Wednesday, 27th October 2021
Gemma Smith, who is the ‘physiotherapist in residence’ at West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick, has created ‘Total Joint Rehab’ – a group physiotherapy course specifically designed for people with a new joint, in conjunction with Pendle Leisure Trust.
Participants will take part in group exercise rehabilitation classes, as well as having access to wound checks, specialist advice and education, with the added option of hydrotherapy sessions to further boost recovery.
Gemma said: “Recovery after joint replacement surgery can take between 18 months and two years to get the full benefit. Once patients are discharged from hospital, they need to complete exercises to build up their strength but not everyone has the support or motivation to do this on their own at home, and, at present, none of the local private or NHS hospitals are able to offer this service.
“Total Joint Rehab complements and enhances the NHS service provision, providing expert guidance in a fun and social setting, helping to speed up the recovery process and optimise joint mobility so that patients re-gain their independence more quickly.”
The half-hour classes are open to patients immediately after hospital discharge, and are held twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, costing £60 for six sessions. The class size is limited to 10 people, and Gemma also offers one-to-one sessions for people who are less keen on the class environment.
“It can be really helpful to meet with other people who are on a similar medical journey,” continued Gemma. “The classes provide the perfect opportunity for people to share their experiences and re-assure each other. For example, a lot of people worry that exercising will cause their scars to re-open but that’s not the case. We do, however, offer wound checks as part of the rehab sessions to make sure they are healing properly.”
Pendle Leisure Trust’s Chief Executive, Alison Goode, has welcomed the new service. She said: “We are delighted to be working with Gemma on this great new initiative, which further develops and cements our partnership and provides our local community with another fantastic service supporting so many people on the road to recovery.”
Case study
Malcom Baldwin is one of Gemma’s many success stories.
He said: “Before my knee replacement surgery, I asked Gemma for advice. She gave me exercises to do before the operation and, as soon as I was out of hospital, she was on the case. She worked with me to ensure that I did the right exercises at the right time and, thanks to her, I have as near full movement as is possible. In fact, when I eventually was called to see the NHS physio, he was astounded at how much bend I could achieve! Over three years later I am so pleased I invested in Gemma’s skills as I know people who had the same op as myself and whose outcomes haven’t been as good.”
For more information call 07490 127760 or visit www.pltphysiotherapy.co.uk/pendleleisuretrust.co.uk
