HEALTH
Hands-on healing at PhysioCare
WE’ve had the London Marathon and now with the Olympics in Britain we can’t help think physical. But if we are moved to get a bit more active, says Judith Crawford, don’t ignore niggling aches. Early attention pays dividends
We’ve all read that sage advice about seeing a doctor before taking up a new activity, but while that seems a bit drastic, a physiotherapy session may be the acceptable alternative.
“We see people who have been ignoring an injury until, three weeks before a big sporting event, they panic. Had they come to see us earlier we’re better placed to get them back on track for their training timetable.”
Judith Crawford is a physiotherapist with PhysioCare in Ryde, and she and her team could draw up their own calendar based on the aches and pains of their patients. “People start running or playing tennis and may overstretch themselves. Spring time and ‘the need to weed’ brings bad backs out of the woodwork.”
The team at PhysioCare have patients right across the age range, and advice to parents is part of Judith’s remit as the sports fixtures build up. “A child who plays cricket for his school might be in a club, and then might be in demand to play for another team too, so he can end up with overuse injuries. The skeletal framework of a child has got to be managed. We all feel it’s a real shame when people – particularly children – are pushed too soon. If they came to a physio early we would talk them through it.”
The fact that children might not be the best communicators about their bodies highlights the skills used by the team at PhysioCare. “We tell a lot by watching people walk. We use a treadmill, we ask people to bring in their shoes to see where they’re worn down, and if we have any concerns give people a full screening. If someone comes in with knee pain after running we may also refer them to our biomechanics team who may want to fit orthotics in the shoes.”
A 30 minute appointment takes people through their history and includes an objective examination. “Our best tools in assessing problems are our hands.”
36
www.styleofwight.co.uk
Judith will often draw up a programme of exercises, and pulls out all the stops to help patients fit them into a busy day. “Doing them for the prescribed number of times can make all the difference, so I help create windows in their diary. Often it’s just thinking it though.”
Shoulder treatment Acupuncture to the back
As well as being regulated by the Health Professions Council, physiotherapy is the most comprehensive of the healing disciplines. “In London there’s a fashion to see sports therapists: but they’ve got nothing like the qualifications we have. Within our practice at PhysioCare we cross-refer if necessary, and use skills such as acupuncture and a wide range of equipment.”
Teaching elderly people how to move after surgery, or treating neurological complaints such as MS or Parkinsons means Judith and her team see all sections of the population. “From eight to 108,” she smiles. “We see them all.”
PhysioCare, Victoria House Clinic, 102 George Street, Ryde PO33 2JE. Tel 01983 812576.
The PhysioCare team - Steve Brooks, Judith Crawford (Principal), Rachel Bartlett (Practice Manager), Perry Fisher, Gill McEwen
Part of general leg assessment Advertising Call (01983) 861 007
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96