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Physios helping EDS patients - feature in PosAbility Magazine

Read our feature by clicking the link - https://posabilitymagazine.co.uk/physios-helping-eds-patients/

 

When Anna Higo attended a physiotherapy conference with her business partner Louise Grant, she was drawn to a DM Orthotics stand. Having had a painful shoulder for years, she was interested in seeing if a shoulder orthosis might help so she tried one on. 

“It felt wonderful,” she said. “I told Louise there and then that we should think about using them for our patients.”

Since that first encounter, they have used DM Orthotics products to help their patients.  

Both chartered physiotherapists, Anna and Louise run Physiocure in north Leeds. They have developed a special interest in hypermobility and Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – one of thirteen types of a largely misunderstood condition that often severely impacts patients’ lives.  

May was EDS Awareness month and, having seen a dramatic increase in the number of people coming to them with hypermobility issues over the last year, Anna is very keen to spread the word that though the condition might not be curable, it can be treated very effectively.

“EDS affects connective tissues – causing a range of symptoms that can include joint hypermobility, easily dislocated joints, extreme tiredness, digestive problems, dizziness and delayed healing,” she said. “Our approach is to help ease the pain with gentle, graded exercise, hydrotherapy, hands-on treatment, massage, acupuncture and electrotherapy modalities.

“Merlin Young, a clinician from DM Orthotics, also visits regularly to assess patients for orthoses that can literally make the difference between being bed-bound and living a relatively normal life. 

“One woman who got in touch with us in January, for example, was in constant pain and having subluxations multiple times per day. She now wears DMO Leggings and shoulder orthoses and her pain and subluxations have improved dramatically.  She has got more energy and has been able to start doing gentle exercise for the first time in over 20 years.   

“COVID has meant far fewer hospital appointments for conditions not related to the pandemic and we are now doing virtual and face-to-face consultations with about 10 EDS patients a week, the most common being those with hEDS.  That’s quite a number for what is considered a rare disease. They come to us from all over the country and are just delighted to find a team who, rather than dismissing their complex symptoms, have the expertise to help. There are lots of tears and a huge sense of relief.”

Anna has just given a webinar presentation about her EDS work which attracted more than 400 registrations. Open to patients, relatives and clinicians, the session looked at how a combination of physiotherapy and orthoses can improve quality of life. DM Orthotics clinical specialist Patricia McCotter and EDS patient Ashleigh Harley also presented.

“EDS is often misdiagnosed and that can have serious implications for the many adults and children living with the condition,” said Anna. “These people shouldn’t be abandoned – they need to be helped.”

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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of problems and injuries that affect muscles, joints, nerves and soft tissues.

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Sports Therapy

Sports Therapy is the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Treatment may involve exercise prescription, advice, hands-on therapy, electrotherapy and taping.

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Manipulations

Graded manipulations of the spine or other joints to restore movement, relieve pain and aid postural correction.

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Soft Tissue Mobilisations

Myofascial release, trigger point massage, deep transverse frictions, muscle energy techniques, positional release, cupping and massage.

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Sports Massage

Deep massage tailored to your needs for injury prevention, therapeutic benefits and pre and post events.

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Acupuncture

Dry needling and electroacupuncture for relief of pain and muscle spasm. Sterile disposable needles are used.

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Pilates

One to one sessions available with a Chartered Physiotherapist or Pilates instructor in our private studio.

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Injury Rehabilitation

One to one personal training tailored to your individual requirements for pre/post op and injury rehabilitation

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Podiatry

Biomechanical assessment of the foot and lower limb. Treatment may include exercises, strapping, manipulation and insoles.

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Psychotherapy/Hypnotherapy

The use of both Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Clinical Hypnotherapy for a wide range of issues.

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What our clients say about us

  • Over the last 10 years I have consistently referred patients to the team at Physiocure. The bespoke treatment Anna and Louise offer patients is ideal for the complex hip patients we have in the practice.

    Jon Conroy BSc.MSc.MB.ChB. FRCS (Tr & Orth) Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

  • Anna and Louise at Physiocure have been treating patients from the Yorkshire Knee Clinic for over 15 years with excellent results. Together with their team of highly professional colleagues, they are able to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for our patients.

    Nick London, MA MD (Cantab) FRCS (Tr & Orth) Specialist Knee Surgeon The Yorkshire Knee Clinic, Harrogate, Leeds

  • I have worked with Louise and all the team at Physiocure for a number of years. Both herself and Anna run an excellent practice combining up-to-date knowledge, a wealth of experience and a highly motivated team.

    Professor Max Fehily, Consultant Hip Surgeon, Manchester Hip Clinic

  • I have worked with Anna and Louise for many years now and found them to be exceptional physiotherapists. They have successfully treated many of my more complex shoulder patients, as well as athletes.

    Lennard Funk, BSc MSc FRCS(Tr&Orth) FFSEM(UK), Shoulder Surgeon, Wrightington Hospital

  • I travelled 5 hours by car from my home in Sussex for two days of intensive sessions with many different people in the Physiocure team. I can say without any reservation that not only was it more than worth the trip, but that I would and will do it again, because the care, concern, dedication and professionalism of everyone I encountered at Physiocure was absolutely outstanding.

    Camilla Black, Sussex

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