Testimonials (Orthopaedic)

“I am grateful to a Hallamshire neurosurgeon for directing me to Steve Hodgson. By the time I got to him I walked like an old woman of 70, had lost much of my natural balance, and was in constant pain. In addition, I was deeply depressed, having been forced through constant health problems to abandon a career I loved.

"Steve treated me within the hospital for over 8 months with a concentrated programme of therapy and exercise. During this time, with his help and support, I began to get my life back – not the old life, but a new one. I learnt how to manage my condition and began to take control again over my well-being.

"Since then, a good number of years have passed. Steve is now in his own practice and whenever I have a problem which my daily routine cannot overcome, I go to Steve, knowing that he will do his utmost on my behalf. Those of us with chronic conditions tend to have the odd bad episode which can set us back and make us feel low. I am no longer prepared to tolerate long waiting lists whilst my condition worsens. I am not a rich person and believe in spending money wisely.

"It seems to me a wise investment to maintain the quality of your life in as pain-free a condition as you can. Steve Hodgson helps me achieve this. I do not hesitate in commending him. He is a total professional. Thank goodness he’s in Sheffield.”
Lorraine Kay

"After 7 long years of putting off the enevatale, having a hip replacement, the op took place on 6th Dec 2006. Surgery went very well, new hip in place I was ready to go. I had walked so badly for so many years, I was finding it hard to break bad habits.

"On 30th March, I took the decision, I was going to need help, to ensure I was to gain all I wanted from my new joint. I obtained an appointment with David Nolan, from day one he gave me the boost that I needed, with hard work from both parties, he could see me meeting my goals, which were walking, without rocking and rolling, maybe jogging.

"On 17th September 2007, these goals have been achived, I am now discharged, pain free, feeling the best I have done in last 7 years. I thank David for all his efforts, even our chats, that made the time pass, when he was making me use parts of my back, hip, that had not moved correctly for years. With his direction I have my old life back THANK YOU! Truly Exceptional."
Vicky M

"12 months ago I had a hip replacement after being unable to walk without an aid. I left hospital after very little physio and was still unable to walk properly without a walking stick. 4 months later my doctor sugested I go to the Hallamshire Physiotherapy clinic and I have never looked back.

"With Steve's help after 3 weeks I had thrown away my stick and within 10 weeks I was able to return to work as an Ass. Cook now 8 months on I am walking without a limp and playing tennis again. I thought that I was destined to use a stick for the rest of my life but thanks to Steve and the Hallamshire Physiotherapy I can now return to a normal life again. I would not hesitate to recommend them. Truly Exceptional."
Pamela W

"As a result of a car crash I got whiplash which gave me pins and needles down my arm. Over a series of appointments Steve has managed to cure the pins and needles and my neck is now free again. I can’t thank him enough. I would have no hesitation in recommending Hallamshire Physiotherapy. Truly Exceptional."
Carol B

"Before visiting Hallamshire Physio I was virtually unable to turn my neck and the pain was such that my sleep was constantly disturbed. I am amazed at the swift progress following only 2 appointments with Steve. Apart from a slight stiffness I have full mobility and even better - sound sleep ! I have already recommended Hallamshire Physio to a friend and I shall continue to point people in the direction of Steve and his team whenever I can."
Andrew B

"When I first arrived at Hallamshire Physiotherapy, in the care of Steve Hodgson, I was in despair about my painful arthritic ankle, hip and back. I was particularly concerned about my poor walking and knew this was a long standing problem related to a congenital abnormality in my lower right leg.

"After only a couple of appointments my hip and back pain disappeared altogether and I began walking with much less pain. Steve analysed how I was moving and showed me how I had developed poor habits over time to compensate for joint problems. Through excellent observational skill, demonstration, discussion and exercises he develops for me I am re-engaging long neglected muscles and learning a more productive way of moving.

"After every treatment I have felt the benefit and my walking has improved considerably. Steveʼs very respectful, honest, professional and positive approach to his work has helped me feel much more optimistic about my physicality and future prospects. His infectious enthusiasm and full attention in every treatment has encouraged me to follow the advice given and practice exercises set in between treatments. He has made the most sense to me of any health professional I have consulted about my condition. I therefore would not hesitate to recommend Steve and Hallamshire Physiotherapy in Broomhill to anyone needing the services of a physiotherapist."
Nicola H

"Having been left with Spinal problems following Hip Replacement Surgery and requiring physiotherapy treatment, I can thoroughly recommend ‘Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic’ at Broomhill for their friendly, efficient and professional service. I was in constant pain, mentally depressed, unable to walk without the aid of crutches, but after intensive physio I am now able to walk unaided and improving all the time. This is due to the expertise, encouragement and advice of my physio, Ruth Newsome. She was my lifeline and gave me the mental support when I needed it most. For all she has done for me, both myself and my husband can never thank her enough."
Barbara Hancock

"I visited Hallamshire Physiotherapy with a back problem. I could not turn over or get out of bed without excruciating pain. I was shown how to do these without pain on my first visit and after another one, how to manage my back by using it correctly when doing housework and gardening.

It was a very informative and relaxing experience and I would recommend Hallamshire Physiotherpy without reservation. Thanks to all concerned."
Mrs K M Kay

"Dear Steve and all staff at the Hallamshire Physiotherapy.
I would like to say a very big thank-you for all the help, advice and the brilliant service I have received over the last ten months. I hobbled into your consulting rooms in December 2007. I was in constant pain, could barely walk 50 metres, used a mobility scooter and walking stick and took a considerable amount of pain relief. From the first consultation I felt empowered to do more! You gave me the knowledge and confidence to go on.

After the first few visits my confidence soared and I felt able to lead a better life with greater mobility. In ten months you have enhanced my life to the extent that I have considerably reduced my pain relief, my mobility is very much improved and I feel normal!

You were all so very helpful and professional. I have have recommended you to friends, colleagues and anyone I think would benefit from your services.

Thank-you very much."
Linda Bedford

"I like the optimistic and realistic, down to earth approach you get from the therapists: I come away knowing what I need to work on in the knowledge there are people who can help me to get back to my activities. Thank you."

"I had a proper examination which was certainly lacking in another practise I had been treated in and had complete confidence in the results of that and the treatment and advice I was given.

I was shown how to correct my posture and experience the difference it made to pain I had been experiencing and it gave me more confidence to do the exercises at home."

"I can not thank Steve and the staff at Hallamshire Physiotherapy enough. Appointments were fitted in around my work etc and the treatment I received was excellent. It quite literally has changed my life, at last I can wear heels! Thanks again."
SB

"I expected to receive "hands on" treatment for my condition and, although I did receive this, the main treatment was by discussion, asking questions to understand cause and change of posture, stretching and walking styles. I would not hesitate to recommend Hallamshire Physio and Steve Hodgson in particular."

"I have seen many different physios and specialists over the years but this is the first place to cure my problems not just make them bearable."

Testimonials (Neurology)

"At first, its difficult to believe that Karen, who looks feminine and petite, is in fact, so strong that she can persuade even my distinctly disobedient limbs to move just that little bit more easily. As I have cerebral palsy, my legs and feet have a mind of their own and do as they please, rather than complying with any suggestion I make.

"Karen has not yet learnt to perform miracles though I live in hope! However, my balance is much better and on the rare occasions when I fall flat on my face, I am able to roll over on to my back; and as she taught me to do sit ups, I can now regain the normal upright stance that most people prefer.

"Thank you Karen, my fear of falling is not so great these days. Also the strengthening of my back muscles means that I have not had lumbago or sciatica for many months. Small victories to you perhaps, but for me they are minor miracles which enable me to cope with every day life just that little bit more easily and confidently.

"Bless you Karen, keep up the good work and who knows what we may achieve!"
Pauline. D. Eyre

"Fourteen years ago I had a spinal ischaemic bleed which was missed by medics and a substantial amount of neurological deficit resulted below T7. An hour of out-patients physio p/w was provided by the NHS for one year after being discharged. Thereafter I received no hands-on physio and could feel my condition deteriorating by not maintaining what I'd rebuilt. I was also lacking in motivation after about year ten! I have likened my problems to a computer with a defective memory chip - you often feel back to square one but if you don't use muscles, you notice the regression.

"Hallamshire physiotherapy was recommended to me and I have attended once a fortnight for the past two years. Emma and Rachel worked with me and retrieved my core-stability which was a big plus. I am reliant on a chair but not confined and am able to stand with something to hold. Rivca took over and her programmes are varied and excellent - she works with neuro cases but also offers muscular skeletal expertise. Nothing is ever wasted as joints tighten, muscles need reminding and posture needs attention.

"It is imperative to maintain what I have and proper stretching with a professional eye is essential. This work complements my personal swimming efforts. If only I could afford to attend daily - I certainly would. The practice is close to home and I really look forward to going. Staff show an interest in you and I feel welcome. I shudder to think what state I'd be in without this treatment and this business has already been highly recommended by myself on another website. I can only endorse that view. Highly Recommended."
Keith R

"My husband suffered a SAH followed by a massive stroke in 2004 which left him with right side paralysis and confined to a wheelchair and unable to communicate verbally. His brain damage means that he is not always a willing patient but Karen Bird's patience with him has been fantastic.

"The stretching and excercising Karen goes through with him has helped my job handling him when at home much easier. Our carers always comment that they know when he has been to the clinic for physiotherapy I would highly recommend Hallamshire Physiotherapy. Truly Exceptional."
Maureen W

"Having suffered a stroke in 1999, I have had 8 years of experiencing a wide range of Neuro-Physiotherapists on a very regular basis and had come to a point of nearly accepting that there would be no further improvement in my condition, only maintenance. My life started to change 18 months ago when I met Karen Bird at the Hallamshire.

"Through her skilled and expert treatment over these last eighteen months I have not only improved considerably in my mobility and functionality but have re-discovered my stamina and zest for life. I no longer accept "my lot" as every month new channels are awakened and I discover that movement is still there where before there was none.

"This has not only altered what I can do on a daily basis but has changed my whole outlook on life. Thanks Karen.and all the staff at The Hallamshire. Jon West, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Truly Exceptional."
Jon W

I visited Hallamshire Physiotherapy when coming to terms with significant mobility problems, which were likely to have been associated with post viral syndrome. Having had difficulties accessing NHS services due to a lack of diagnosis, I was delighted to find that post viral problems can be tackled through private therapy. Up until the point I came to Hallamshire Physio, I struggled to find a therapist that understood the impact the condition was having on my life and the lengths I was having to resort to in staying involved in some kind of work, social and home life. I met with Mark Adams, who had an understanding of how post viral difficulties affect the whole person. Together, we examined the strategies I was already using, and developed these further until I gained more control over my symptoms, paving the way to make physical improvements. I undertook aspects of pacing and graded exercise therapy. The therapist was careful to ensure I only took on safe amounts of exercise, and was concerned that this wasn't at the expense of other aspects of my life.

I would recommend this type of therapy to anyone who is trying to build up their lifestyle but wants to learn how to do this safely. I still have some way to go to make a full recovery, but I have made improvements over the course of the months I have been attending and now have the tools and knowledge to continue alone.

Many thanks,
RM

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All Testimonials Courtesy of 'The Best Of Sheffield South'