My WWP now has to 'furniture walk' to get around the house.Outside she has to hold onto me and uses the shopping trolly for support doing shopping.
She says at times her legs just won't move.
The strange thing is, we bought an exercise bike to try and build muscle she can peddle that ok, so I wonder why her brain let's her cycle, but not walk?
A lot of pwp report being able to cycle, yet have difficulty walking. Go figure.
Cycling strengthens (mostly) the muscles in the front of the leg while walking uses the muscles in the back of the legs. Perhaps she should focus on exercise that strengthen those muscles.
Balance
she is sitting on the bike while holding handle bars . Walking she is momentarily standing on one foot a she steps with nothing to hang onto she will spin and fall down. Obtain a wheeled walker for her it could save her life. Most countrys will pay for most of the cost. She can also use it as a chair when she gets tired.
I think MBAnderson is on the mark.
Anyone who remains seated (even upright) or reclining develops tight contracted muscles at the back of thigh as well as glutes and other pelivis stabilisers. In addition there will be muscle wasting.
It happens to a lot of older people. The only option is regular exercises with diligent repetition . Start with those that can be done lying down, then seated. Then standing. Progress will be slow but it will happen. It wuld take atleast a year to get steadier on the feet.
There is a physiotherapist from Farnham (Will Harlow) who has written a book called Thrive after fifty. He has produced some very clear You Tube videos.
Will have a look thanks
I totally agree on this also re exercise strengthening. Sometimes the Rollators and Walkers with 4 wheels are more dangerous than good, for particular circumstances. For my husband they are useless for stopping falls, and outright dangerous, but for more fluid walking, like gymsack says, it could be very helpful for Allypally49. There are walkers with 2 wheels only at the front. This is a better option for my husband except it's too soon even for that at present as his walking is so good, it's more of an encumbrance outside to carry it. Inside it can be very helpful. The Rollator/4 wheel walkers inside for him were hopeless. It relies on brake usage also which he just did not remember to do and then the fall starts and the weight on a rollator/walker is too much. They are not for that type of problem.
Oh Bunny622...
If I could destroy every walker and close down the mighty Zimmer Inc. I would.
Everytime I see some walking with a walker I get so depressed seeing their heads stooping forward and putting their centre of gravity out of line. Sadly the only 2 people I could snatch them away from was my grandmother and later her younger sister.
Dont get me wrong they have a role for about 2 weeks after you get off legs but are a travesty after that.
Yes I hear you. But I do think they have a place for particular circumstances. I do think like you though - the stoop and roundedness of shoulders is only a bad thing but if it does help some people get around, then who are we to say no they're useless. I just think there is a place for them in moderation.
I’m going to physical therapy for that problem Do the homework! Improvement is slow but steady!
WWP is seeing a physiotherapist tomorrow, hopefully she can benefit from that
yeah, we’ve been through this stage too! Sometimes PT or a medication adjustment can get the balance and movement back.
I recommend getting a PT to help her get used to a walker also, for the bad days. And make sure you have safety grab bars in place on the home, especially the bath. One bad fall, could really set you back.
I personally have put to grap rails in the bath to provide the taking of a shower.
Good to hear yur wife is seeing a PT so promptly.
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