Yes, for 13 years now, my artistic skill has not gone beyond stick people (sadly). It always seems like the quickest and EASIEST way to communicate to my patients what I’d like them to do at home (although once, a client mentioned that my stick person looked more like a coat hanger than a person, I try…). The problem with the stick men is that, even when they are decipherable, they get abandoned quickly, like the latest outrageous fashion trend. 
Sadly, many clients “fall off the wagon”, so to speak, when physio is over but even more commonly WHEN THE PAIN HAS GONE AWAY. Ah ha! This could be YOU, I’ve described…well, trust me, I’ve spent a great deal of time thinking about how I could have an impact on compliance with home exercises.
WHY does it matter? A study published this month’s issue of Arthitis Care and Research followed clients with knee and/or hip arthritis to see the effects of home exercise on their level of pain, physical function (as they saw it), physical performance and such. BIG RESULT OF THE STUDY…(drum roll please…) The compliant ones had better outcomes (less pain, better function). But, as expected, exercise adherence fell to 44% after 15 months post-discharge from physio and to 30% at 60 months. Now when I look at those time frames I think WOW! I wonder how many of my clients with stick men on their fridges are still doing there exercises at 15 weeks!!!
Which brings me to my SOLUTION to this problem of compliance. On June 28th, we launched a NEW program, Efficient Movement Class, at the clinic for clients who might want a COST EFFECTIVE way to do physio exercises with supervision, while learning about their bodies, learning exercises for other parts of the body and how to use those funny tools we get you to buy from us (foam rollers, fascia balls, small pink pain-inducing balls etc.). These classes can also be attended by people currently going to physiotherapy too.
Instead of ME telling you more about this class though, I thought I’d let one of our PARTICIPANTS, Dr.Judith Knapp, tell you about her experience:
“I am a well educated woman, holding several degrees, including the following: Bachelors of Science in Education, Masters and Doctorate. I am very athletic and physically active in life. I have had chronic back pain for many years as well as hip and knee issues. In order to deal with the pain and limited mobility, I have gone to a combination of physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care for years. Having a formal academic education didn’t eliminate or help me deal with my pain. It also didn’t help improve my quality of life. It wasn’t until now that I am really learning to understand, manage and treat my own pain when and where it arises. Combined with the specific exercises given to me by Susan and Donna, the information I have received in the Movement Classes has allowed me to better understand how my body works and how I can self treat my pain. The Movement Classes have also given me many strategies to use to prevent stress and strain in various muscle groups throughout my body. I feel I have more control over my wellness in general. Specifically, I can immediately deal with such things as a stiff neck, tight muscles or aches while I relax at home. I am more knowledgeable and independent. I can take care of my pain and discomfort, wherever I am. This knowledge has enhanced and improved my quality of life in general.
Sure, I will still visit the professionals when needed. Having the understanding and ability to self help my body are amazing advances in my personal life education.
Sue, thank you and the staff at Reach Physio Solutions for having the foresight to help people help themselves. Thank you for an education in knowing my body!
As a side note, my husband is an experienced athlete and aerobic instructor. He has attended three classes and has openly admitted to his friends that he learned a great deal about managing his muscle pain through stretches, rolling and applying pressure. He was most impressed with the proactive approach to understanding how the body works and using preventative measures to stay flexible and pain free. Plus, he added that his neck has never felt better in years!”
If you want to know more about the class, visit this page. We are offering a special promotion if you purchase a package of 8 sessions before September 1st, each session will be less than $10 a class. The code is MOVEAUGUST2010 and you can use this link to purchase the Movement Class 8 Drop-in Pass there and enter the code when asked…
Leave a Reply