Exercising with limitations after a stroke: Phil’s story

Phil Collis, 63, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, had a stroke as a teenager. He spent four months recovering in hospital, but was left with limited movement on his left side.

Phil also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which means walking often leaves him short of breath. Since the stroke, Phil has had foot drop, which means his left foot drags on the ground when he walks. This puts pressure on other parts of the body and he’s had to have knee and hip replacements. He now walks mostly with a stick or crutches.

Chair-based tai chi

Over the years he’s found ways to adapt and keep active. He enjoys chair-based tai chi, which focuses on gentle movements and deep breathing, which he practices by following online tai chi videos. “It doesn’t cause discomfort and helps strengthen my muscles,” says Phil.

Learn these simple chair-based exercises
Find out about the benefits of tai chi

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Simple exercises at home

Phil tries to include short activities into his daily life so that “it just becomes something you do, and doesn’t feel like a burden.” While Phil’s doing the washing up, he does pelvic floor exercises. “That builds strength around the hips and helps with balance and continence management, which is something that affects many people who’ve had strokes.”

It might be baby steps, but it all helps

While watching TV, Phil will hold his leg up at 60 degrees for 10 seconds, then at 45 degrees for 10 seconds. He also strengthens his left hand, which was also affected by the stroke, by lifting a bag of sugar a few times.

“It might be baby steps, but it all helps,” says Phil. “For me it’s about maintenance rather than aiming at progress. I want to be able to get about and do things for myself for as long as possible.”