Physiotherapy with a progressive illness

Ian’s son initially contacted Home Physio Care because his dad had unfortunately fallen and broken his hip. Like many families, they wanted to proactively support their dad to build his strength and confidence and minimise his risk of future falls.

Whilst working on his Trendelenburg gait (an abnormal walking pattern caused by weak hip muscles following his injury), his physiotherapist Tracey noted a secondary abnormality in his walking – a festinating gait (involuntary small, progressively fast, shuffling steps) and as such, wrote to his GP to arrange a neurology review. He was subsequently diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

What is PSP?

PSP is a rare neurological condition that affects balance, movement, walking, vision, speech and thinking abilities. Symptoms can often progress over time and can lead to an increased risk of falls and reduced independence.

Whilst there is currently no cure, early support and rehabilitation can play an important role in helping people remain active, maintain function and continue participating in the activities that matter most to them.

Our approach

Following Ian’s diagnosis, our focus shifted from solely reducing falls to supporting him and his family to plan ahead and live as meaningful and fulfilling a life as possible.

Our physiotherapy input included:

✓ Personalised strength, balance and mobility exercises

✓ Practising everyday activities to maintain independence and identifying ways to adapt

✓ Advice and education for Ian and his family

✓ Supporting future planning as his needs changed

✓ Working collaboratively with other professionals involved in his care

✓ Providing practical input into home adaptations and future-proofing his environment

Our aim is always to ask, “What matters most to this person?” and build rehabilitation around those goals.

Making home work for the future

As Ian’s needs evolved, his family began converting the garage into a more accessible living space.

His physio Tracey was able to contribute practical ideas and future-proofing suggestions, working alongside the project manager to help create an environment that would continue to support Ian’s independence as his condition changed over time.

This included reviewing things such as suitable flooring for his particular gait pattern and positioning of the bed to allow space for manoeuvring, and relevant equipment. This collaborative approach helped the family feel more prepared and reassured for the future.

The outcome

Although PSP is a progressive condition, physiotherapy can still make a significant difference.

Success is not always measured by improving strength or walking further.

Sometimes success means preserving independence, maintaining purpose and creating opportunities for joy and engagement.

For Ian, this has included:

✓ Continuing to engage with exercise and movement

✓ Remaining involved in daily household tasks

✓ Supporting his confidence and motivation

✓ Helping his family plan ahead

✓ Maximising quality of life at home

Feedback from Ian’s son

“Dad’s PSP is getting worse, but he still loves a visit from Tracey. Only yesterday evening he was running through and showing me everything Tracey was getting him to do and Mum found him washing the pots when she came downstairs whilst Tracey was there! Dad’s garage conversion is coming to an end soon and we can’t wait for him to be in it and benefiting from it. Tracey has been a great asset, speaking with the project manager and providing lots of future-proofing ideas and knowledge.”

Could we help you or a loved one?

At Home Physio Care, we understand that rehabilitation isn’t always about getting back to where you were before.

Sometimes it’s about adapting, planning ahead and helping people continue to live a meaningful, active and fulfilling life despite changing health needs.

We provide expert physiotherapy in the comfort of your own home across Nottingham and surrounding areas. Wonder if we can help you or someone you love? Please don’t hesitate to contact us to chat through your situation – 07578 212015.

Image and story shared with Ian and his family's kind consent.