PSP Association

Physiotherapy update

My father had his 14th physiotherapy today.We have seen improvement from these therapies.Of course, i am not talking for a major difference,but physiotherapy seems to have good results.My dad used to fall backwards and now it happens much more rarely.Also,when walking (we help him when he does) he is more stable and flowing.I can add the positive effect in his psychology.Generally,i believe that physiotherapy offers some help to my father.

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Physiotherapy

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john_z

in reply to anne-cliff

6 years ago

Hi anne-cliff,

I asked the physio and he told me that the reason for the backwards falls is the fact that my dad isn't stepping his right foot properly (right side is my father's "weak" side because of psp).So,physio tryies to improve this and he showed us a particular exercise that is helping.It's this one;with one hand we hold under the heel of the right foot.The palm of the other hand embraces the fingers of the foot in a way that the thumb is on top and all the other fingers are under the foot.Now,with the hand that embraces foot's fingers, in turn we lift the fingers of the foot up and down.In other words, the part of the foot that begins just before the fingers is moving up and down with the help of our hand.It's important that fingers of the foot must stay tautly during this move.Physio also told us that there is a sling that can help,but still is not the right time to buy it.It's something that he 'll discuss with my dad's neurologist and when the time is right,when his foot 'll be in a better condition,he 'll let us know.Generally,he believes that my father 'll have more improvement with next physiotherapies.Besides,he doesn't use exersice machines during the therapies.I am going to ask him about the ustep that you mentioned.I hope i helped,i send you my best wishes, John.