Steve Thomason, Author at Hallamshire Physiotherapy

Sheffield residents requiring post-operative care are to be offered dedicated recovery support at Outram Fields, a new luxury care home in Bradway, including rehabilitation in partnership with Hallamshire Physiotherapy, Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic.

Donna Pierpoint, General Manager at Outram Fields Care Home explained, “In the Sheffield area there is a need for short term care after surgery (Private and NHS). Many patients are sent home early to recover post-op, with family and neighbours providing what is often a demanding task to support the patient in their recuperation. We are providing a unique to Sheffield, short stay package to suit individual needs and to assist patients in their progress and recovery, 24 hours a day.

“A vital part of the recovery is through physiotherapy rehabilitation. In my previous care home Karen Hodgson and some of the team at Hallamshire Physiotherapy regularly provided individual treatment for residents, they were very professional, helpful, well liked and delivered great results. I had no hesitation in asking the clinic to partner with us in this exciting new venture.”

Peter Thomason, Director of Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support local residents with their post-operative rehabilitation. Having seen first-hand the struggles that some individuals can have post-surgery, it is refreshing to know that there is high-quality care available at Outram Fields Care Home. We have experienced staff that have first-hand experience in post-operative rehabilitation from time within the NHS, which has given us the tools to offer effective and important rehabilitation.”

In addition to providing physiotherapy rehabilitation, the clinic is delivering some highly informative talks for residents and the local community on subjects such as: Dizziness and falls; Living well after a stroke; Living well with Osteoarthritis.

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic was established in 2004 with the intention of providing a centre of excellence for physiotherapy, based on outstanding staff and a commitment to provide a high-quality service. Today the clinic has three locations and over twenty-four therapists providing specialist treatments in areas such as: Neurological Rehabilitation alongside the PD Warrior Programme, Balance/Vestibular Rehabilitation, Respiratory Treatment, MSK/Musculoskeletal Problems, Spinal Specialist Rehabilitation, Women’s and Men’s Health, Sports Massage and many more.

Hallamshire Physiotherapy, Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, has signed a landmark corporate sponsorship deal with Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, the football club’s charitable arm, established to support the development of cohesive community provision in the wider Sheffield area.

“We are looking forward to developing our partnership with the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme,” said Peter Thomason, Director at Hallamshire Physiotherapy. “This will help us to deliver a service in the North of the city, assist with charitable work, and help to support the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the people in the City of Sheffield.”

The corporate sponsorship deal will see the clinic providing a range of rehabilitation and physiotherapy services through the community programme and will help to expand and increase the club’s impact across local communities in Sheffield, such as through dedicated mental health initiatives, disability football sessions, a dedicated minibus for young participants, kit donation scheme and many more.

Ben Winter, Deputy Head of Community at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic as one of our corporate supporters! Thanks to their generous support we can continue to expand and increase our impact across the local community.”

The clinic was established in 2004 with the intention of providing a centre of excellence for physiotherapy, based on outstanding staff and a commitment to provide a high-quality service. Today the clinic has three locations and over twenty-four therapists providing specialist treatments in areas such as: Neurological Rehabilitation alongside the PD Warrior Programme, Balance/Vestibular Rehabilitation, Respiratory Treatment, MSK/Musculoskeletal Problems, Spinal Specialist Rehabilitation, Women’s and Men’s Health, Sports Massage and many more.

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Ltd, Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, has launched a revolutionary new therapy to help people with Parkinsons manage some of their symptoms. Strolll Augmented Reality Therapy involves patients wearing a special headset linked to specialist digital therapeutic software to help improve mobility, confidence and independence.

This new therapy transforms physiotherapy and rehabilitation for people living with neurological disorders, particularly those with Parkinsons who’s symptoms can include ‘freezing’, a common condition that causes patients to suddenly stop moving and feel as though they are stuck to the ground.

Karen Hodgson, Director of Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic said, “For people with Parkinsons, reduced walking ability, balance and falls are often one of the most challenging symptoms. They can worsen as the disease progresses because the part of the brain that controls automatic movement (like walking) is degenerating. Strolll Augmented Reality Therapy provides people with visual or auditory stimuli that can enable a person with Parkinsons to detour that part of the brain and engage other brain areas that can control movement, but are unaffected by the disease, thus alleviating several debilitating motor symptoms.”

At a recent launch event in Sheffield, patient Avis Holmes was amazed with the technology, “Very good, I could see all my surroundings, yet enjoy the various activities being projected all around me, I was so focused on the images that it took my mind off my condition, before I often froze when turning corners, but with the headsets I don’t even think about it.”

“Patients are so focused on what they are seeing, such as lines on the floor, they don’t notice they have entered a new room and do not freeze,” says Karen Hodgson, “Patients can then take the headset home with them and practise as much as they like with the remote guidance of a physiotherapist. The more they practise these methods, the less likely they are to freeze. This isn’t a cure, but it’s a really great way to manage the symptoms.”

The tech-driven solution provides gamified exercise therapy through targeted, clinically proven augmented reality activities. It allows patients to access rehabilitation exercise at home and maintain their disease at a lower stage for longer. It has potential applications in rehabilitation of other neurological disorders, such as strokes and multiple sclerosis.

For more information about the Strolll Augmented Reality Therapy, please visit: www.hallamshirephysiotherapy.com/treatments/augmented-reality-therapy/

To watch a video of the open day and see the Augmented Reality treatment in action, please select the image below.

Join our 6-week Beginners course and achieve a balanced mind and body

Classes run by Becky Martin, a qualified Physiotherapist, and clinical-lead Pilates Instructor.

Starting Monday 19th February 2024 at 5.45pm

Venue: Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic, 863 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8TH.

For further information click Pilates information sheet to view

BOOK NOW

Call 0114 267 1223 or email info@hallamshirephysiotherapy.com

We were proud to sponsor the award for ‘Overall best academic performance on the BSc Physiotherapy course 2023’ at Sheffield Hallam University.

Peter Thomason, Director at Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic presented Grace Young with her clinic prize.

The Mail on Sunday – January 7th 2024

Parkinsons patients could soon be given augmented reality (AR) goggles on the NHS to combat symptoms of the degenerative condition.

The incurable disease, which occurs when parts of the brain become damaged, affects mobility, leaving sufferers struggling to move and experiencing involuntary shaking.

One of the most common problems causes patients to suddenly stop moving and feel as though they are stuck to the ground – also known as freezing. This often arises upon reaching a doorway or standing up.

It is unclear why, but experts believe it may be due to the brain struggling to compute the change of environment.

This is typically treated with physiotherapy sessions that include techniques such as stepping over an imaginary object or marching in place before stepping forwards.

However, these tricks are not always effective and often require attending sessions at a clinic to practice – a challenging prospect for patients with limited mobility.

But physiotherapists in Yorkshire are now offering Parkinsons sufferers a headset which offers ‘unfeezing’ exercises that they can master at home.

The normal world can be seen through the goggles, but artificial images are projected on to the screen. In one setting, patients can see a bird floating in front of them. As they walk towards it, the bird moves away. And another shows coloured lines on the floor which light up as the user gets closer.

Experts claim the gadget – called a Strolll headset – is so effective that patients wearing it no longer experience freezing.

‘Patients are so focused on what they are seeing, such as lines on the floor, they don’t notice they have entered a new room and do not freeze,’ says Karen Hodgson, director of Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic.

‘Patients can then take the headset home with them and practise as much as they like without the guidance of a physiotherapist. The more they practise these methods, the less likely they are to freeze.’

Researchers at Leeds University are currently recruiting NHS patients for a trial of the technology.

If successful, this could lead to thousands of Parkinsons patients being offered the headsets.

‘Freezing is a really unpleasant experience, and patients often feel embarrassed when it happens in public,’ adds Ms Hodgson.

‘This isn’t a cure, but it’s a really great way to manage the worst of the symptoms.’

To read the Mail on Sunday article click here

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Ltd, Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, has won the ‘Yorkshire Physiotherapy Centre of the Year’ award for a second consecutive year, in recognition of the individualised and evidence-based care that they provide to their patients.

The annual award by the Yorkshire Prestige Program goes to independent physiotherapy clinics who have been judged as extremely successful and hard working on a regional level. Many clinics were nominated with industry expert judges ultimately picking the winner.

Peter Thomason, Director of the clinic said, “We are delighted to have won this award again for our high-quality specialist treatments. Thank you to all our patients who support us, especially to whoever nominated us, and a big thank you to all our highly skilled and approachable staff.”

Living with Parkinsons is complex and unpredictable, but by using physical activity, positivity, and creativity these challenges can be met head on. ‘I’ve got Parkinsons, but it’s not got me,’ is the title of a new book of original poems by a group of five Sheffield people, all with Parkinsons, ‘parkies,’ who meet at a local exercise class called PD Warrior run privately by Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic.

The unique book has been described as moving, inspirational, down to earth, and relatable for people who have the condition and for their carers, family, and friends. The aim of the book is to increase awareness and for those with the condition and their wider groups to share relatable experiences. The book explains how exercise and positivity can slow down the progression of the condition, leading to a better quality of life. In addition, all proceeds from book sales will go to the charity Parkinsons UK. Last but not least, producing the book has helped the group overcome the physical and mental challenges they face.

Parkinsons is a progressive disorder that is caused by the wearing down of dopamine cells in part of the brain which controls movement. This impairs neuro pathways, disturbing brain to muscle coordination and creating rigidity and slowness. Also noticeable is tremor or shaking and a change of facial expression, voice, sleep patterns and a host of non-motor symptoms such as constipation, anxiety, and depression. 147,000 people in the UK currently have this condition, usually from age 55 and over.

Andy B from the group said, “I was diagnosed with Parkinsons 9 years ago and over time have found it increasingly difficult with physical and cognitive tasks. Luckily, I discovered the PD Warrior classes run by Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic in Sheffield, PD Warrior is an international programme of neuroactive exercises designed to retrain the brain and slow down the progression of Parkinsons symptoms. Some of us wanted to set out what it is like to live with Parkinsons. The outcome is a book of 21 poems about our experiences, some serious, some with good humour. Getting older and then struck down with this cruel progressive and incurable condition does not mean you might as well give up. This book represents the next stage on our journey to meet the challenges head on.”

Many well-known celebrities have Parkinsons including Billy Connolly, Jeremy Paxman, Rory Cellan-Jones, Ozzy Osbourne, Alan Alda, Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt, Michael J. Fox to name a few. Dave Clark, former Sky News Presenter and Ambassador for Parkinsons UK writes in the foreword for this book,” We recognise how vital it is to use the brain more imaginatively as these poems demonstrate. The compositions reveal a ‘never give up’ approach adopted by the poets through their collective humour, pathos, honesty, and ability to share their everyday challenges through this literary art form. Exercise forms a personal journey, but this book of creative poetry will raise funds for research into Parkinsons to go on and help others.”

The PD Warriors who contributed poems to the book include Annie Lloyd Hyde, Andy B, Ann Mac, Roger and Lydia Lawrence.

PD Warrior is a ‘neuro-active’ programme at the Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic, designed specifically for anyone with Parkinsons, particularly for those in the early stages of idiopathic Parkinsons who are reasonably fit and active and a motivated individual. There are currently no other facilities in the region offering this successful programme.

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic is Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic where patients are welcomed, assessed, and treated by one of the highly skilled and approachable therapists, each extremely knowledgeable, fully qualified and many who also treat patients at NHS hospitals.

The award-winning clinic formed in 2004 has over twenty specialist therapists, not just treating neurological rehabilitation, but also specialist areas such as balance and vestibular rehabilitation, respiratory treatment, musculoskeletal and sports injury conditions, and many other conditions.

For more information and to order your copy of the book (all proceeds from book sales will go to the charity Parkinsons UK) please visit https://www.hallamshirephysiotherapy.com/parkies-poetry-book/ or call 0114 267 1223.

Hallamshire Physiotherapy Ltd, Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, is set to provide physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal and sports injury conditions, to gym club members of the Sheffield Wednesday Football Club Community Programme.

The joint venture partnership is part of a wider initiative by Hallamshire Physiotherapy to work alongside various organisations across Sheffield to improve access to healthcare for all, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.

Peter Thomason, Director at Hallamshire Physiotherapy said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme to provide more affordable and better access to physiotherapy. We look forward to helping members with musculoskeletal and sports injury conditions get back to full activity as soon as possible, with high-quality specialist treatment and rehabilitation from our therapists. We also welcome the opportunity to work alongside them on specific community initiatives.”

Sean Graves, Active Through Football Coordinator, at Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme added, “We are the football club’s charitable arm, established to support the development of cohesive community provision in the wider Sheffield area. Our Health and Well-being projects are dedicated to promoting physical and mental well-being in the community, and our partnership with Hallamshire Physiotherapy adds a vital aspect to this. We welcome the partnership this will provide to the programmes and services we deliver focusing on; educating, preventing, and supporting individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.”

The award-winning clinic formed in 2004 has over twenty specialist therapists, not just treating musculoskeletal and sports injury conditions, but also specialist areas such as neurological rehabilitation, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, respiratory treatment, and many other conditions.

In the latest Parkinson’s Podcast – 2 Parkies in a Pod, some of our PD Warrior rehabilitation class members talk about a new poetry book they have written about Parkinson’s. Andy Burton recites one of his poems in this episode and talks about the PD warrior classes at Hallamshire Physiotherapy.

2 Parkies in a Pod is hosted by Dave Clark who used to be a Sky Sports presenter to let people know more about Parkinson’s, or how to cope with chronic illness.

To hear the Podcast visit https://www.2parkiesinapod.com/

What is a PARS defect?

A Pars defect is a stress fracture of the spine that typically occurs in the lower (lumbar) region.

It is typically seen in the younger age-groups (adolescents) who are involved in repetitive back bending or twisting actions such as cricket bowlers or gymnasts.

Typical presentation:

Participation in sports involving repetitive lumbar extension and rotation.
Onset of pain either sudden or gradual.
Aggravated by bending backwards (lumbar extension) or strenuous activity.
Better with avoiding the activity.
Pain localised to the lower back.

The vertebra initially responds to increased physical strain of such activity by gradually adding new bone cells around the stressed area of the spine. However, an injury can occur too quickly for the vertebra to be repaired, and this leads to the stress fracture.

Treatment:

Activity modification/rest.
Physiotherapy.
Surgery rarely indicated.

Karen Hodgson, Director at Sheffield’s Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic, recently took part in the 6th World Parkinson Congress in Barcelona, highlighting exercise as currently being the best tool to slow the progression of Parkinsons.

The congress unlike other scientific congresses brought together all members of the global Parkinsons community, from scientific, clinical, rehabilitation, clients to advocates.

Karen said “It was a huge honour to be invited to this Congress. I attended as a member of the global PD Warrior team, who were providing a workshop about the benefits of high intensity exercise, we had a large group from the congress trying out the PD Warrior exercise programme.”

Karen continued “The highlight of the conference was not only meeting amazing people, all with the common aim of improving treatment and management of Parkinsons, but also the fact that everyone speaking highlighted exercise as one of the best tools to slow the progression of the disease.”

Hallamshire Physiotherapy are Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, providing high-quality treatment and rehabilitation for a range of complex problems, including managing Parkinsons through exercise. PD Warrior, delivered by Hallamshire Physiotherapy, is an exercise programme that aims to slow down Parkinsons. The clinic provides classes that are enjoyable and show how to exercise for life to keep in peak physical and mental condition at every stage of the disease. There are no other facilities in the region offering this successful programme.

Wondering what the best treatment is for Osteoarthritis based on the evidence?

New guidelines have recently been published by NICE, which is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

If you want to be sure you are having the best available treatment for your Osteoarthritis, make sure you check out this post to ensure your healthcare professional is following the most recent guidance.

The recommendations are based on evidence compiled through systematic reviews, for what interventions are proven to be the most effective.

For more information on osteoarthritis, visit https://www.hallamshirephysiotherapy.com/condi…/knee-pain/

We know that back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide (600 million people have it). This is expected to rise by 36% by 2030 (IHME 2023).

The chances of developing back pain is increased by:

– Obesity, Smoking and Physical INactivity (amongst other risk factors)

– Heavy lifting/Awkward positions (if not conditioned to do this)

– Fatigue and stress.

The current recommendations based on UK guidelines are:

– Consult with a Physio or GP early as:

staying at work/returning to work sooner makes you more likely to recover completely

– Modify activities in acute pain to keep active. Continuing these habits longer-term though can become unhelpful

– Movement is important to avoid developing back pain

If you need any further information, visit Back Pain

To view the study visit here

or to listen to the interview on BBC sounds.

Or call to book an appointment at Hallamshire Physiotherapy on 0114 267 1223.

1. Osteoarthritis can be considered as ‘wrinkles on the inside’. As we age, our skin develops wrinkles due to the aging process. As we age, our joints also change – this is normal and happens to everyone. This does not mean our joints are wearing out though.

2. Countless research studies show that people with NO PAIN have ‘changes’ on x-ray suggesting Osteoarthritis. The graph shown on the chart below, shows the number of people with osteoarthritis seen on a scan, but all involved did not experience any pain.

3. Having Osteoarthritis can increase your chance of having pain, but does not directly increase your levels of pain. People can have osteoarthritis on an x-ray but not experience any pain, regardless of the extent of the changes.

4. Exercise is shown to improve pain levels and strength of muscles and joints in those with Osteoarthritis (Vincent and Vincent 2012). You just need to get the right amount of exercise and not do too much.

5. Physiotherapy works for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Evidence suggests that Physiotherapy can reduce the need for surgery in those deemed suitable due to osteoarthritis, by 68-74%! (Ackerman et al 2020).

Reference: (guermazi et al 2012)

PD Warrior is a unique programme of exercise to help people newly diagnosed with Parkinsons. It originated in Australia and was developed to help people to slow down the progression of their disease.

PD Warrior is an advanced exercise programme that incorporates both physical and cognitive activity for people in the early stages of Parkinsons. It is an intensive circuit programme designed to fight the symptoms. PD Warrior is supported by a growing body of evidence that shows that intensive, high effort, complex exercise has the potential to slow the progression of your symptoms by using neuroplasticity – your brains natural ability to re-organise its pathways and connections, much like rewiring. The key to achieving this re-wiring includes being consistent and using the right exercise prescription.

It is important not to wait for symptoms to impact upon daily life before taking up the correct type of exercise.

If you want to find out more, please contact Karen Hodgson at Hallamshire Physiotherapy on 0114 267 1223 or email info@hallamshirephysiotherapy.com

If you have been newly diagnosed please don’t delay and begin Living Brave with Parkinsons.

Dizziness and disorientation can have damaging effects on our lives, whether that be through increased anxiety and decreased confidence to do our normal activities or stopping us from doing the things we love such as sports and socialising. The symptoms can even affect us when lying down, interfering with our sleep and our mood.

You may feel helpless to manage these symptoms and unsure of what may be causing them, and there does not appear to be much help or support available from immediate healthcare services.

Fortunately, there is often an explanation for these symptoms and at Hallamshire Physiotherapy, our specialist clinicians are trained in diagnosing and treating vestibular conditions that can interfere with our balance systems, leading to dizziness or other similar symptoms.

If you want to have a chat about whether Vestibular Physiotherapy would be beneficial for you, please contact the clinic.