news Archives - Hallamshire Physiotherapy

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club through their community programme is providing FREE exercise classes and educational workshops to those suffering from chronic joint pain, and in partnership with Sheffield’s leading specialist physio clinic, Hallamshire Physiotherapy.

The project is predominantly aimed at men and women aged 50+ but not exclusively, to deliver an educational, self-management and coping process that involves using pacing activities, motivation and behaviour change methods to support people living with chronic joint pain, such as osteoarthritis of the knees and hips.

Peter Thomason, Director of Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic said, “For anyone suffering from chronic joint pain, particularly osteoarthritis, these evidence-based, physio-led classes can have a significant effect on improving joint pain and function and give them the confidence to enjoy activities they love doing again.”

Osteoarthritis is a major contributor to disability worldwide and an economic burden on global healthcare systems*. It is hoped this partnership initiative between Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and Hallamshire Physiotherapy will start to make a big difference in improving the health of Sheffield residents and save the NHS money in the long term**.

Sean Graves, Health Manager at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club Community Programme added, “We are really pleased to be able to offer these free classes and to benefit the city’s residents in this way. Exercise has been proven to be the first line of treatment for osteoarthritis and thanks to Hallamshire Physiotherapy we can now help participants with their weight-management and strengthening of joint-surrounding muscles, helping reduce pain and stiffness and improving the outcome of surgery if a joint replacement is required.”

For more details of the courses and to register your interest contact Ben Lamb at ben.lamb@swfc.co.uk

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.

* A survey investigating whether patients forty-five and over with knee pain prefer to perform high or low resistance exercises for their home exercise programme? By Peter Thomason, Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic 2022.

Background: Osteoarthritis is a major contributor to disability worldwide and an economic burden on global healthcare systems. Resistance training is recommended as a first line treatment in the management of osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis, but the optimum level of resistance for patient outcomes is not clear. Patient preference should be considered in the clinical decision making of patients, yet little research has been conducted in this area.

Aims: To explore patients’ preference of resistance in the rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: Observational research in the form of a cross-sectional questionnaire was performed in the form of an online survey, for patients referred into a Physiotherapy service in Sheffield, over the age of forty-five with a primary complaint of knee pain. Eighty-two participants successfully completed the survey. Inferences were made based on the preference of exercise between high resistance, low resistance, or no preference. Chi-square (χ2) analysis and ANOVA analysis was performed to look for differences in the data.

Results: Patients preferred to perform lighter resistance exercise over higher resistance or no preference. Patients between 69 and 80 were statistically more likely to choose the lighter resistance exercise, as well as patients not meeting the recommended aerobic exercise guidelines. Avoiding pain and preferring the clinician to choose the exercise appeared to be the main reasons behind the patients’ choices.

Conclusion: Pain appears to be a major contributor to patients’ decisions in the management of their knee osteoarthritis. Better education is recommended for both patients and clinicians in the management of osteoarthritis. Patients also appear to prefer lighter resistance exercise, particularly older adults, and those less physically active.

** The prevalence of knee OA is only increasing, with data showing an 8.3% increase from 1990 to 2017 (Safiri et al 2020). This is only expected to increase and is predicted to increase the pressure and costs on the NHS over the coming years (Clarke and Ellis, 2014).

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 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.”

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.

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.

Being diagnosed with and living with a respiratory disease can be a daunting and lonely place to be. Alongside your medical management there are lots of treatment options available to you through Physiotherapy that can help.

At the Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic they will complete a comprehensive assessment to identify your symptoms and personal goals and then devise an individualised treatment plan to support you to achieve them. This may include techniques such as breathing control, secretion clearance, advice and education, symptom recognition, relaxation or graded exercise. The aim is to empower you to better understand and manage your symptoms long term and live as full and active life as possible.

Stephanie Blythe is one of the specialist therapists at the Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. She is extensively trained and fully qualified in Cardiac and Respiratory Physiotherapy. If you want to have a chat about whether Respiratory Physiotherapy would be beneficial for you, please contact the clinic.

Following a rebrand last year and the launch of a new website, the Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic in Broomhill are pleased to announce the expansion of some of their private specialist treatment areas in addition to their high-quality musculoskeletal, neurological and sports injury treatments.

Director Peter Thomason explained,

“The clinic has always been a centre of excellence for physiotherapy in Sheffield since its formation in 2004 and over the years we have become recognised as Sheffield’s leading ‘specialist’ physiotherapy clinic. Recently we have experienced increased demand for both Respiratory Treatments and Balance/Vestibular Treatments for patients with dizziness issues. We have therefore expanded our team of highly skilled and approachable specialist therapists in treating, educating and advising patients in these areas.”