BAJA HEALING COLLECTIVE
MARCO IRETA,
Physiotherapist and Neuro-Rehabilitation Therapist
KEEP MOVING – EXERCISE AS MEDICINE
Physical Therapy based on:
Body Mechanics
Posture Alignment
Mobility
Flexibility
Muscle Strength
Over the years that I have been writing for Baja Beat, I am always so impressed by the people we are surrounded by in our Baja community. Marco Ireta is no exception – another amazing young professional that we are blessed to have living and working here.
Marco Ireta is a Physiotherapist recognized nationally and Internationally for his clinical experience in the implementation of technologies in Neuro-rehabilitation. His approach is based on MOVEMENT as the main strategy for the treatment and prevention of neurological and muscular skeletal injuries. He was invited to come to Los Cabos from Mexico City to work on a project developing a physical therapy clinic. His partner, Lorena Gonzalez, is also a Physiotherapist specializing in sports therapy and exercise.
Marco and Lorena are starting a new project called Baja Healing Collective, currently in two locations: one in the Finisterra Building and the second one at La Choya, La Playita, specializing in Neuro-rehabilitation (stroke, spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, anything that affects the brain that is related to movement) and musculoskeletal rehabilitation (pain that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones caused by trauma to an area (jerking movements, auto accidents, falls, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and direct blows to the muscle) They are also focusing on home care therapy which means going into people’s homes and taking care of people for post-surgery and for preventive care. These people are not necessarily in pain but they need to move – perhaps therapeutic exercises and stretching or maybe some specific strengthening program.
The clinical approach they use is guiding the patients during the pain and rehabilitation process securing all the components so that they can move in a safe way.
For example, Marco is working with a couple who are in their 80’s and 90’s. He has regular sessions with them twice a week. They lay down comfortably on mats and he stretches their muscles (depending on assessment), hamstring, glute, groin, lower back, chest and shoulders. That is considered relaxing stretching because it feels good. He spends 20-25 minutes doing full body stretching and then does something called activation exercises that are easy to achieve. It’s a combination of exercises coming from yoga, Pilates and wellness depending on each person’s requirements. At the end, there is a little challenge. Right now, because he is working on balance and coordination, they do a small dance, steps to the side, back and front. Because they are artistic, it’s fun and comfortable for them while engaging them to do exercises that they like.
On the first assessment they structure a daily plan that might include fall prevention. Then there is the creation of a safe environment which is so important to lessen the risk of falling. The next stage is mobility and posture. In some cases, it can be as simple as having enough flexibility to pick something up from the floor or reach up and grab something. This is called functional activity. Strength and coordination are incorporated so if you slip, you have the reaction to control rather than fall. A personal plan is designed if there is a need to improve balance and posture, practicing exercises that require balance, coordination and strength.
Neuro-rehabilitation can be difficult because patients sometimes are depressed but motivation is the key to everything. They are working with a patient who had a stroke and when he first started, he was having a hard time standing by himself, and now the patient is walking on the beach by himself and this week he is going in the water.
This type of exercise is so much better than being in a room just lifting your arm or lifting your leg. The patient is very motivated and he is making amazing progress because he is training and has an objective and he likes a challenge. He is walking in a small marathon and he has been working hard for that.
Marco said that his work is rewarding and he realizes what is valuable in life. “Sometimes we don’t appreciate standing up and grabbing a cup of coffee. The day that you can’t, that’s when things get depressing. If I can give help to that person to be independent, I really enjoy doing my life’s work. When I meet the people and get them moving again, we become friends. Sometimes I spend 1-2 hours per day with a patient and I give thanks to life that I can help them.
If you are in need of help or know anyone who could benefit from Baja Healing Collective services, please contact them and spread the word.
Sports Therapy
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Traumatology and Orthopedics Rehabilitation
Neuro Rehabilitation
Spine Rehabilitation
70+ Stay Active
Sport Performance
Stretching Session
Physiotherapy at home
Contact: Baja Healing Collective
Tel: 624 241 4977
