Who has experience using personal trainers after a stroke?

Hey All,

 

This was a question from Jo in Stroke Foundation Facebook - I thought that you might have some thoughts too about this.

 

Question: "Who has experience using personal trainers after a stroke? Have you found your pt to be skilled in meeting your needs or is more training needed from your experience?" Thanks in advance

 

Here are some of the answers:

Stroke Foundation What a well balanced conversation with valid points raised. Stroke affects everyone differently and needs also change throughout the recovery journey. Seeing a neurological physiotherapist (with expertise in stroke) for assessment and treatment is ideal. However in many cases as mentioned, exercise physiologists and in some cases experienced personal trainers can be appropriate for some stroke survivors. The experience of any health professional is always important as is the relationship you form with them. It really depends on so many factors (including what is available in your area, access and budget) and being discerning and using common sense helps. If in doubt speak with your physio for advice and suggestions for long term input, they can transition you to exercise programs which may include groups, seeing an exercise physiologist or personal trainer. Exercise physiologists hold a minimum bachelor degree compared to some personal trainers who may have just studied a short course. For some stroke survivors with minimal impairments a personal trainer may be appropriate, particularly in longer term recovery once physio input has ceased. In many cases you can be re-referred to community physio or utilise a Chronic Disease Management Plan to help subsidise physio sessions. If you have private health insurance this offers another option to fund ongoing therapy. I don't think there is a one size fits all approach here. If you're unsure about accessing ongoing assistance with exercise after stroke please don't hesitate to call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 to discuss.

You can find a registered physiotherapist here: http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/

You can find an accredited Exercise Physiologist or read more about EP here: www.essa.org.au

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine - 1800 787 653)

APA | Find a Physio

Fiona Kleinitz Hi there, 13 years post stroke & I would recommend an exercise physiologist, they are knowledgeable & understand the need to exercise safely within my parameters. I've been seeing Chris at PACE malvern for 2 years, excellent service & highly recommend any of the staff at PACE clinics.

Toni Arfaras After my stroke I was seeing a physio one-on-one. From there I progressed to joining a pilates class once a week and I now also do a weekly cardio class. My physio offers PT sessions but I find doing these two class sessions is more than enough fo me...See More

Tanya Younger I feel like this is one of those instances where you need to know your own body and be able to communicate effectively with health/body professionals. I had done step aerobics for decades and about three years post stroke I felt that I really wanted to do 'sweaty' exercise again and went and talked to the instructor. I cleared it with my GP and re-commenced classes, hobbling in with my walking stick and flouncing around at the back of the class (without a step). Aside from a loss of fitness, my new 'enhanced' weight, and balance issues I don't think there was any reason not to have a go. Over the years of doing the class (four now) I've gotten much stronger and I no longer hobble in with a stick, but I still do the step aerobics without a step and my instructor still tailors a lot of the moves to accommodate me. I've only fallen once, which is pretty good since I seemingly can't get the house vacuumed without taking a tumble! Anyway, to your question....I've used a PT a few times over the years and each time I've had a different reason for doing so. I don't use it as a general therapy tool, rather when I have something specific I want to work on. I talk to a trainer about my needs and listen to the approach and program they propose. Sometimes more success than others, but for me all movement is positive. I guess my very long winded point is that a PT might be appropriate for some things, but not others. Think about your expectations and talk to everyone who's in place to help you. Good luck!

 

Kristy Hastings A personal trainer is trained to work with healthy population groups. Within their scope of practice they can see conditions like stroke, only when they are under the guidance of an allied health professional. I'm a little biased when it comes to exercise so I'd recommend an exercise physiologist. We are specially trained in exercise and chronic conditions, including stroke. There's an online tool to help you find one local to you on the organizational website www.essa.org.au and look for "find an AEP" . You can also claim Medicare and private health. Or if that's not an option, look for a local community health that has exercise physiologists in the team.

I've sent clients out to local gyms for ongoing exercise but I always ensure their exercise prescription is safe and I have a good relationship with the personal trainers I use

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Mel Hall Please go to a physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist- they are clinical disciplines and Medicare rebates are available if you are referred by your GP on a management plan

 

Mel Hall Personal trainers are not accredited to work with anyone who is complex or outside of the normal healthy population- which includes stroke recovery.

 

Emily Palmer Agree. However not many Physiotherapists etc are well versed on Stroke recovery. If you are perhaps "beyond" the needs of Physiotherapy then like Jo perhaps you would look to a PT and come across the same problem.

 

Mel Hall I suppose it is all situational to determine the best fit for your own situation, but it asked for opinions and it is my opinion that a clinician will be more astute to needs and also to "masking" behaviours that are adopted to compensate the root of that are adopted to compensate the root of the problem.

It's also my strong opinion that we must always make a distinction between an ESSA accredited exercise physiologist who is degree qualified (Bachelor ExSc AND Master of EP) with currency of clinical practice, and a personal trainer- a largely unregulated industry.

 

Emily Palmer Agree it's all very situational. It's also more complex for Parents like myself with a Child who is recovering from Stroke.

It would be helpful for Clinicians to help patients set goals to transition to other services if applicable.

We've been using a gymnastics instructor with huge success - both physical and mental!

 

Steve Bolton Just reading the responses there are hundreds of "professions" doing the same thing basically. My own experience is qualifications count for nothing. If you dont get along with a trainer and they aren't restrictive about what you can and cant do it just  for the social boost you and they will get. Try to include a close friend with you when you have a private trainer. It'll help your confidence and theirs in your capabilities. Try not to have completely isolated training sessions, get outside for some things (walks and jogs mostly) so you get confidence with being seen in public plus you may need to get used to outdoor noise and weather depending how you're affected. If you can get along with the trainer as a friend it can be great for you, if you need someone to yell at you to exercise i dont think thats whats needed. I had a physio student who started off like a regular personal trainer in being stern and strict and it was horrible. But she mellowed and dropped that tactic and i made my best progress ever as a result. Its a tricky thing to advise, we all progress and cope differently. I would suggest if you have a list to consider and any of them run classes just show up, sit down and observe. Don't approach them, see how they interact with everyone, do they notice you and your condition and ask if you want to join in. Stuff like that, see if you get a good vibe from them.

 

Mel Hall 100% spot on Steve, the relationship is key to success!