Welcome to Michael J LifePurpose Rehab
Getting back to reality and resuming normal life after a life changing operation or accident can be daunting. Losing a loved one unexpectedly can also set you back and leave you feeling helpless or feel it’s impossible to get your own life back.
Since 2012, I have helped many individuals get back on track following the trauma of an accident, operation, major physical health issue, mental health issues, or the trauma of loss of a loved one.
The following are real life stories of how I have supported my clients reset after trauma. Through listening to my clients’ needs, I have devised essential and meaningful rehabilitation programmes, involving a variety of services I provide here at Michael J LifePurpose.
Case Study 1: Real Life Story – Tracey, Aged 52
Donna came to me after losing both legs after she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Her dual limb loss devastated her life after realising the disease had spread from her big toe through to her legs, meaning she needed a double leg amputation due to poor blood supply to her lower limbs—a common occurrence in diabetes 2 patients.
Following a few months of initial medical physio, Donna came to me determined to get fit and lose weight so that she could avoid further problems relating to her diabetes. This was recommended as an essential component by her consultants.
We devised a meaningful programme together, where she would train her body in fitness programmes twice a week in my gym and twice a week in her own home.
We also included a weekly 30 minute massage to help her circulation and improve good blood flow. She also had upper body pain which often fatigued her through operating a wheelchair.
Following 6 months of a personalised therapy programme and the fitness sessions, Donna lost several kilos of body fat and became fitter and stronger in order to live a more manageable life as a disabled woman. The rehab programme helped her maintain a healthier and more manageable lifestyle operating a wheelchair. She is now advising other people in similar situations on a health board which supports amputees and people with type 2 diabetes.
Case Study 2: Real Life Story – Duncan, Aged 58 (Heart Attack)
Duncan moved to the area to retire in the house of his dreams with his wife in 2018.
Having finally arrived after several stressful months, he was walking along the country lanes and in the fields of his property when the unexpected happened—a heart attack. Following a quadruple bypass and months of recovery, Duncan contacted me asking if I could support a recovery back to a life where he could play his beloved sport football again.
Through a combination of yoga and breath work to reduce anxiety and fear of another episode, we devised a steady and progressive fitness plan that enabled Duncan to get his confidence back. It also enabled him to feel how his body responded to exercise with an increasing level of intensity each week he trained.
Knee & Hip Replacement Therapy
I have had many referrals for both pre and post knee or hip replacement surgery. My clients have benefitted from physio and massage therapy treatment both before and after operations.
The key features before a knee and hip operation are to strengthen the leg, back and hips so that the muscles around the knee/hip are strong and enabled prior to the operation. Massage therapy and light stretching and strengthening exercises build stronger, more elastic and pliable muscles which support the knee, back and leg after the replacement.
Those who have come for post therapy massage treatment and LLLT (low level laser light therapy) have benefitted greatly also. Clients report weekly of improved mobility and less pain in and around the knee joint. Similarly, clients having hip replacements are always delighted with their programme of therapy which enables them to regain the confidence in their mobility so that they can resume a normal life soon after the operation.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss a massage therapy treatment programme should you be contemplating a knee or hip replacement or have undergone a replacement and need the support to get you back on track.
Prosthetic Exercises for Legs
The first step towards improving your balance requires strengthening your core. This doesn’t mean you will only work on your abs. Instead, core work will take on a holistic approach of strengthening your core which includes your abs, lower back, and hip muscles.
After a few months of working on your balance, you will notice that every step you take with your prosthetic leg will be much stronger and more deliberate. We will talk more about exercises that will strengthen your core in the last section of this article; we will first discuss other moves that will also improve your balance.
1. Prosthetic Leg Balance
This move allows you to balance on your prosthetic leg. If you’re a beginner, make sure to have something to hold on to, like a stable chair or a handrail within arm’s reach.
Then, with your feet together, lift your sound side foot with the knee facing forward or to the side. Hold the position with eyes open (and fixed on one spot to maintain your balance). Next, hold the same position with eyes closed. Switch feet and repeat 4 times on each foot.
If any move feels wrong or unsafe for you, stop and check with your prosthetist or physician.
2. Leg Swings
This move is excellent for warming up and stretching your hip muscles and hip joint. Stand on your right leg and raise the left leg 3–6 inches off the floor. Keep your arms at your sides while you swing your left leg forward and backward. Make sure you keep your torso erect throughout the movement.
Next, increase the level of difficulty by repeating the move but without allowing your foot to touch the ground. Then, switch legs and repeat.
3. Prosthetic Leg Clock with Arms
To perform this move, envision a clock. Balance on your prosthetic leg, torso straight, head up, and hands on hips. Point your arm straight overhead to 12 o'clock, then to 3 o'clock, and circle to 9 o'clock without losing your balance.
Increase difficulty by having someone call out random times. Switch sides and repeat.
4. Clock on an Unstable Surface
Once confident balancing on a stable surface, level up by trying the same moves on a BOSU (Ballast Ball) platform. Stand near a wall for safety. Start in the middle of the board on 2 feet. When ready, carefully execute the moves in Prosthetic Leg Clock—it’s harder than it looks!
5. One-Legged Squat
Stand with feet hip-width apart. Point your left foot forward, toes barely touching the floor, and push hips back and down into a one-legged squat. Keep chest upright and arms out front. Slowly rise back up. Switch legs and repeat.
6. Single-Leg Dead Lift
This move strengthens hamstrings and glutes. Balance on your sound leg, engage abs, and hinge at the hips while reaching toward the ground with the opposite hand. Hold weights and raise the other leg behind you for balance. Tighten glutes as you return upright. Repeat both sides.
7. Hollowman
Lie flat on your back and pull your belly button toward the floor. Hold arms and legs straight and raise them slightly off the ground while keeping your lower back in contact with the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then relax.
8. Plank
Begin on hands and knees, lower forearms to floor with elbows under shoulders. Step feet back and form a straight line from heels to head. Tighten abs and hold position, breathing steadily.
9. Bridge
Lie on your back with hands by sides, knees bent and feet flat. Raise hips to create a straight line from knees to shoulders. Tighten abs and glutes as you lift. Hold 30 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
10. Superman Pull
Lie on your stomach with arms and legs outstretched. Lift upper torso and legs off the floor, squeezing abs, back muscles, and glutes. Keep shoulders relaxed. Hold for a few seconds, then release. If too difficult, simply raise arms and legs slightly off the ground.
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