When someone is recovering from illness, surgery, or a fall, one of the biggest questions is: “Is it better to stay in hospital for rehabilitation, or continue recovery at home?” It’s an important decision — and one that often comes with pressure from discharge teams, family, and timing. The reality is that both options have a role. But understanding when each is most effective can make a significant difference to recovery outcomes. What Does Hospital Rehabilitation Offer? H

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.

Falls are very common as we get older. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 will fall each year , and sometimes people cannot get up straight away. While preventing falls is important, it is equally important to know what to do if a fall happens . One of the biggest risks after a fall is something called a “long lie” , which means being unable to get up from the floor for a long period of time. Learning how to manage a fall safely can reduce this risk and help people remain independe

Many falls in older adults happen at home while doing everyday activities — carrying a cup of tea, rushing to the door, bending to pick something up, or getting up during the night. The good news is that simple aids and equipment can make a big difference . These tools can help people remain independent while also reducing the risk of falls. Below are some of the most useful and commonly recommended aids that can make day-to-day life easier and safer. Grabbers (Reachers) A g

As a physiotherapist working with older adults, I often see people whose walking has gradually changed over time. Sometimes this is due to arthritis, weakness, or deconditioning. Occasionally, however, there may be another cause that is less well known but important to recognise: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) . NPH is a neurological condition that can affect walking, balance, bladder control and thinking. The key thing to know is that it is one of the few potentially re

The kitchen is the heart of the home — but it’s also one of the places where slips, burns, fatigue, and falls most often happen, especially as we get older. The good news is that with a few smart changes, you can make your kitchen safer, easier to use, and more energy-efficient without losing independence or enjoyment. This guide combines physiotherapy advice, home-safety strategies, and practical equipment ideas — particularly useful for people living independently in Cornwa

Gardening is one of life’s great joys. It keeps you moving, boosts mood, and connects you with nature. But as we age, balance, strength, and reaction times can change, which means outdoor spaces sometimes need small adjustments to stay safe and accessible. The good news? With a few thoughtful tweaks, your garden can remain a safe, enjoyable place for years to come. This guide brings together practical safety tips, physiotherapy advice, and simple adaptations — especially help

Fatigue after a stroke is one of the most common — and often most frustrating — symptoms people experience during recovery. Unlike ordinary tiredness, post-stroke fatigue can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and disproportionate to activity levels. It can affect physical energy, mental clarity, mood, and motivation, and it often persists even when strength and mobility are improving. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can make a huge difference to recovery, c

For patients, families, and clinicians seeking clear, compassionate, science-informed guidance. Understanding ME/CFS Myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multi-system condition characterised by profound fatigue, cognitive symptoms, sleep disturbance, pain, autonomic issues, and — most distinctively — post-exertional malaise (PEM) , where symptoms worsen after activity. It is not simply “tiredness,” and it is not solved by pushing throug