Frances

When I first came to Kesson I had arthritis in both knees, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, poor vision and was losing my sense of balance.On pavements and steps I had quite frequent falls which resulted in cracked ribs. Sometimes it was my right knee giving way and sometimes I just didn’t see a kerb or an uneven surface.I thought at age 73 that my mobility was on an irreversible decline, and the likelihood of a serious fall with a fracture was inevitable.

It was all rather depressing.I’d heard that Denise was an ‘expert in Knees’. I did not want a knee replacement, though I’d been told by a Hospital Specialist that this was inevitable. Denise gave me a thorough examination and found some muscles were weak and some were very tight. She recommended exercises that I should do daily, and suggested I have some acupuncture and attend their Balance Group.We were tested and measured before we started and did circuits of a variety of strengthening and balancing activities. It was quite jolly and I came to enjoy the sessions, and had measurable improvement in my strength by the end of the course. I discovered I was not on an inevitable decline. I could do something about it.

After leaving Kesson’s balance class I had the confidence to join the exercise class run by Faversham Active for Health. Most days I do some stretches and exercises at home. As my fear of falling has reduced, I now walk rather than cycling on my trike everywhere.

Although the possibility of tripping, due to my eyesight, is still there I’m glad to say I haven’t had a fall since attending the balance class. I don’t limp anymore and my knees are generally pain free. There is no talk of knee operations. I use a walking pole on rough ground, which helps my balance. I can even dance a little! I am immensely grateful for Kesson Physio for giving me hope and mobility when I was in danger of losing them both.