Welcome to the Estuary Physio Blog. Here our clinicians share useful tips and information about different topics which are designed to support our clients. If you have any suggestions on content please get in touch.
Dementia-friendly physiotherapy in London and Essex
Sunday 17th September 2023
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LONDON AND ESSEX WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities. It is possible that this interferes with daily functioning. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. WHAT ARE COMMON EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA? The early signs of dementia can vary from person to person but some common early signs include: Memory loss.Difficulty with planning and problem-solving.Language problems: Trouble finding the right words or following conversations.Confusion and disorientation.Making decisions that are out of character or unwise.Changes in mood and behaviour.Losing interest in hobbies or avoiding social interactions.Struggling to complete routine tasks. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA? Dementia symptoms will depend on the type of dementia…
Pulmonary Fibrosis Physiotherapy in London and Essex
Thursday 27th July 2023
Alicia Butler
Pulmonary Fibrosis Physiotherapy in London and Essex What is pulmonary fibrosis?Pulmonary fibrosis translates to 'scarring in the lungs.' This scarring makes your lungs stiff and less efficient at delivering oxygen into the blood. This stiffness also makes it more difficult to expand your lungs. This can result in requiring more effort to breathe and increased energy demand. What are common symptoms? Shortness of breathPersistent, dry coughFatigue or tirednessLoss of appetite as well as weight lossRounded and swollen fingertipsAching muscles or joints What are the main causes? Smoking can cause some specific kinds of pulmonary fibrosis.Being exposed to certain types of toxins such as coal dust, asbestos, coal dust or silica. Being exposed to allergens in the air such as mould and bird…
Physiotherapy for Bronchiectasis in London and Essex
Tuesday 27th June 2023
Barry Ford
Physiotherapy for Bronchiectasis in London and Essex What is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition which affects your lungs. It causes your airways to widen, become scarred and inflamed, leading to thicker mucus which is more likely to get trapped and infected. Source: Asthma and Lung UK (2020) What are the most common bronchiectasis symptoms? The most common symptom is coughing up more sputum, also called phlegm or mucus. This can vary from person to person and severe cases can be as much as a pot a day. Difficulty in clearing sputum can also lead to frequent chest infections which can be distressing and impact your day-to-day activities. Other symptoms you may have are:Fatigue or tirednessFeeling short of breathProblems with your sinusesUrine incontinence…
Initial Physiotherapy Assessment
Monday 19th June 2023
Barry Ford
Initial Physiotherapy Assessment First Consultation Your first consultation will typically be 60-minutes, which allows time for a comprehensive assessment and a short bespoke treatment in the remaining time available. Prior to the appointment The more information we have prior to starting rehabilitation, the better. Please send us scans, discharge letters and therapy reports. It is also helpful for your physiotherapist to have your health providers contact details in advance, working as a team with other professionals such as consultants will often get the best results. We also want to make sure we are the right team for you and match you to the right therapist. Listening We want to hear things from your perspective, where you are and where you want to be. If…
Preventing Falls for Elderly people
Friday 9th June 2023
Gemma Brown
Preventing Falls for Elderly People Falls and fractures in older people are largely preventable. It is essential that people are proactive with managing falls risk to maintain health, wellbeing and independence. What is a fall? A fall is defined as an event which results in a person coming to rest, inadvertently, on the ground. It can happen to anyone however, as people get older, they are more likely to fall and injure themselves. How common are falls? One third of over 65s fall at least once a yearHalf of over 80s fall at least once a year Where do falls occur? Falls can happen anywhere. However, more than half of them happen in the home. Keeping a falls diary can help track when and when…
Sticking With Your Exercise Programme
Friday 5th May 2023
Gemma Brown
Sticking with your exercise programme Success of a Physiotherapy programme relies on dedication and consistency. The more active you are in your own recovery, the faster you will make gains. This means sticking with your exercises and making new healthy habits. Below are some tips to set you up for success: Set Goals Remember the reason why you started. Keeping a meaningful purpose in mind can help you to visualise an end goal. Take baby steps to get there. Smaller short-term goals can break the journey down. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Celebrate Come up with a reward for when you meet your goals. It can be something as simple as having a bubble bath. Routine Do your exercises in the same place,…
Is low blood pressure preventing you form exercising with Parkinsons?
Wednesday 25th January 2023
Estuary Physio
Low blood pressure can be frustrating and worrying. Symptoms can be severe enough to limit or even stop you from feeling safe to exercise. There are different causes of low blood pressure and in some cases, it can be directly related to Parkinson's. The good news is with specialist input from a Physiotherapist and your neurologist, they can get you back on track and moving again. Tips to discuss with your therapist or medical team: Check with your neurologist to see if your low blood pressure is linked to your medication Keeping a symptom day chart might help to identify this * Try drinking 500 ml / 16.9 oz of water prior to exercise * Avoid heavy carbohydrate meals which direct blood supply…
What is Neuro Physio and how is it different to standard Physiotherapy ?
Friday 29th July 2022
Neuro physios are physiotherapists who have specialised in the treatment of individuals with neurological conditions - those which affect the brain and spinal cord. Within their training they learn how to manage the symptoms associated with different neurological conditions, these may include muscle weakness, loss of sensation and muscle stiffness (spasticity). Clients with neurological conditions can experience difficulties with everyday activities such as walking, standing and getting up the stairs. Neuro Physios will spend time analysing movement in order to identify specific limitations or blocks which may be holding clients back from achieving a goal. Using this information, they will be able to help re-educate certain movement patterns with specific handling techniques or exercises. Otherwise, they may help clients find alternative…