WELCOME TO THE TEAM

In recent months we have welcomed two new members to our team. Both Guy and Zoe are based in our Spratton clinic.

Guy Clennett is a Neurological Physiotherapist. Guy has a special interest in integrating evidence-based interventions and utilising the state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology available at PhysioFunction to enable clients to reach their goals. 

Zoe Littlemore is a Sports and Rehabilitation therapist. Zoe is passionate about health and wellness and is excited to work alongside the team, bringing her knowledge of sports and exercise to our neurological and MSK clients.

Both Guy and Zoe believe in maximising independence through a combination of hands-on therapy, rehabilitation technology and exercise prescription to empower individuals to make positive changes. They feel it is important to understand clients on an individual and personal level to provide holistic treatment for both physical and emotional recovery.

MOVING ON

We all want to wish Rhiannon and Megan all the best as they move on to exciting new chapters. Both of them are heading off to Northampton University in January to pursue their Masters' in Physiotherapy. 

Rhiannon and Megan will leave a lasting impact on the team and all of the clients they have worked with over the years. Their hard work, commitment and skills have helped change the lives of many, and they will both be greatly missed. Stay in touch and take care!

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Jon, our Clinical Director celebrated his 60th birthday in September, and the team took part in the festivities. The clinic was dressed with balloons and banners, and of course we had birthday cake. 

As part of his birthday celebrations Jon stepped up for 3 amazing challenges this year. On Friday 26th July he completed 3 ascents and 3 descents of Snowdon via the 6 routes, and Sunday 4th August he completed the 8km Rutland swim. 

To finish off in September Jon completed his last crazy challenge. He cycled 3 x Ventoux ascents and descents in the Provence region of southern France. Jon completed 136km and 4443m of ascent.

OUR CLIENTS

Jack's Story

Jack's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of rehabilitation combined with amazing family support.

After experiencing a life-changing event in February 2021, Jack and his family embarked on a rehabilitation journey to maximise his physical independence. Jack's story explores his condition, the interventions provided by PhysioFunction, the unwavering family support and encouragement and his remarkable progress so far.

History and Initial Challenges

On February 17, 2021, Jack collapsed at home and was rushed to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, where scans revealed a severe brain bleed caused by a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Emergency surgery to relieve pressure and stop the bleeding resulted in a stroke. Jack’s condition required a seven-month hospital stay and 14 weeks at The Children’s Trust, a specialist brain injury rehabilitation centre.

Despite significant progress, limited community resources prompted Jack’s family to seek private therapy. In May 2022, they began working with PhysioFunction to continue his rehabilitation.

Initial Presentation

When Jack started therapy, he faced significant challenges:

• His left arm had no functional movement, was hypersensitive, and painful to touch.
• His left leg was tight and stiff, with restricted movement and swelling in the foot.
• He had poor sitting balance, could not stand, and required hoisting for transfers.
• Jack relied entirely on support for daily mobility and activities.

Interventions and Progress

PhysioFunction tailored a comprehensive program to address Jack’s needs. His therapy included:

• Core Strengthening and Balance Training: Jack’s sitting balance improved dramatically, enabling him to sit unsupported, maintain head control, and reach for objects.
• Left Arm Desensitisation: Gradual handling and passive movement reduced hypersensitivity, increasing his tolerance for therapy.
• Lower Limb Stretching and Strengthening: Stretching reduced tightness in his left leg, while strengthening exercises supported overall mobility.
• Standing and Walking Training: Jack advanced from using a tilt table to standing frames and walking with the LiteGait system, where he now takes purposeful steps with improved posture and head control.

Achievements and Goals

Jack’s biggest milestone is walking with support, a remarkable feat considering his initial presentation. He has also gained independence in sitting and shown improved engagement with his left arm. His next goal is standing transfers, which will further enhance his independence.

With continued support from PhysioFunction, Jack is on a steady path toward achieving his goals.

Sam's Story

In our last newsletter we shared the story of Sam, who had a Spinal cord injury after falling off a horse which left her with upper and lower limb weakness. Sam has now been coming to PhysioFunction for nearly 12 months.

Sam wants to regain as much independence as possible and has been working with Charlie and Kirsten on land-based sessions and hydrotherapy.

We last reported that Sam was able to transfer from her wheelchair to bed with minimal support using a sliding board. She was also able to stand with minimal support and was showing a marked improvement in strength and balance. 

Sam has progressed amazingly with her transfers and walking. At home Sam is using the ReTurn to transfer to and from her wheelchair with minimal support.

In clinic sessions Sam is able to walk with minimal assistance, approx. 10 metres with the use of a Topro gutter frame and the G-move leg compression device. The assistance is only to help steer the frame and Sam is able to independently swing her legs through in the walking cycle.

The Topro enables Sam to maintain an upright posture with elbows supported whilst the G-move increases awareness, sensation and stability of her lower limbs with the use of compression. This device also helps to give Sam better knee stability whilst standing and walking.

Sam has gone from needing full assistance with eating and drinking to being able to use her upper limbs to use a spoon and fork to eat by herself.

In Hydrotherapy sessions Sam has progressed from needing the hoist to enter the pool to now standing with slight support on the pool lift for entry and exit. Sam Is able to walk in the pool with shoulder support only showing the improvement in stability, balance, strength and confidence.

Sam has shown what can be achieved when you have amazing motivation to improve despite the challenges of having a Spinal cord injury.

Other Client Achievements

Sophie - I'm sure all of you remember Sophie, who came to us in 2021  six months into her rehabilitation journey following brain surgery and a diagnosis of Posterior Fossa Syndrome. 

Unsteady on her feet, Sophie required hands on support to walk. Sophie’s balance and co-ordination were affected in her arms and legs and her movements were ataxic.   

Through physiotherapy sessions Sophie and the team worked on core strengthening, balance control in standing, and safety and confidence in walking. This progressed to running on the Alter G treadmill, cycling on the Wattbike, circuit training, jumping, hopping and skipping as well as negotiating all manner of obstacles including stepping on and off a moving treadmill.

After two years with PhysioFunction and amazing improvements, Sophie was ready for University. 

We recently received this photo and message from Sophie

"I can’t thank PhysioFunction enough for helping me recover after a brain injury. Since leaving I have started university and I’m able to walk around my lectures with confidence. I have also started doing voluntary work at my local school. I’m going out and socialising with friends something I have not done for years. All this was a dream before and now I’m able to do all of it."

We are so proud of you Sophie!

Sue - After Sue was discharged from the community stroke team, she felt that there was still work to do to get her life back and she needed to be motivated and challenged. Having met most of the goals she initially set for herself, the one she still had to achieve was getting her driving licence back.  

A driving licence is automatically suspended after having a stroke for a minimum period of one month.

Sue came to PhysioFunction in August and has accessed both land-based physiotherapy sessions and hydrotherapy.

Sue has been committed to all of her rehabilitation, working with the team, focusing on improving strength, balance, coordination/proprioception, range of motion and dexterity.

In November Sue was very excited to let us know that after a recent driving assessment she will be getting her licence back!

Sue has to complete a 4-hour refresher course in December and then she will be back to driving and having more independence.

Sue said “I would recommend PhysioFunction to anyone. I needed to be pushed and wanted to get my life back. The whole team are warm and friendly and getting my licence back is amazing”

MSK PHYSIOTHERAPY

At Spratton our Neurological service is complemented by an onsite MSK Physiotherapist, Alison.

Many of our neuro and polytrauma clients have benefited from joint clinical assessments and treatments, tailoring each client’s programme to their own specific needs.

This bespoke service allows continuity of care which we believe is essential to maximise the client’s potential recovery.

Alison has over 20 years’ experience in treating a wide range of complex musculoskeletal conditions including pain management. Having Alison on site is hugely beneficial to our clients and allows for easy collaboration with the neuro team.

Providing an all-round package of care, on many occasions Alison has treated our Neuro client’s carers whilst they are in with the Neuro team. Being able to offer these dual appointments on-site, facilitates ease of attendance and promotes wellbeing for the whole family/care team.

Alison works alongside Emma who is based at our Long Buckby clinic, and they both also provide treatments for:

• Back and Neck Pain
• Sports, Muscle and Tendon Injuries
• Headaches and Face Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Pre and Post Operative Rehab
• Hip, Groin and Buttock Pain
• Shoulder and Elbow Pain
• Hand and Wrist Pain
• Complex and Polytrauma Injuries
• Leg, Foot and ankle pain
• Knee Pain
• General Strength and Conditioning
• Vestibular Rehabilitation

NATIONAL FOOT DROP SOCIETY

We had a wonderful day in our Spratton clinic on September 20th with Blatchford providing Foot Drop assessments with the Turbomed and FES devices (Bioness L300 and Alfess) in support of National Foot Drop Awareness day.

By coming together on National Foot Drop Awareness Day, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by this condition," said Jon Graham founder of National Foot Drop Awareness Society. "Through education, advocacy, and community support, we hope to improve the quality of life for individuals with foot drop and their families. We invite everyone to participate in National Foot Drop Awareness Day 2024 and join us in "Stepping Forward" to build a more informed and compassionate society.” 

Date for the diary - The next Foot Drop Awareness Day will be on Friday 19th September 2025. Save the date and we will update you with further information. If you or someone you know has foot drop and would like more information click: National Foot Drop Society

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