But thanks to the physiotherapy coupled with the support he has received from staff members at the Lindsay long-term care home, he is now able to get around with the help of a walker.

Before he began physiotherapy in February, Mucha wasn’t even able to move the toes on his left foot. When he started treatment, Mucha required the help of two people to get around with his walker. After several treatment sessions, he only required the help of one person.

Eight months later, he uses his walker without any assistance.

“Time works, you know,” says Mucha of his recovery. “(The physiotherapy) has worked excellent.”

Adding to the fact he has regained much of his mobility in the eight months since he started treatment, Mucha says he feels a sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence since graduating from a wheelchair to a walker.

Mucha also underscores the importance that taking charge of his recovery has had. The stick-to-it tenacity he has when it comes to performing his exercises has also played a big part in improving his mobility, he says.

“You’ve got to work on your own. I do that every day,” he says, adding his goal is to be walking without a walker by spring.

Vi O’Leary, Frost Manor’s life enrichment co-ordinator, says everyone at the home has been impressed with the progress Mucha has made since beginning physiotherapy.

“He has come along very, very well,” she says.

When Mucha began his treatment, his physiotherapist began range-of-motion exercises to improve the circulation in his leg. After his circulation improved, Mucha began his walking program.

Adding to his success story has been the strong support he says he has received from staff at Frost Manor during his recovery.

“When you ask for help, not only one comes, two or three (staff members) come,” he says.