Real Life Stories

Debbie Williams (48) – MY STORY

My name is Debbie, I am 48 years old. (The picture is of me steering a motorboat on Loch Tay in October 2006 – all done pain free!)

      In November 2004 I helped lift a very heavy settee and a couple of days later I was in so much agony I couldn't move. The doctor came out and prescribed analgesics (pain killers). Gradually my back eased up a bit so I could go back to work, but my quality of life was over (or I thought it was).

      Prior to the 'lifting' incident, whilst I couldn't honestly describe myself as superfit, I was definitely super active and super flexible. Now, every movement was painful, I felt like an elderly lady getting in and out the car, walking, even sitting watching TV made me 'set' and all the beloved activities that I use to do like gardening (we have two allotments), walking, cycling were just agonising.

This 'no-life' continued for 6 months, when I went back to my GP to see if this was it for ever or if there was anything I could do to improve. The marvellous man, suggested I try a physiotherapist. 

Now I had never used or knew anybody else who has used a physiotherapist, so I was highly sceptical about the chances of it actually working.  However the fickle finger of fate lead me to Heather Watson. 

I had an initial assessment.  Heather asked me what I wanted to do that I couldn't at the moment and I said "gardening!".  Having identified the problem (wonky hips - my term, not hers) she set about putting me on the straight (literally) and narrow.

We are now in November 2006 and I would say I am 95% as good as I was before. The difference is, I never bothered before about how I stood; lifted; sat, but I am now totally aware of moving correctly and it is now 'second nature'. 

Thanks Heather for everything and all the laughs we had along the way!

 Debsx

Alison Farmer (38) - MY STORY

“In 1992 I had a road traffic accident and sustained a whiplash injury. Since then I have suffered periodically with lower back pain and over the last 7 years the periods of pain have become far more frequent and usually develop into sciatica. This has caused me to have several weeks off work during these times.

In January this year (2006) I had an attack of sciatica and then a further attack in May. I was referred for Physiotherapy and contacted Heather at PhysioWays.

Treatment began with a 1 hour assessment during which Heather rectified one of my problems straight away and gave me some exercises to do at home.

During the last 5 months I have been seeing Heather my movement has increased dramatically and I have been doing activities that I would never usually dare to do! Prior to treatment I would always think twice before about bending to pick something up but now I never give it a thought.

I have even enjoyed myself on a log flume which I haven’t done for years, and been on a rowing boat. In the past both of these sorts of activities have triggered bouts of sciatic due to perching on low seats and stepping onto a moving surface, but not any more.

Heather has taught me a selection of exercises which I carry out and I have purchased an exercise ball to give me more variety with my exercises.

I would certainly recommend Heather and PhysioWays!”

Alison Farmer (37), Alfreton.
Assistant Retail Manager

“I have needed a physio for many years. As mine has just retired I came to you before I had any big problems to get to know you. I have come away with an exercise programme that I do daily and I know you are there to help if I need you.” Mrs. Berta, Swanick

“I suffer with a bad back / neck from time to time. Usually this is caused by exercise or sleeping awkwardly. The problem re-occurred after our meeting with Heather (introducing PhysioWays to our company in Alfreton), which prompted me to call PhysioWays. I had 2 treatment sessions with Jen who quickly diagnosed the problem and gave the appropriate manipulation. This was followed by advice on simple exercise and posture. I currently have no pain an far more movement in my neck. Thanks. “ Mr. Roberts, Sutton-in-Ashfield.