wk 2: number 2 reflection

Today I helped treat a patient with polymyostis, which is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the muscles of the body especially the more proximal muscles. This patient was now suffering from muscle weakness in her trunk, hips and general deconditioning within all her muscles.
1.
The main aim for this patient's treatment was improving muscle strength and control especially within her hips and trunk. The exercises I chose were all appropriate in targeting the areas of muscle weakness and I judge the amount she was able to do by the amount of muscle fatigue and the patient's feedback on how she felt. My communication was good as she was able to understand the exercises I wanted to do and how to correct her technique when I gave her feedback.

2.
I think I encourage my patient well as I was empathetic to her condition but kept emphasising the importance of the exercises in relation to her goals and she responded well to that. I think I could improve my handling in my treatment, as my patient did have a lot of control or strength in some exercises her legs would just drop onto the bed and I think I could have had my hands in a better position to be able to lower her legs slowly if they were to drop due to fatigue.

3.
I felt fairly confident because I have met this patient on a number of occasions already so I had a fairly good idea of her limitations and her level of determination which was helpful in knowing how far I could push her.

4.
in my approach to patients like this in the future I will makes sure I know their medical history, diagnosis and details of their illness, as like this patient I didn't know much about this condition.

5.
I would be very mindful in my observation and handling of patients and be ready to help facilitate movements when required.

6.
Today has gone well; I think overall I am going ok!

7.
Look up more on the condition polymyostis