Testimonials

Competitive swimming demands a high intensity training programme, and like many other swimmers I have developed the associated problems which are predominantly with my shoulders. However, after an operation on my shoulder in 1999 to rectify a lond standing condition, I was convinced that when healed, I would be able to train and compete without any further trouble. The initial elation of being able to get back into full training was marred, as it wasn't long before complications started to occur with the very same shoulder. At first I tried to ignore the discomfort, but this exacerbated the problem and resulted in the pain when swimming becoming much worse, which is when I contacted Physiocure.

My initial consultation with Louise at Physiocure left me feeling positive, with a practical plan of how I was going to overcome my injury. Louise not only treated the symptoms but also looked for the cause, discovering that I had an underlying muscular imbalance which was resulting in a painful shoulder impingement. Once I had a diagnosis of the problem, I received treatment on the inflamed area which helped to relieve the discomfort; also Louise planned a programme of exercises to address the muscular imbalance. Without doubt, this combined approach of remedial and preventative treatment and exercise is successful and has helped to minimise the occurrence of similar injuries.

Since then, whenever injuries do occur, I have not hestitated in contacting Physiocure for friendly and professional advice. I recognise that for as long as I compete, issues will arise; but I am confident that with Louise's expertise, and patience on my pasrt, I will beable to deal with problems as and when they develop. I'm extremely grateful to Physiocure for enabling me to continue to take part in the sport I love.

Sarah Lambert - competitive swimmer (Selby). March 2010 British Masters record holder - 50m, 100m, 200m Backstroke.

I consulted Physiocure at the suggestion of my pilates teacher, because 2 years after surgery to remove a prolapsed disc I was still sufferring pain in my lower back and right leg. I had seen numerous doctors and physiotherapists, but nobody could figure out why I was still in pain. After being told by my previous physio that I should accept that I would have to live with pain and take painkillers when it became intolerable, I had more or less given up finding a solution; but I could no longer sit comfortably and my life was becoming more and more restricted.

Suspecting that a labral tear in my right hip was at the root of my problems, Louise Grant (Physiocure) referred me to Jon Conroy at Harrogate District Hospital. A scan confirmed the diagnosis and I am now waiting for a hip arthroscopy.

Meanwhile, Louise treats me weekly with a combination of massage and electro-acupuncture which helps take the edge off the pain and keeps me 'ticking over'. I am so glad I listened to my pilates teacher's advice. Thanks to Louise I am now looking forward to getting my life back and I know I will be in good hands during my recovery from surgery.

Caroline Smith (Leeds) 26th February 2010 (News update - 24/05/10, Caroline is now 5 weeks post-op and is doing well. The operation has been successful. She will update her story shortly. - Louise)

I first went to Physiocure because I was suffering from severe pains in my calves and shins whenever I ran for more than 5 minutes. I had gone to my GP first who referred me to a podiatrist then an orthopaedic consultant. The latter of these informed me I had Compartment Syndrome and would need surgery to correct it. This would have left me with two scars on each leg.

Luckily my mum didn’t like the sound of this and booked me in with Anna. In our first session she told me that Compartment Syndrome was very unlikely given that it usually arises after some kind of muscle trauma (which I had not had) and was shocked to find that I had not actually been given the test for it. Anna’s diagnosis was muscle imbalance i.e. my upper leg muscles and glutes weren’t strong enough so my lower legs were overworking to compensate. No surgery required, just physiotherapy on my calves and shins to relieve the tension, and a list of exercises to strengthen my other muscles.

I noticed a marked improvement after my first few sessions and it has now made such a difference that my legs have completely changed shape – my calves have slimmed down and my thighs are more defined. I can’t thank Anna enough for the work she’s done with me and especially for saving me from surgery that I didn’t even need.