RILEY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

your trusted PHYSIO

WITH WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY ON 20 OCTOBER AND WORLD STROKE DAY ON 29 OCTOBER, RILEY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS HIGHLIGHTS AWARENESS – AND ALSO UNPACKS THEIR STRONG FOCUS ON HOME AND NURSING HOME VISITS

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the silent disease, as most only become aware of it when they sustain a fracture from a minor fall, or develop severe back pain and are diagnosed with a spinal compression fracture. Preventative healthcare is vital, which is why it is important to have regular bone density scans and commence treatment early. Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, is also important to maintain optimal bone density.

Physiotherapists can prescribe exercise, especially modifi ed exercise for people with additional problems, assist with pain management after spinal compression fractures, and rehabilitation after more severe fractures and surgeries.

Physio rehabilitation is also vital after someone has experienced a stroke – to restore movement, function and as much independence as possible. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, leading to temporary or permanent damage to brain cells. One in four adults will experience a stroke in their lifetime, however exercising regularly and having a healthy diet is helpful in preventing stroke. Riley Physiotherapists wonderful new physio, Zanele (Zee) Khomo, is currently completing her Masters in Neuro Physio and has a special interest in the management of strokes. She has a passion for all movement disorders, whether it be neuro, postsurgery or those with extremely high levels of function, such as athletes. Zee, who recently joined Juli-Ann Riley’s practice in the Upper Highway area, does volunteer work at Mazeltov soccer club in Inanda and mentors young ladies in her community about career choices and studies. Look out for the next issue of The Crest magazine to fi nd out more about Zee!

Riley Physiotherapists has a very strong focus on home and nursing home visits in our area:

• We provide this important service when people are unable to get to our rooms after surgery – or if they are sick, frail or have poor mobility. • You can get the treatment you need in your own home, be shown easier/safer ways of doing things and be advised on various equipment, like grab rails. • We offer this service in the whole Upper Highway, regularly visiting estates like Le Domaine, Rob Roy, Waterfall Gardens, and Chartwell Estate. • We also provide a specialist physiotherapy service in frail cares and assisted living facilities, where the needs of the patients are unique. • Conditions we treat in nursing homes include post-operative rehabilitation (hip and knee replacement, shoulder surgery), neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, spinal cord injuries), respiratory conditions (bronchitis, pneumonia), aches and pains (arthritis, back pain) and general poor strength/ balance/mobility. • The optimal health and happiness of our patients is of utmost importance to us.

With Riley Physiotherapists, a trusted name in our community for almost 20 years, you are in good hands.