Lifetime Couple

Lifetime Support

Sometimes we need a little bit of extra help to enable us to carry on our busy lives. Here at Cathedral Physiotherapy in Exeter we pride ourselves on being able to quickly determine what assistance you need to get back your function. Some people may need a longer course of treatment, but at other times it may be that you only need a one-off session of advice and modification to your regular exercise regime to get you back to where you want to be.

Click on the conditions below for examples of what we can offer.

Management of long term conditions:

Some people are diagnosed with long term conditions, be it persistent pain generated by the nervous system, or on-going musculoskeletal problems following a car crash. At Cathedral Physiotherapy we believe in working with you to assist you to maximise your physical potential.

Initial Assessment: £45 for 1 hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

Rheumatological conditions:

Although consisting of a variety of diagnoses, for instance Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis etc, many of these diseases follow a period of flare and recovery. At Cathedral Physiotherapy we can help you not to be defined by your diagnosis, assist you through your flares, and maximise your return to function so that you continue to lead and full and fruitful life.

Initial Assessment: £45 for 1 hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis, a painful condition which can affect the joints especially the hips, knees, neck, lower back, hand or feet. Although it can occur at any age, it is more likely to appear between the ages of 45-75 years, and often in women more than men. There is much evidence showing that a combination of non steroidal anti-inflammatories and exercise or physiotherapy will help to reduce the symptoms of pain and stiffness, allowing you not to be restricted by your symptoms.

Initial Assessment: £45 for one hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

Joint Replacements:

Following total or partial knee replacement, hip replacement or shoulder replacement, good quality regular physiotherapy is important to decrease swelling and pain and increase range of movement, muscle power and function. We are a lower ground premises, therefore you need to be able to complete one flight of stairs, however if access is an issue, contact us and we will discuss the possibility of a domiciliary visit.

Initial Assessment: £45 for 1 hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

Osteoporosis:

Having been the principle investigator for Exeter on the PROVE trial (2014-16) looking into rehabilitation of patients with osteoporosis who have vertebral fractures, I am well qualified to help you manage your condition, and to keep you as fit and active as possible.

Initial Assessment: £45 for one hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

Post Cancer Rehabilitation:

Most people are so relieved to have stopped the active stage of their treatment, be it radiotherapy or chemotherapy, that they are happy to live with compromises in function for a time. However, it is common to become frustrated with these compromises once your energy returns. We passionately believe that you should not be defined by your diagnosis, and will work hard with you to facilitate and maximise your return to function; be it to improve your shoulder range of movement post breast surgery so that you can reach the top cupboards, or return to tennis and swimming again.

Initial Assessment: £45 for one hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

Mild Continence Issues:

Bladder or bowel continence issues can be embarrassing, but when it is only a mild issue much can be done with pelvic floor exercises and fluid intake management. We can happily treat mild continence issues e.g. post pregnancy, or stress incontinence related to respiratory problems. If we feel your continence issues need further input, then we will refer you on to the appropriate practitioner.

Initial Assessment: £45 for 1 hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

Haemophilia:

For those individuals diagnosed with haemophilia, early access to physiotherapy is crucial following a bleed. This is a niche area that Sarah has worked in as the designated haemophilia physiotherapy specialist at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital over the last few years, so you can be assured that you are in safe hands

Initial Assessment: £45 for 1 hour•Subsequent Treatments: £35 for 1/2 hour

How does it work?

Initial assessments

Initial assessments take up to 60 mins (depending on the condition) and involve talking through your physical problems, concerns, aims of treatment, and your personal functional goals. A physical assessment is then undertaken, looking at the parts of the body in question, including areas that connect with it or can refer symptoms to it. It is helpful to come prepared with a vest top/T-shirt and shorts as you will need to remove some items of clothing.

Following the physical assessment you will have some form of treatment - either advice and exercises, or other adjuncts (acupuncture, mobilisation, manipulation, taping, electrotherapy) as appropriate for your condition. I work closely with you to ascertain what you want to achieve, and we will develop a treatment plan together, combining your aims, my experience and the evidence base for that specific problem.

Follow up treatments

Follow up treatments take up to 30 mins, and will involve a shortened re-assessment to ascertain how you have progressed, advice, exercise (including reviewing your home exercise plan) and other forms of treatment as required.

Acupuncture

If you are attending for your first session of acupuncture then you will either need to wait a short time after receiving it before you drive again, or arrange a lift home, as for some people it can make them drowsy.

Links of interest/resources

• Access self-help exercise leaflets from the Arthritis Research Council and CSP

Book your appointment today

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