Category Archives: Physiotherapy

Health, News, Physiotherapy

Online physio services now available through Boots UK

Online physiotherapist provider PhysioFast Online will now be offering its services through Boots, the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer.

Around 80% of a normal physio appointment can be done with the physiotherapist entirely remotely. During the online appointment, the physio will provide expert assessment, advice, reassurance and management for any musculoskeletal disorder, disease, injury or query. The complete package of care includes a personalised rehab programme with future management advice. The service complies with CQC guidelines and the NHS gold standards.

Customers will be able to access the service via a link on boots.com which will enable them to book an interactive videocall appointment with a qualified Physiotherapist. Appointments are generally available the same day to swiftly help reduce suffering and concern and, in many cases, promote a quicker recovery time.

The service is accessible to anyone with a screen and an internet connection from the comfort of their home, workplace or even overseas.

Katie Knapton, Founder at Physiofastonline, said: “We are proud to be supporting Boots as they continue to lead the field with innovative and valuable online services. Leading research has found that video consultations are as effective as face-to-face appointments and our experience is that 3 in 4 people can be triaged, assessed and supported online without any need for physical treatment. However, should this be necessary, we can organise this as part of our service.”

Health, Healthcare News, Physiotherapy

Neurophysio Wales supports MND Global Awareness Day

South Wales leading Neurophysiotherapy Clinic, NeuroPhysio Wales, is supporting this Sunday’s MND Global Awareness Day.
MND (Motor Neurone Disease) is a condition which affects the brain and nerves, and is an illness which neurophysiotherapists are able to support with physical therapy.  Usually, intellect remains intact.
Perhaps the most famous patient with MND is eminent physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, who sadly passed away last year aged 76.  Professor Hawking was first diagnosed with MND at the age of 21, and whilst suffering complete physical deterioration, his incredible mental capacity continued throughout his life.
There are three main types of MND:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of MND and causes muscle weakness and stiffness.

  • Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) accounts for 20% of MND cases and causes difficulty with speaking and swallowing.

  • Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) accounts for 10% of cases and causes muscle weakness, wasting and twitching.
MND affects people in different ways and there is a difference in how quickly each type of MND progresses.  There is no cure for the disease,  however neurophysio treatment supports the patient to maximise their function and ablities, and they can also provide advice and support on preventing secondary complications and keeping patients as active as possible.


Neurophysiotherapist and Clinic Director, Sara Davis, explains:
“While there is no cure for MND, Neuro Physiotherapy treatment can support a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, improve their mental wellbeing and assist in maintaining their quality of life for as long as possible.
“For example, we can teach techniques to patients so they can adapt their movements as tasks become difficult –  and deliver balance training to reduce the risk of falls.
“We can also work with family and carers to support them with positioning advice, transfers and mobility aids.
“Like many neurological conditions, research continues into this condition and patients should never lose hope that a cure will one day be found.  However, until then, we will support our patients to be the best they can be and help them to have the best quality of life they possibly can.”
To learn more about MND Global Awareness Day, visit https://www.alsmndalliance.org/global-day/.  To learn more about Neurophysio Wales, visit: https://neurophysio-wales.co.uk/
Healthcare News, Home Working, Physiotherapy

Explosion in home-working leaving half the workforce in pain

Half of home workers are experiencing physical pain due to a poor home office set-up, a new report reveals.

Major culprits include being forced to use sofas, beds and beanbags instead of desks, less movement due to not having to walk to see colleagues and a lack of ergonomic advice from employers, according to research of 2,000 people.

The ‘Are Home-Workers Sitting Comfortably?’ report by Ascenti, the UK’s leading physiotherapy group, reveals that back, neck, shoulder and hand pain are common among the half (49%) of home workers already experiencing discomfort since they stopped being office-based.

Workplace-induced musculoskeletal pain affected half-a-million UK workers last year, costing businesses £15bn. With the report suggesting a 10-fold rise in home working since the coronavirus outbreak, it is feared this could increase dramatically due to non-ergonomic set-ups.

The sofa is the new ‘seat of choice’ for office workers, the research found, with seven out of 10 (72%) having worked from the couch since the outbreak, while more than half (56%) have used their bed, making them both more popular than the traditional desk (47%).

Younger employees are particularly likely to use alternative work set-ups, with nine out 10 (91%) 16-24 year olds having based their office out of bed, two thirds (65%) on the floor and half (52%) from a beanbag.

The improvised set-ups are the result of half of home workers being unable to access a desk, adjustable chair or separate monitor and keyboard, and many others having to share. Women are particularly likely to miss out and are experiencing more signs of injury as a result.

The good news for employers that are investing into supporting staff with their home-working set-up is that eight out of 10 (85%) would be more likely to want to work for a company like this. The research found that recognising employees’ responsibilities at home (28%), providing a work computer/laptop (25%), inviting questions about setting up a workspace (19%) and the promise of work-from-home options in the future (26%) would all improve an employer’s reputation.

To help businesses who would like to provide their employees with an engaging way to test their home-working set-up, Ascenti has created The Ergonometer quiz. This fun 10 question quiz provides a great way for employers to open the conversation with their staff and invite them to contact the business for further advice.

In addition, the ‘Are Home-Workers Sitting Comfortably?’ report contains evidence-based expert advice for employers to help them answer questions.

Stephanie Dobrikova, CEO of Ascenti, which works with more than 400 businesses to provide physiotherapy support to staff and which recently added a home-working health assessment to its list of services, commented: “Organisations have had a really tough time having to quickly adapt their systems, services and communications to meet the unique needs of the current situation and we all know how incredibly hard people have been working to make that happen.

“However, the results of this report suggest that a majority of home-workers are carrying out their daily duties in a way that increases their chances of physical injury, which could add extra pressure to individuals, businesses and the health service at what is already an exceptionally challenging time – and that is a worry.

“Having a good ergonomic workspace can reduce pain, prevent injury and increase productivity, so it’s well worth supporting home workers with setting one up, especially as it looks likely that this situation could be with us for a while yet.

“Creating an ergonomic home office doesn’t have to be expensive and advising employees of simple tricks like using a rolled up towel to provide lumbar spine support and adjusting their seat height with a cushion can really help to protect the health of those who don’t have access to an adjustable chair. Movement and stretches are also important and home-workers should be advised to try to stand up every 20 minutes and move for 20 seconds – our data shows that nearly one in four are now moving less than they used to.

“Many home-workers told us that they’re feeling distant from their colleagues and struggling to switch off at the end of the day. Video conferencing can be a good way to stay connected to others, while rounding off the workday with a 30-60 minute walk can help them to stay fit and provides a great way to unwind and transition from worklife to homelife.

“From a company culture and employer brand point of view, it’s clear from this research that demonstrating an understanding of the pressures your employees are facing at this time and taking steps to make things easier for them – whether through providing equipment, advice or the offer of flexibility – will go a long way to supporting their health and wellbeing, and in turn improve both their productivity and your reputation as an employer.”

Ascenti, which is providing free virtual physiotherapy appointments to NHS workers and over 65s during the lockdown, invites businesses and organisations to get in touch for further advice. Home-workers who complete The Ergonometer test and share their results to social media can win one of 20 free online appointments where they can have a home-working health check.

Health, Healthcare News, Physiotherapy

one2one Expands Online Physiotherapy Service to Cover UK and Overseas Patients

Leading South Wales Physiotherapy clinic, one2one Therapy, has expanded their online physiotherapy service to support clients nationwide during lockdown.

The clinic recently celebrated their tenth anniversary and launched their online physio service earlier this year to support clients who needed support but could not make it to a physical clinic due to work, family and sporting commitments. The clinic was such a success that the company are now treating patients across the UK who are in pain during lockdown.

Clinic Director Rhian Davies explains:

“As our clinic has grown, the number of services, technology and therapies we offer has expanded, and the remote physiotherapy service was just one more string to our bow to support our clients wherever we can.

“However, now everyone is self isolating and practising social distancing, our online physiotherapy service is more popular than ever.

“Many people will be suffering in pain and feel helpless because they’re unable to access their healthcare professional. Some people are partway through a course of treatment and be stagnant in their rehabilitation and recovery. Added to that, home working is creating new problems for home workers who don’t have supportive office equipment to help them with posture.

“Our message is, nobody should be in pain, our online physiotherapy service is cheaper than a regular appointment, easy to arrange and you don’t need to leave the comfort of your own home. Our reviews show we have really been able to make an impact without seeing clients physically, and that’s fantastic!”

For more information, please visit the one2one website: https://www.one2onetherapy.net/online-physiotherapy-appointments/