That was my response to Andy’s ‘What do you want to achieve from your PT sessions?’
I’m only in my early 50’s but had spent the previous 5 months either laid up in bed, on crutches or walking with stick because of a lower spine injury. I had been under the care of a Spinal Consultant and Physio and they had got me to being mobile, then discharged me. However, I was frightened of transferring weight, any sudden movement, twisting or doing something that could set my recovery back.
In addition, I had just been diagnosed with a frozen shoulder with severely restricted right arm movement and was awaiting an operation and had just had a suspected TIA. My confidence was shredded.
Andy was instrumental in continuing my recovery. He listened to what I wanted to achieve physically – be able to do a basic Pilates class in 6 months; asked me to show him my range of movement; talked to me about my phycological concerns too. He then put together a tailored programme of 121 PT sessions once a week, with sets of exercises to do in between weekly sessions.
Theses 121 sessions were interrupted by my shoulder operation and Andy worked with my Shoulder Physio to build in appropriate shoulder recovery exercises into my routines too.
‘I love working with broken people’ – was Andy’s response!
This personalised programme along with taking a real interest in my recovery; adjusting as we went along and talking me through the inevitable psychological ups & downs that come along with a recovery programme, are what has got me to where I am now……
I did my first Pilates class after 4.5 months, pushing it up to two classes a week after a further month, then 2.5 months later I am now doing Circuit Training and Pilates every week. My shoulder has returned to 90% plus full movement and my back has never been better and I’m feeling very positive about my health generally.
I’d recommend working with Andy, he provides that missing link from being discharged from the Health Professionals to being capable of taking part in everyday exercise – his is a vital service.
Thanks Andy.