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Pain killers not working?

Pain killers are great for acute pain but once the pain continues for months, or even years, they lose their effectiveness and the side effects seems to cause more problems than the pain. Unfortunately, one in seven adults in the UK live with chronic (pain that lasts longer than 3 months) and this effects the quality of their lives and that of their families.

Why does some pain continue after the injury has resolved?

The causes of chronic pain are complex but following an injury we compensate by changing how we use our body to minimise the pain. These altered patterns of movement are learned and can cause ongoing stresses on the body which maintains the pain long after the original tissue has healed. For example, after breaking a leg we limp due to the pain and this altered walking pattern continues well after the fracture has healed.

Another mechanism for developing pain is the body’s heightened response to the pain onset. We have evolved to focus on pain and change behaviour as a survival mechanism. The brain will learn pain with certain activities and it increases its sensitivity to certain movements. This ‘sensitivity’ of the tissues will spread and it is not uncommon for people to start experiencing pain remote from the original site. If we spend longer resting and stop working, or participating in sports, or playing with grandchildren our mood will, understandably, deteriorate and we can become anxious about the future This is normal. All pain is real and pain should be viewed as the brains attempt to protect us, but this over protection can disable us.

What can we do?

Most people who visit Hallamshire Physiotherapy have seen many health professionals, including other physiotherapists, have had varying degrees of success and reluctant to try again. This is no surprise. Why try treatment that has failed so far. We are different though. Our approach is driven by research and new ways to change chronic pain.

What do we do?

We spend an hour assessing you and get to really understand how pain effects your life and what you want to return to. The body is remarkably strong, but sometimes we only hear the negative explanations for our pain e.g degenerative discs, ‘wear and tear’. This will naturally frighten us and produce more guarding of painful joints and more pain. The body needs movement and loading for normal function.

Do come and see one of our highly skilled and approachable specialist therapists.

We believe in giving you high-quality specialist treatments you can trust. We will listen, we won’t rush you, we aim to get to the root cause of the problem, and we certainly won’t ask you to come for unnecessary treatment sessions.

How much do we charge?

These are the current MSK treatment charges as of March 2024.

New patient (1 hour appointments) £65
Follow up £50

Students New patient £50
Students follow up £40

Steroid injection £200 all inclusive

Breaking out of this vicious circle of pain and rest

Explaining why you have pain and what the underlying mechanism is to your problem, helps reduce fears and starts the process of rehabilitation. Changing how you view your body and giving you a positive message for a change is vital. Changing how you use your body helps to gradually increase activity levels and get you focused on the things you want to do again.

Rehabilitation is not easy but done well it can succeed where other treatments have failed. We believe it gives you the best chance of leading a normal life again, but don’t take our word for it. See what other people have said about their experiences of Hallamshire Physiotherapy clinic on our reviews and testimonials page. We are proud of our reputation and it is probably why we so many health professionals recommend us. Your body is more robust than others would have you believe and most people can be helped. Don’t delay, make an appointment today and see how you can change.

We also make rehabilitation fun!

At Hallamshire Physiotherapy our specialist therapists will listen to you, we won’t rush you, we will take time to get to know you and provide treatment for you at a speed that is comfortable and manageable. We are focussed on self-management and help to provide specific tailored exercise programmes for you both individually or in a group setting. Your specific goals will be reviewed regularly to ensure your progress.

Many of our patients have had strokes, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Parkinsons, Spinal cord injury and a range of other neurological conditions and can testify to the excellent treatment by the highly skilled and approachable therapists, each extremely knowledgeable, fully qualified and some who also treat patients at NHS hospitals or who lecture at local universities. We are experienced in treating clients alongside NHS colleagues and this helps to maintain a seamless service for you.

We have recently launched a revolutionary new treatment called ‘Strolll Augmented Reality Therapy’. For further details please visit www.hallamshirephysiotherapy.com/treatments/augmented-reality-therapy/

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments you can trust.

Select the image below to watch the video

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’s software for AR glasses 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.

The patented Reality DTx software uses proprietary methods to alleviate gait and balance motor symptoms experienced by a large number of people with Parkinsons, while it has potential applications in rehabilitation of other neurological disorders, such as strokes and multiple sclerosis.

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.

Vestibular rehabilitation aims to reduce the sensation of dizziness and improve balance. A full assessment is completed to establish the cause of the symptoms, then a range of treatment/management strategies are suggested. These include balance retraining, education and relaxation techniques. Exercises to encourage adaptation in the vestibular system are also included.

Sometimes, acute problems occur such as BPPV that require specialist techniques/manoeuvres to remove crystals (Otolith) from the canals in the inner ear that can cause symptoms of dizziness. Our highly skilled therapists are trained in these techniques to help to resolve your symptoms. If we feel that your problem is more medical, then we can also advise on other services that may be of benefit or an accompanying letter to your GP explaining our findings.

Conditions treated:

  • Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Vestibular Neuritis
  • Vestibular Hypofunction
  • Cervicogenic Dizziness
  • Falls
  • Whiplash Associated Dizziness
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Migraine Related Vertigo & Dizziness
  • Postural Phobic Vertigo
  • Visual Vertigo
  • Labrinthitis
  • Age-related dizziness and balance problems

Neurological conditions such as: MS, Traumatic Brain Injury and strokes, where dizziness is present may also benefit.

Respiratory physiotherapy is a core speciality within the physiotherapy profession and occupies a key role in the management and treatment of patients with respiratory diseases. It aims to clear the patient’s airways and help them return to physical activity and exertion.

As Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, you can trust us to get to the root cause of the problem, efficiently.

Difficulties may be as a result of:

  • Long standing condition such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis or emphysema
  • A dysfunctional breathing pattern such as hyperventilation, mouth breathing, anxiety or postural related breathing problems
  • After an acute illness or chest infection
  • Following surgery or a prolonged stay in hospital.

Respiratory physiotherapy can help with problems such as:

  • Excessive secretions or difficulty clearing them
  • Breathlessness at rest or on exertion
  • Understanding your condition, how to manage symptoms and recognise when you need to ask for help
  • Reduced ability exercise due to shortness of breath.
  • Difficulty with day-to-day activities as a result of your breathing.

At an initial session our highly skilled physiotherapists will complete a thorough assessment to identify your main problems and goals. We will then devise an individualised treatment programme.

Here at Hallamshire Physiotherapy we can provide services for:

  • Airway clearance techniques
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation courses
  • Dysfunctional breathing patterns / Vocal cord dysfunction / hyperventilation syndrome
  • Bronchiectasis advice and management
  • COPD advice and management
  • Breathless management
  • Relaxation.

Please refer to the list on the right of this page for more information on each condition, it may be that you require treatment within a number of these conditions, and this can be worked into your treatment plan.  If you need further information or wish to discuss your suitability for treatment, then please contact the clinic and one of our respiratory physiotherapists can discuss your needs with you. Assessment and treatment can be carried out in our clinic or at home if you are unable to attend.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments you can trust.

Who is it for?

Anyone with back pain who feels it is significantly affecting their life and ability to do their usual activities and would like directed rehabilitation and exercise to increase their confidence in managing their back pain or returning to activity.

Prior to attending the group

You must have had at least one 1-hour individual appointment with Ruth to assess your back pain, agree goals and develop a personalised exercise programme.

You will be asked to complete a relevant questionnaire (nationally recognized for back pain). In addition, some simple physical tasks may be carried out. These will enable the therapist to assess your needs and to provide feedback on your progress.

Sessions

These take place at The Therapy Centre, HP@863 which is situated at 863 Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield S11 8TJ.

There are parking spaces in front of the building, also parking in the Co-op retail car park next door. If you park at the Co-op you would need to purchase a ticket for your car for £1.

Wear something that you can comfortably exercise in as well as sensible footwear, for example trainers. Please bring a bottle of water with you.

People may be of different ages and abilities, but you will have your own programme to do at your own pace and level.

The sessions will have a maximum of 4 people and are non-competitive.

Each group runs for a maximum of 1 hour to enable you to complete your own exercise programme at your own pace and level.

You will be individually reviewed at each session by Ruth with the programme being modified and progressed as appropriate.

It is important to progress your programme gradually, build up your activity tolerance and continue to exercise between sessions.

If you feel uncomfortable with any part of the programme let a member of staff know.

Blocks will consist of 4 one-hour sessions.

Benefits of attending the sessions

  • To be better able to manage your symptoms
  • To enable you to continue to exercise independently with confidence.

After the 4-week block

We will ask you to complete the same questionnaire along with a feedback form at the end of the 4th session.

If you wish to continue with the back rehab group, you have the option of booking a further 4 weeks.

The staff will also be able to suggest options to continue with activity through local providers to support your back pain management in the longer term if you would like to do this.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality ‘specialist’ treatments and exercise programmes you can trust.

Please call:

0114 267 1223

Alternatively, you can email us at: info@hallamshirephysiotherapy.com or try our live chat facility in the bottom corner of the website.

 

Feedback from patients who participated in the pilot Get BackUP group rehab sessions

“The Rehab exercise sessions were excellent in improving my back and leg pain.”

“The close supervision from Ruth (and the team) really helped to tailor the exercises to my specific needs. Working in a small group meant I had the benefit of a real hands-on approach and motivated me to to continue the exercises confidently in my own time.”

“The equipment and facilities were excellent and working closely with Ruth, I didn’t feel at all intimidated.”

“Ruth really encouraged me to push myself and created a safe and stimulating environment.”

“If you are thinking whether the group rehab is for you, I’d encourage you to go for it! I haven’t looked back and now have a tailored routine to continue and build strength.”

“it has been very enlightening.”

“Helpful and motivating instructors, the programme met my individual needs with the combination of exercise and individual consultation.”

“Enjoyed working in a small group, great camaraderie focus and encouragement.”

“Mood much better and confidence to move more and pain decreased.”

“Excellent experience, keep this group going!”

“It has helped me to understand better how to manage my back pain.”

“It has given me confidence to carry on doing the things I enjoy but had caused me pain in the past.”

“Lovely staff made me feel comfortable. I’m not looking for surgery now. I feel more positive about my back pain improving doing all I have done with the staff.”

“Helpful to be guided with exercises that I can try out and continue at the gym.”

Stress on muscles and tendons is normal but if these forces change rapidly the result can be pain and inability to continue our sport. At Hallamshire Physiotherapy we see many people who have already had many forms of treatment but have failed to improve. Treating local tissues with massage and stretching will not give long-term results if you are still continuing to run in an abnormal way or fail to rotate correctly during golf or playing football for example.

After a detailed assessment we will explain your problem and give you the tools to help get out of this situation.

These are the common sporting injuries we see at the clinic:

  • Tendinopathy
  • Muscle strains
  • Back pain
  • Medial tibial pain (Shin splints)
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Lateral/medial elbow pain (Tennis, Golfer’s elbow)
  • Ligament injuries
  • Shoulder instability/trauma
  • Climbing injuries
  • Cycling injuries
  • Greater trochanter pain syndrome

Please refer to the list on the right of this page for more information on each sporting injury, it may be that you require treatment within a number of these injuries, and this can be worked into your treatment plan. If you need further information or wish to discuss your suitability for treatment, then please contact the clinic and one of our sports injury physiotherapists can discuss your needs with you. Assessment and treatment can be carried out in our clinic or at home if you are unable to attend.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments you can trust.

Bike services

Cycling injury rehabilitation
Unfortunately, due to gravity or repeated loads, all cyclists experience pain and discomfort. Most problems improve with time, but if they don’t, we have the highly trained staff who will get you cycling again.

Common cycling problems include:

  • Shoulders/neck
  • Lower back and hips
  • Knee

Bike and rider set up
Optimising your position on the bike will help improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries. Balancing how your body works to the demands of cycling is not straight forward and we too often see the effects of incorrect advice and set up.

Our highly skilled therapists in bike set up will:

  • Set the optimum riding position for you on the bike
  • Prevent or help treat injuries
  • Optimise your cycling position to maximise performance

Matthew Withycombe is the only therapist currently providing the Bike Fit service.

Read more about our bike fit Sheffield service HERE.

Pregnancy-related problems treated:

  • Antenatal advice and exercises
  • Back and pelvic girdle pain (formerly known as SPD) during and after pregnancy
  • Postnatal problems eg separated tummy muscles (diastasis rectus abdominus)
  • Long standing aches exacerbated by pregnancy/delivery
  • Post-natal urinary leakage/pelvic organ prolapse
  • Post C-section advice check up.

Research shows that one in three women experience urinary incontinence in the first year after having a baby. Up to three quarters of these women continue to experience this in the following 12 years after giving birth. A further one in 10 women experience faecal incontinence and another 1 in 12 will have a pelvic organ prolapse. (NHS 2021)

Commonly, these issues go unmentioned, and women suffer in silence for years. Many accept that this is normal and the price to pay after having a baby or ‘all just part of the ageing process.’ However, this not the case and often the source of the problem is the pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor is a hammock shaped collection of muscles that sit in the bottom of the pelvis. It’s responsible for supporting the pelvic organs, maintaining continence and also has a role to play in sensation and pelvic stability. When the muscles aren’t working as they should this is known as pelvic floor dysfunction and can lead to issues of prolapse, poor bladder and bowel control, sexual dysfunction and pain. Fortunately, spending a few minutes a day completing pelvic floor exercises can help to reduce, if not completely stop, symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends a 12-week period of supervised pelvic floor exercises to treat symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Morgan Lowe is a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist at Hallamshire physiotherapy. She will be able to carry out an in-depth assessment, including questions about your symptoms, past medical history, lifestyle factors and a physical examination of your pelvic floor muscle strength, stamina and function. She will be able to give you detailed feedback regarding the above and create an individualised treatment programme offering advice tailored to your assessment findings.

The following patient feedback speaks for itself: “This was an excellent appointment, and I would definitely give recommendations about the service I received. This was a 5 star treatment, and I have come away feeling confident with a plan, and hopefully a positive outcome for my diagnosis and health.”

Obstetric – FAQs

How can physio help me?
During pregnancy, aches and pains are normal. However sometimes symptoms can become more severe and cause significant pain that impacts on your enjoyment of your pregnancy. Physiotherapy can help to manage and reduce these symptoms and ensure that you recover well following the birth of your baby with no long-standing problems. Following pregnancy you may have some ongoing problems with pelvic girdle or back pain, over stretched abdominal muscles or problems with your bladder continence. These are all things that Physiotherapy can help with. 

What is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
The pelvic girdle is a ring of bones around your body at the base of your spine. PGP is pain in the front and/or the back of your pelvis that can also affect other areas such as the hips or thighs. It can affect the sacroiliac joints at the back and/or the symphysis pubis joint at the front. PGP is common, affecting 1 in 5 pregnant women, and can affect your mobility and quality of life. Pain when you are walking, climbing stairs and turning over in bed are common symptoms of PGP. However, early diagnosis and treatment can relieve your pain. PGP used to be known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). 

What causes PGP?
The three joints in the pelvis work together and normally move slightly. PGP is usually caused by the joints moving unevenly, which can lead to the pelvic girdle becoming less stable and therefore painful. As your baby grows in the womb, the extra weight and the change in the way you sit or stand will put more strain on your pelvis. You are more likely to have PGP if you have had a back problem or have injured your pelvis in the past or have hypermobility syndrome (a condition in which your joints stretch more than normal). 

Is it safe to have physiotherapy whist I’m pregnant?
Physiotherapy treatment is safe at any stage of pregnancy or following birth. Our highly trained physiotherapist will discuss the most appropriate treatment options for you following a full and detailed assessment of your symptoms. 

What will happen when I come to see the Physiotherapist?
Your first appointment will last an hour. Your physiotherapist will begin by talking through your symptoms and your medical history. This is an important part of the assessment to help build a clear picture of your problem. She will then perform a physical examination which may involve looking at your posture, the way your hips and back move and your muscle tone. They will then explain the causes of your symptoms and discuss the treatment options with you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and be given further explanations of anything you are unsure about. 

Will I be given a support belt?
Pelvic supports can be helpful in some cases of PGP. Following a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist will be able to advise if this is the most appropriate treatment option for you and provide one if needed. 

I have had my baby and I am still in pain. What should I do?
It is not uncommon for women to struggle with the symptoms of PGP following delivery. Physiotherapy can be helpful to improve your pain and get you back to enjoying this time with your new baby. You can book in for our ‘New Mum MOT’ to have ongoing aches and pains address and to ensure your recovery is speedy. 

I’ve been told that my abdominal muscles have ‘split’. What does this mean?
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch and spread apart to allow your baby to grow. Following delivery it is sometimes found that your muscles have over stretched or ‘split’. It is important to correct this in order to prevent back problems, abdominal weakness or hernia. 

I feel nervous/embarrassed about my problem?
It’s easy to put off getting a problem treated because of embarrassment, however, our experts are used to talking about these things all the time and helping patients get better with the right treatment. Whatever your problem, they will have seen it many times before so there’s no need to worry or delay seeing someone.

Gynaecological problems treated:

  • Bladder and bowel problems, including incontinence, frequency, urgency and overactive bladder, constipation and problems controlling wind
  • Stress incontinence
  • Mixed urinary incontinence
  • Faecal or fatal incontinence
  • Pelvic floor exercises for pelvic floor weakness
  • Pelvic organ prolapse advice
  • Sexual pelvic pain or dysfunction
  • Post operative care for any gynaecological surgery.

Gynaecological Problems – FAQ’s

How can Physiotherapy help me?
Women’s Health Physiotherapy can help with a number of problems. These include bladder and bowel continence problems, prolapse and pelvic pain. Bladder and bowel problems can have a variety of causes, many of which can be treated with physiotherapy. You can self-refer into our service and be seen by our expert Physiotherapist. 

What is a prolapse?
The organs within a woman’s pelvis (uterus, bladder and rectum) are normally held in place by ligaments and muscles known as the pelvic floor. If these support structures are weakened by over-stretching, the pelvic organs can bulge (prolapse) from their natural position into the vagina. When this happens it is known as pelvic organ prolapse. Sometimes a prolapse may be large enough to protrude outside the vagina. Although more severe cases may require surgery, physiotherapy to help strengthen your pelvic floor and address lifestyle factors can help to ensure that any surgical repair is effective in the long term. 

What is the pelvic floor muscle?
Your pelvic floor muscles span the base of your pelvis. They work to keep your pelvic organs in the correct position (preventing prolapse), tightly close your bladder and bowel (stop urinary or anal incontinence) and improve sexual satisfaction. They can become weakened or damage for a variety of reasons including child birth, lifestyle factors and chronic constipation. 

But I already do my pelvic floor exercises!
Although you may already be doing your exercises, it is beneficial to have your technique assessed to ensure you are performing them correctly. Your physiotherapist will be able to assess your ability to work your pelvic floor muscles and provide any additional help you may need to strengthen damaged or weak muscles. Even if your pelvic floor muscles are found to be relatively good, symptoms can often be improved by learning to use your muscles appropriately – research has shown that over 75% of women are able to significantly reduce or eliminate urinary leakage with coughing by learning to activate their pelvic floor correctly. Additionally, your pelvic floor is only part of the problem and there are other factors that may need addressing to improve your symptoms. 

What will happen when I come to see the Physiotherapist?
Your first appointment will last an hour. Your physiotherapist will begin by talking through your symptoms and your medical history. This is an important part of the assessment to help build a clear picture of your problem. With your consent, they will then perform a vaginal examination to assess the degree of any prolapse and the strength and technique of your pelvic floor muscle activation. This examination does not involve any equipment and is performed with a single gloved finger and lubricant. The physical examination is important to help fully assess your problem and build an appropriate treatment plan and your physiotherapist will explain the necessity for it and ensure you are comfortable. They will then explain the causes of your symptoms and discuss the treatment options with you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and be given further explanations of anything you are unsure about. 

Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
Of course! Sometimes it is helpful to have someone with you to help take in the information (although you will be given written information to take home). They can be present for as much of the appointment as you would like (you may decide you don’t want them in the room for physical examinations). Some people prefer to attend alone as they are discussing quite intimate problems. This is also fine. 

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
It is often helpful to bring a list of medication you regularly take to your appointment. 

How long will it take to see an improvement?
How long it takes to see an improvement varies depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms and how fully you are able to commit to the treatment plan. For example, if you are found to have leakage because of weak pelvic floor muscles, the national guidelines (based on research evidence) suggest that you work with your physiotherapist for 3 months initially. Improvement is sometimes seen before this, and treatment can of course be continued for a longer period if it is beneficial. To get the most from your treatment you need to be prepared to follow any advice given and perform any exercises regularly as prescribed. 

I feel nervous/embarrassed about my problem?
It’s easy to put off getting a problem treated because of embarrassment, however, our experts are used to talking about these things all the time and helping patients get better with the right treatment. Whatever your problem, they will have seen it many times before so there’s no need to worry or delay seeing someone. 

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments you can trust.

At Hallamshire Physiotherapy, Sheffield’s leading specialist physiotherapy clinic, you will be assessed by our highly skilled and approachable therapists who are aware of the sensitivity of the subject around Men’s Health, as well as having years of experience treating conditions in this specialist area. We use research-based evidence for all our treatments so you can trust us to get to the cause of your problem quickly and efficiently.

If you are unsure if we can help, then call us on 0114 267 1233 to discuss your problems further.

  • 1 in 10 men may experience continence or pelvic floor issues during their lifetime
  • Following prostate cancer treatment, up to 70% of men suffer from urinary incontinence
  • 16% of males over 18 have overactive bladder
  • Erectile dysfunction affects more than 50% of men over 40 years of age
  • Elite athletes and runners can be affected by Pelvic floor dysfunction, often suffering from a tight pelvic floor.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments you can trust.

Physical benefits of sports massage:

  • Increasing suppleness and flexibility of muscles and joints
  • Improve blood circulation and nutrient delivery to your muscles
  • Speed up the healing of damaged or stressed muscles, tissues and joints
  • Prevent muscle and tendon injuries
  • Efficient clearing of harmful metabolic by products
  • Tension reduction in your fascia
  • Reduction of your scar tissue
  • Improved tissue elasticity and improvements in your tissue’s ability to absorb nutrients, also known as micro-circulation.

Psychological Benefits:

  • A reduction in your approach anxiety. Approach anxiety, which is the anxiety you feel about an upcoming match or event, is a common part of sports participation
  • Enhanced feelings of invigoration and rejuvenation and an increased awareness of your mind-body connection
  • A massage therapist skilled in the art of sports massage will know what techniques to use to help counter your anxiety. The simple act of having your body worked on can give you a psychological edge that reduces your anxiety. After you’ve received a sports massage, it’s likely that you’ll feel a little sore, but you’ll also feel invigorated and refreshed, ready to compete again at your highest level. The restorative effects of massage therapy and the corresponding psychological benefits are crucial for your continued athletic success. So too is an awareness of your mind-body connection, which massage therapy supports. Massage therapy can provide you with an awareness of your body that few other therapeutic modalities can match.

Sports massage is not just for sports performers, it is suitable for a whole variety of people and is effective in relieving many of the day-to-day aches and pains that everyone experiences.

Main benefits include:

  • Treatment of Sports Injuries
  • Relieving Muscle Tension
  • Increasing Flexibility
  • Improving sports performance
  • Relieving Back, Neck and Shoulder pain
  • Improve Posture
  • Hand and Foot discomfort.

The principle physiological benefits of sports massage therapy include pain reduction and relaxation; two important benefits that can keep you healthy and competitive over time.

Sports-related pain can result from a muscle strain, a contusion or bruise or excessive use of a muscle. Overuse of a muscle or muscle group may result in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a phenomenon that’s long been associated with increased physical exertion, massage therapy is effective at alleviating DOMS by approximately 30 percent and reducing swelling, but it has no effects on muscle function.

Muscle relaxation is another important physiological benefit of sports massage therapy. Muscles relax when they’re exposed to heat, receive increased blood circulation and are stretched appropriately, all common results of an effective sports massage therapy session.

A reflex relaxation also is caused when your mechanoreceptors–tiny sensory receptors that respond to pressure or changes in tissue length–are stimulated during massage.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments you can trust.

PD Warrior is designed for people are:

  • In the early stages of idiopathic Parkinson’s
  • Reasonably fit and active
  • Motivated individuals.

PD Warrior aims to show you how exercise can be enjoyable, but also to show you how to exercise for life so you are in peak physical and mental condition at every stage of the disease.

Hallamshire Physiotherapy is now a licensed facility with 2 accredited instructors – Karen Hodgson and Bhanu Ramaswamy.

There are no other facilities in the region offering this successful programme.

We hold introductory evenings on a regular basis to introduce the concept followed by an initial programme and circuit-based classes.

If you would like to:

  • Look, move and feel better
  • Find out how to start a neuro-active exercise
  • Build your confidence
  • Slow the progression of your Parkinsons.

Then, contact the clinic to discuss any issues/costs or to register for the introductory session. There is no referral required.

The right program for you

You need to know what type of Parkinson’s you have and what to do about it. PD Warrior is not the same as working out in the gym, going for a walk or going for a swim. Although these are all excellent examples of good exercise behaviours for general fitness and health, they are not specific enough for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. What you miss out on by doing generic exercises is the opportunity to drive the brains natural ability to re-wire itself and protect itself depending on the type of Parkinson’s you have. PD Warrior incorporates the most current evidence into its program to ensure that you get success.

Who created PD Warrior?

PD Warrior was created in 2011 by two neurological physiotherapists in Australia.

Melissa McConaghy – Founder and Owner.
Melissa is a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist who has been working with people with Parkinson’s disease for over 17 years. She is author of the book – The New Parkinson’s Treatment: Exercise is Medicine and is host of the podcast – PD Podcast. Melissa holds a Master of Health Science (Neurological Physiotherapy) and became the youngest fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2010.

Lynn Tullock, Founder.
Lynn is a Neurological Physiotherapist who has been working with people with Parkinson’s for over 12 years. She is the Clinical Director of Advance Rehab Centre and co-founder of PD Warrior. She holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

 

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments and exercise programmes you can trust.

Classes available are for:

  • PD WARRIOR
  • NEUROLOGICAL PILATES
  • PILATES FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
  • MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
  • STROKE
  • PARKINSON’S DISEASE
  • STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING.

PD Warrior

PD Warrior is our ‘neuro-active’ programme at the Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic, designed specifically for anyone with Parkinson’s. Medication helps with symptom relief and general exercise programs will keep you healthy, but neither of them slow the progression of your disease. The recent evidence demonstrates that the right kind of exercise programme is the only way to modify the course of your disease.

For more information please visit our PD Warrior page.

Neurological Pilates (APPI)  

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is suitable for everyone – the fit and healthy, the injured, the young and the old.

Joseph Pilates founded Pilates over 80 years ago. He was one of the first to explain imbalance theories within the body & developed his own exercise regime to improve the performance of dancers and gymnasts. His legacy lives on. Pilates continues to evolve and benefit thousands of people every day.

Matwork Pilates consists of 34 original mat-based Pilates exercises. They are designed to correct muscle imbalance by promoting core stability, flexibility, postural and body awareness and endurance. Pilates is a gentle but physical workout that will teach you how to become fully aware of your body, your posture, and your movement patterns. It will improve your strength and muscle tone and leave you feeling relaxed with a sense of wellbeing. Pilates will allow you to recognize incorrect movement patterns, isolate them, and correct them. This makes the discipline invaluable for injury prevention as well as for rehabilitation.

Pilates for Neurological conditions

Neurological Pilates combines traditional Pilates movements with functional neurological exercises, making it an excellent form of low impact exercise for people with neurological conditions, e.g. Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis & stroke.

Neurological conditions often lead to weakness, reduce or increased muscle tone and reduced balance.

Neuro Pilates involves a series of exercises designed to increase strength, flexibility, improve posture and body awareness for neurological patients.

Exercises are targeted towards the deep muscles of the core to develop a strong central base for everyday activities such as walking, standing, and reaching.

Pilates also involves strengthening the upper body, particularly around the shoulder girdle and neck, to improve function and posture.

Benefits:

  • Increased muscle strength
  • Reduced tone and spasticity
  • Increased flexibility
  • Improved postural alignment
  • Greater body awareness
  • Increased balance
  • Reduced risk of injury.

Multiple Sclerosis

Pilates is a popular form of exercise for people with Multiple Sclerosis, and many current research papers advocate it as a form of rehabilitation to improve posture, strength, flexibility, pain, quality of life, and fatigue.

Stroke

Pilates is an ideal form of exercise for many post-stroke patients. It is especially effective for balance re-education in addition to re-training specific muscle groups. It is also a perfect way to return to exercise in the community instead of the hospital, socialise with others and increase your confidence. Recent research studies have started to prove that Pilates can help improve walking, balance and quality of life in chronic stroke patients.

Parkinson’s Disease

The core exercise regimes for people with Parkinson’s Disease work on balance, postural awareness, correction of poor posture, and the control of movement. Modified Pilates focuses on all these aspects, as well as co-ordination, flexibility, muscle strength and concentration. It is perfect for the body and for the mind, even helping you sleep better at night.

Exercise is as important as medication for all stages of Parkinson’s Disease, and Pilates fits into all 3 stages – at diagnosis to compliment your higher intensity and more vigorous exercise, at the maintenance stage to keep you active, and at the complex stage to keep you flexible and functioning independently.

Class benefits

  • Promote social bonding, meet/talk with like-minded people with similar conditions, relatable goals
  • Motivation boost, encouraging instructors and classmates, team spirit
  • Instructor lead
  • Block booking to keep you accountable and keep turning up each week!
  • Fun!
  • Small class sizes will ensure each person receives individual attention to be able to check that the exercises are performed in the most beneficial way
  • Gets you out the house!

Further details:  Pilates and Rehabilitation https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/your-magazine/experts/pilates-and-parkinsons

Strength and Conditioning

For Higher Intensity Resistance Training for people with pain and to improve fitness!

Hallamshire Physiotherapy clinic are the leading Physiotherapy clinic in changing lives of people with pain and disability.

The class is:

  • Run by highly experienced Physiotherapists in the field of rehabilitation
  • Tailored specifically to your needs
  • Applying the best research evidence to address pain
  • Promoting confidence in your body through education
  • Fun and achieves results.

Some of the conditions people might have:

  • Low back or neck pain
  • Arthritis
  • Recent joint replacement
  • Recent loss of mobility following an illness
  • Chronic sciatica
  • Previous fracture.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments and exercise programmes you can trust.

Please call:

0114 267 1223

Alternatively, you can email us at: info@hallamshirephysiotherapy.com or try our live chat facility in the bottom corner of the website.

 

Classes run by Community Wellness Services

Cardiac Rehab – Based on a PhaseIV intervention, this session is designed for people living with all forms of coronary heart disease and want to improve fitness and wellbeing.

Pulmonary Rehab – For those with difficulty breathing due to COPD, post Covid19 or other respiratory condition, this could help slow down the effects of these terrible conditions.

Cancer Care – Either pre- or post-surgery to help aid with recovery and confidence.

MSK Class – Targeting problems arising from the musculoskeletal system. This includes injuries and diseases affecting the muscles, bones and joints of the limbs and spine.

Otago (Falls Prevention) – The only evidence-based session to improve balance and strength programme.

ONE TO ONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE to help with an individual tailored approach for your medical condition, weight loss or just want to get back to feeling fit and healthy.

For more information call Community Wellness Services on:

0114 267 1223 or 0114 553 7807
info@communitywellnessservices.co.uk

863 Ecclesall Road – Community Wellness Services Sheffield

 

Case study

Dorothy came to us hoping to improve her posture, strength and fitness levels, having previously beaten cancer that has unfortunately led to some ongoing problems impacting her levels of function. Despite having a history of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, we have followed the evidence from the LIFTMOR trial that shows heavy strength training is beneficial for bone mineral density and can lead to a greater quality of life. Dorothy has also been regularly joining in with our online strength and conditioning classes and is now able to walk for longer, feels fitter, is having less pain and able to do more! Well done Dorothy!!

See Dorothy in action. Click the image below to view

What can you expect on your first visit to the clinic? 

We spend at least an hour listening to you and trying to understand how you got to this point and how pain is impacting on your life and others. Everyone’s story is different and there is usually a history of trauma (but not always), failed treatments and frightening metaphors (your spine is degenerating, you have arthritis in your knee and it will get worse and the ‘classic’ you will be in a wheelchair soon!).

What do we measure?

We measure your pain levels, how they vary and how it affects your life during functional activities. At the start we will establish aims and goals for the treatment and give you an idea of how long improvement will take. This is different in every case and it is not uncommon to see people who have had chronic pain for 20 years.

A full physical examination will help identify which structures are affected and how you ‘compensate’ for the pain. We limp and move our body in a way that minimises pain, but we then learn this pattern and we are set to continue in this way (for example, you break your leg and the fracture heals but you still continue to limp because this is your new movement pattern).

What we don’t do

We will not ‘plug’ you into machines, ‘crack’ your joints or put hot/cold packs on your body. This approach does not work and only leads to unnecessary treatment. You must become an active participant in the rehabilitation process for a successful outcome.

Research driven

Our treatments are evidence based and they change as more research is produced. Pain research has exploded in the last 10 years, and we have a better idea what causes people to develop chronic pain and how different strategies are needed for rehabilitation to be successful.

The pain spectrum

Some people are not frightened about their pain and have a predominately mechanical component to their pain. They have learned abnormal movement patterns, and this is often the result of previous trauma, surgery or compensating for pain. These people often continue to work and pursue their interests, but the pain limits their life to some extent.

At the other end of the spectrum, some people present with over whelming pain that is frightening and causes them to stop functioning. They often don’t sleep and are on large quantities of medication. They are distressed, anxious and often depressed. They avoid most movement and their lives, and those of their family, are severely affected. Most patients are somewhere between these two points and after a thorough examination we develop an idea of where we need to start. This is different in every patient as no recipe exists.

Identifying your beliefs

What do you think is causing your pain? What explanations have health professionals given you to explain why you are not improving? Do you think you will get better? Are you frightened to move as you believe the pain indicates more damage? What do your scans and x-rays show? Why did previous treatment fail? Does your mood influence pain? Can you sleep, or do you feel tired most of the time? Do you think you will return to work, or do you continue working but struggle? What do your family do to help?

All these questions are important for the physiotherapist to understand the wider aspects of your problem and to help formulate a reasoned, structured and individual programme that helps dispel any fears you might have developed. A ‘barrier’ is produced to rehabilitation if you still think you are damaging yourself with movement. Explaining pain helps reduce fear and changes behaviour.

Movement re-education 

So you are not worried about your pain but frustrated to why you are not improving. We saw a 70-year-old woman who complained of left sided low back pain at the clinic a few years ago. She stood with most of her weight on the left leg and she was reluctant to move to the right. Why did you not stand on the right leg? When she was 15 years old, she fractured her right leg and was put in a non-weight bearing cast for 8 weeks. She had learned to walk for 55 years without putting full weight through the right side of her body. The body learns to compensate and unless an active attempt to change is made the faulty movement pattern remains-even after 55 years!

Correcting faulty movement patterns is not easy, but help is at hand. Our physiotherapists are highly training in movement analysis and utilising different strategies to help you move again. For example, pain causes muscles to contract around the painful area. This contraction is learned and becomes ‘normal’ for us. Massaging painful muscles helps, but only for a short time. Unless you are shown how to relax the muscle and make it move normally, any improvement will be temporary. We think you have better things to do than attend physiotherapy clinics, so we aim to get you to change rapidly.

Exercise and pain 

If exercise was a tablet, it would be the new wonder drug. The effects on our body with exercise are many and helping to change chronic pain is no exception. As we exercise, we pump blood around the body, and this helps vascularise tissues and this even includes the brain. Joints rely on movement for lubrication and nutrition. As tight, stressed muscles contract they eventually relax, and this helps function and regulates sleep patterns. By improving sleep, we reduce stress levels, improve our immune system and cope with pain better. Many people living with chronic pain have not exercised for years and it is great to see people return to cycling, running, walking, gardening, or playing with grandchildren. It’s important to do something you enjoy as learning to have fun again and sharing social activities is vital for recovery.

Fear and anxiety

Understandably, after various experts have examined you and they can’t seem to find a cause to your ongoing pain, some people experience anxiety about their future and become fearful to move. The body’s natural response to pain is to rest and guard the painful area. However, this over protection can immobilise us to the point that we compound the problem. This response is entirely normal and with the amount of negative information many people are given it is not a surprise. As the link between pain and ‘damage’ is made we can fear any movement. Even imagining a painful movement is sufficient to cause pain as our brain ‘fires’ that movement and adds pain automatically.

Fear and anxiety are reduced by giving you a reasoned explanation as to why you continue to have pain. Remembering many people in chronic pain are products of a series of unfortunate events and misinformation. By reducing fear of movement, you can start moving again, but this process must be gradual and achievable for you. We help you begin to move.

Medication

Tablets are useful in acute pain, but if the pain continues their effectiveness reduces. Doses are increased and stronger medication is prescribed. This might help but the chances of side effects increase, and many people become dependent on them. Our brains produce powerful pain killers (endogenous opioids) and trying to access this system is important. With your doctors’ guidance we try to reduce, and finally stop, the use of tablets. We aim to tap into other ways to reduce the pain: exercise, movement, fear reduction and returning to a normal life.

The body is strong

One commonly heard comment when talking to patients is: “You are the first person I have seen in years who has said something positive about my condition”. The body is amazingly robust and can repair itself if given the correct conditions. When living with pain, it’s easy to believe your body is ‘falling to pieces’ and a slow deterioration towards old age is inevitable. This is not the case! We love giving positive messages about your body and demonstrate to you the potential to make improvements. To see someone bend their back or lift an arm above their head after 10 years of thinking they could not do that is wonderful. That’s why we keep working with people who continue to live with chronic pain.

Don’t delay make an appointment or ring and speak to one of our specialist pain physiotherapists about your particular circumstances. If you are not entirely happy after the first appointment you do not have to return. However, the vast majority of patients we see do come back and then go onto recommend their family and friends.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments and exercise programmes you can trust.

Treatment

There is good evidence that with the right support it is possible for people to be helped to manage the condition, with the aim of maintaining and extending their physical, emotional and cognitive capacity.

Energy management and personalised physical activity or exercise are the interventions for which there is the clearest research evidence. We can also help to work towards avoiding flare ups and relapses.

Each individual is however different, and management varies widely patient to patient.

Energy management helps people learn to use the amount of energy they have while reducing their risk of post-exertional malaise or worsening their symptoms by exceeding their limits.

As per the NICE guidelines, only those who feel ready to progress their physical activity and current activities of daily living, OR those who would like to incorporate physical activity or exercise into managing their ME/CFS, should engage in a personalised physical activity and exercise programme.

The specialist therapists at Hallamshire Physiotherapy are highly skilled, experienced and approachable in ME/Chronic fatigue rehabilitation and would use research-based evidence in their approach for you or a family member.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments and exercise programmes you can trust.

At Hallamshire Physiotherapy our specialist therapists will listen to you, we won’t rush you, we will take time to get to know you and provide treatment for you at a speed that is comfortable and manageable.

Some of the conditions treated by physiotherapy include:

  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pain
  • Falls and balance difficulties
  • Following surgery i.e. hip and knee replacements, spinal or shoulder surgery.

There are other changes associated with the process of ageing that can be addressed before they become problematic. For example:

  • Weakness of muscle/ joint stiffness
  • Reduced bone density
  • Decreasing levels of mobility
  • Deconditioning – decreased fitness from doing less physical activity
  • Loss of confidence and fear to go outside the home.

Physiotherapy is of course unable to stop the ageing process, but it can help to reduce the impact on the body. The physiotherapist will make a full assessment of the person’s ability and they will identify the key factors causing problems for that individual. Physiotherapy will be aimed at and seek to improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and fitness. Our specialist therapists will also assess mobility both in terms of walking, ease of getting onto and off the bed, chair and floor, as well as specific aspects of functional ability a person identifies.

Physiotherapists at the Hallamshire Clinic will also provide advice and education on the benefits of exercise and help to devise individual programmes. All treatment is patient centred with a strong emphasis on problem solving with realistic, achievable solutions.

Treatment is available for 1:1 clinic sessions or for home visits. We also provide joint exercise sessions of groups up to 3 people with the same clinical condition, e.g., post-operative rehabilitation for knee or hip replacement, or post spinal or shoulder fracture. Physiotherapy can also be provided for people who are living in sheltered accommodation, residential or nursing homes.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments and exercise programmes you can trust.

Micro suction is the removal of ear wax using air, i.e. micro vacuuming the wax from the ear as opposed to using water to flush the ear out, as happens when the ear is syringed.

At your appointment you will have your ears examined. Images are taken of the ears to record the status of the ears prior to any procedure. The images are stored in line with ICO guidelines and are purely for the purpose of reference.

You will be asked questions from an ear wax removal questionnaire to ensure that there are no contra-indications to any procedure. You will then have a full explanation of the procedure to follow and are encouraged to ask any questions that you may have about the process.

The micro suction procedure is quite noisy. You will be asked to remain as still as possible during the wax removal process to minimise any risk. Post procedure, the ears are examined again to ensure they are now clear of wax and to check the ear health. A further set of post wax removal images will be taken to complete the process. You will then be asked a couple more questions on your experience before leaving the appointment.

If you have concerns about your hearing generally and feel a hearing test would be helpful, you can then book a full hearing assessment to check your minimum levels of hearing.

You can be confident with Hallamshire Physiotherapy Clinic. Our outstanding reputation speaks for itself and all our high-quality specialist treatments you can trust.

If you choose to book an appointment for micro suction, you will be asked to administer drops of olive oil into your ears for 48 hours prior to the appointment.

We provide a strength and conditioning online class for our patients. This is aimed at varying abilities and ages, with each exercise being demonstrated containing more challenging elements for those wanting to push themselves, as well as modified versions for those with mobility problems or other problems that may affect their ability to perform certain movements.

The benefits of this class include:

  • Improved strength
  • Improved fitness
  • Improved balance
  • Improved flexibility

All elements that are important to maintaining a higher quality of life and being able to perform all functions, from simpler tasks such as climbing the stairs to more challenging elements such as sporting activites.

Cost

A steroid injection administered by ‘Hallamshire Physiotherapy’ will cost £ 200 and this includes the cost of your prescription medication.

You should also be aware of possible side effects and risks when having steroid injections.

These include the following:

  • Pain: you may feel pain at the site of the injection for a couple of days
  • Infection: Pain that starts or continues to worsen after more than 48 hours, redness, localised heat, swelling or fever after an injection could be a sign of an infection. Should you experience any of these symptoms our advice would be for you to seek urgent medical care, however, the risk of infection is less than 1 in 10,000
  • Ruptured tendons: steroid injections may result in damage of tendons
  • Subcutaneous fat wasting: Localised wasting of the fat layer around the tissue can occur with steroid injection
  • Skin changes: The skin can change colour at the site of the injection or thinning of the skin could occur
  • For clients who are diabetic: localised steroid injections can result in the fluctuation of blood sugar levels for up to 3 weeks
  • Hypersensitivity / Allergic reactions: On rare occasions an adverse reaction to the local anaesthetic or steroid may take place. If you feel unwell after you leave the clinic our advice is to seek emergency medical care
  • Bruising: Bleeding into the joint or tissues may occur following an injection
  • Reduced antibody response: Your antibody response will be reduced during steroid treatment
  • Facial flushing: This may occur 24 to 48 hours following an injection but usually settles within a day or two
  • Breast-feeding: The steroids used are unlikely to cause any adverse effects in the breast-fed child, however, there have been some reports of a temporary loss of milk production associated with corticosteroid therapy
  • Corticosteroids may lower your immune system
  • Adrenal insufficiency: Steroids treatment carries the risk of causing systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression. Multiple injections or additional steroid intake increases the risk of adrenal insufficiency
  • Potential psychiatric adverse reactions: Steroids can cause serious mental health problems. These are rare but our advice is that you must talk to a doctor straight away should you develop any changes in your mood
  • It is very important that you are followed up after your injection so that we can assess the effects and give you any additional advice or treatment.
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