Croxley Home Physio

29/10/2025

Dr Stacy Sims has been spreading evidence based knowledge about bone and muscle health for years. I also encourage all my patients to maximise their potential and hop, jump or challenge their routine to encourage better mobility and function.

We all lose bone as we age, and the long-term effects of this are osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fracture. I’m often asked about how to maintain and improve bone health—so in a previous newsletter, I addressed this question, as well as providing some valuable resources for you.

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation reports that up to 50% of women and 25% of men aged 50+ will break a bone due to osteoporosis. It’s hugely important to build the best skeletons we can in the first 30 years of our lives and then try to maintain bone mass as we age. But how?

​Learn more here and view all research links >>> https://bit.ly/48OyS12

20/10/2025

Happy Diwali to all 💐

04/10/2025

Interesting article that validates what o prescribe day after day: leg strengthening exercises are essential to healthy, independent older years. It is never too late to start, at whatever level you are at. Contact me if you need further support to get your knees, and mobility , in greater shape !

Our knees are arguably one of our most important joints. Here’s how to strengthen them: https://bbc.in/3IRuLGR

04/10/2025

Another two 5 ⭐ reviews from patients. I get so humbled and moved by the feedback I receive. I am so glad I can make a difference. Read more on https://shorturl.at/j0tpW

“Stephanie has been helping my father get moving after hip replacement surgery further complicated by a broken shoulder. She has a wonderful manner and has really motivated him to get moving. Her simple and easy to follow instructions have meant that he confidently and diligently completes his exercises between visits. He really looks forward to her visits!”

“My 93 year old Dad had a fall resulting in a head injury that put him in hospital for a month. When he came out he was very frail and wheelchair bound. As a result he was quite depressed as he had always been very independent and active. So we looked for a physiotherapist who could help him regain his mobility... and found Stephanie.
Her speciality is palliative care and has been wonderful. She worked with the care home to ensure that his environment was set up correctly for safe transfers between the bed, wheelchair/chair and walking frame and has since focussed on strengthening exercises and practising these transfers with my dad so that he can carry them out safely with minimal assistance. At first he was scared and panicked when trying to stand, but only after a few sessions there was a marked improvement and he can now walk with a frame independently under supervision.
Stephanie has also provided him with an exercise program that he can do on his own complete with easy to follow diagrams which he has described as “rather excellent”... a top notch compliment from him! My Dad’s mood has improved considerably and now looks forward to Stephanie’s visits and is always keen to show us the new exercises he has learnt.
I cannot recommend Stephanie enough for those struggling to regain their mobility and especially the elderly who are also dealing with cognitive decline. It is her expertise here that we have found most beneficial in giving my Dad encouragement and hope for the future.”

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01/09/2025

Another two days until I complete my 12 day Alpine hike. I am looking forward to coming back on Monday 8th September . As longevity physiotherapist I love helping all my clients maximising their mobility and function, whatever their level. Get in touch for a chat or to book a session.

19/03/2025

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be watching Mr Houlihan-Burne performing knee replacement surgery at one of his clinics. In England, 51% of knee replacement procedures are for people over 70. Physiotherapy before AND after surgery is key to a good recovery. For any advice or input regarding your knee replacement or your loved one’s, get in touch. I offer a comprehensive and holistic programme and accompany you along your journey to recovery.
“I am more than pleased with you and how you have helped me with me knee replacement “ and “ I tell all my friends what a difference you have made to me […]” is some of the feedback from clients

30/01/2025

Have you or a loved one been in intensive care and now struggling at home?

Any stay in hospital and particularly in ICU can really impact your emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing.

After an ICU stay, it's essential to prioritise rest, gradual activity increases, a healthy diet, and managing emotional challenges. Remember that recovery takes time, so pace yourself, set realistic goals, and seek support from loved ones and professional therapy if needed.

Listen to your body: Don't push yourself too hard; take frequent breaks and rest when needed.

Physical recovery is part of the areas to focus on, and as specialist physiotherapy I can help you or your loved one with

Mobility exercises: gentle and gradual stretching, and range of motion exercises.

Breathing exercises: Practice deep breathing techniques to improve lung function.

Muscle weakness: Gradually build strength through targeted exercises.

And much more !

I will teach you how to start with light exercises and slowly build up intensity as tolerated.

Don’t forget

Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with enough protein to support healing and maintain energy levels.

Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Pain management: Communicate any pain to your doctor and use prescribed pain medication as needed.

In addition, for your mental and emotional wellbeing, acknowledge your feelings. It's normal to experience anxiety, depression, or confusion after a critical illness.

Talk to someone: Share your experiences with loved ones, a therapist, or a support group.
Use stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Think about your sleep management:

Establish a routine: Go to bed and wake up at similar times each day, even on weekends.

Create a relaxing sleep environment:Keep the room dark, quiet, and cool.

Often cognitive difficulties are not discussed :

Some people may experience memory problems or difficulty concentrating after an ICU stay, which can improve with time and cognitive rehabilitation.

Delirium can occur with older adults :
If you experienced delirium in the ICU, discuss strategies to manage symptoms with your healthcare team.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
Some individuals may develop PTSD related to their critical illness experience, seeking therapy if necessary.

Any question or to discuss your needs please contact Croxleyhomephysio.co.uk or call us on 07939041451 or email at croxleyhomephysio@gmail.com

I offer assessment and rehabilitation sessions in the comfort of your own home

01/01/2025

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2025!

24/12/2024

Wishing all my lovely clients and their families a restful festive season and happy new year 🎄🌹

22/09/2024

Dementia and Alzheimer’s: what you can do to help a loved one who has dementia

This summer a person very close to me was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It has made me think about the illness and what it means for sufferers and carers alike.
As a physiotherapist I have been involved with many clients with various degrees of dementia, from early stages to end of life.
Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and its not just about forgetting things. It is a group of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include:
memory loss
confusion and needing help with daily tasks
problems with language and understanding
changes in behaviour and movement
There are many types of dementia but Alzheimer's disease is the most common. The next most common is vascular dementia, which prevents blood from getting to the brain properly, and Lewy body disease.

One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. A report in 2024, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society, shows that around a million people in the UK have a form of dementia. This is projected to rise to 1.4 million people by 2040.
The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as cycling, dancing, or brisk walking. Strength-building exercises, such as gardening, yoga, or lifting weights, should be done at least twice a week
There are several things you can do:
Get information about how to communicate to your loved ones with dementia. They can get scared, confused, angry. Communication tips can be found online.
Call a physiotherapist specialised in working with older adults like us: If you or your loved one shows signs of moving less, struggling more with walking and getting in and out of things or up and down stairs, and you are not sure where to start or how to motivate them: we can advise on exercises, safer transfers, safer set up at home.
At Croxleyhomephysio we help many older adults recover from illness or surgery, with the aim to maximise mobility and function against growing frailty and inactivity. We offer a thorough assessment to determine what is the best treatment and provide ongoing programmes to motivate, guide and empower clients.
If you are worried about a loved one’s mobility and function, check out croxleyhomephysio.co.uk and get in touch!

08/06/2024

Today Croxley Home Physio spent the day at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurological Surgery on a Rock Tape Course . Rock Tape or K Tape is not only for athletes: it is proven to be an effective way to reduce pain, reduce swelling, help in better posture, activate weak muscles or relax the over active ones . I like to use it as part of my treatment and was grateful for the opportunity to deepen my knowledge; widen my skills, and look forward to helping more clients in future !

10/04/2024

Dr Kathryn Mannix spent her medical career working with people who have incurable, advanced illnesses. Starting in cancer care and changing career to become a pioneer of the new discipline of palliative medicine, she has worked as a palliative care consultant in teams in hospices, hospitals and in patients’ own homes, optimising quality of life even as death is approaching. She is passionate about public education, and having qualified as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist in 1993, she started the UK’s (possibly the world’s) first CBT clinic exclusively for palliative care patients, and devised ‘CBT First Aid’ training to enable palliative care colleagues to add new skills to their repertoire for helping patients.

Using her experience as a physician, psychotherapist, trainer and service lead, Kathryn presents stories that illustrate how we can better understand and prepare for death (our own or somebody else’s) in her bestseller ‘With The End In Mind,’ and then leads us through the art of Tender Conversations in her latest book, ‘Listen.’

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What do we need to know now, to protect the wishes of our loved ones at the end of their lives?

Before you start, remember this conversation is theirs as much as yours:
- invite, don't compel.
- give them options about when to have this conversation, where to have it, how long to give it
-have a plan for after the chat: cuppa, favourite TV show, walk, hobby etc

⭐️Today's question is 'Who are the people you most want around you at the end of your life, if they can be there?'

We want to support you, yet not overwhelm you. It's also important that everyone understands how much company is enough for you, and how much is too much. Please help us to get the balance right for you.

⭐️How much companionship do you want? A room filled with dear people, or peace and quiet with people checking in from time to time?

Some of us are better known by our close friends than by family members, yet friends often keep away to make space for family. This is something worth talking through in advance.

⭐️Do you have wishes about access to people outside your family for support?
Who are your important friends? How can they be contacted?
Do you want them to visit, or just to be kept informed?

Some of us have responsibilities or arrangements that other people rely on, that our friends or family may not be aware of.

⭐️Who is relying on you?
Do you have dependents? Pets? Someone you regularly support with visits, letters or phone calls?
How should this be managed if you become too unwell, temporarily or permanently, to maintain those tasks?

⭐️How do you feel about your companions keeping other people up to date, for example via a WhatsApp group or one of the websites that helps share messages like ?

⭐️It's important to help your dearest people understand that you value them, and yet you may also need time to rest, time to think, or simply to relish time to yourself. Sometimes it's helpful to choose someone to be your 'personal assistant.' Give that person the job of telling others when to visit and when to leave you in peace.

What have you found helpful in organising visits, support, and enough rest time?