Changing with the times

The last 3 years haven’t exactly been normal, and have led to people changing routines and trying new things. Working from home, starting new exercise regimes and hobbies can lead to injuries, stresses and strains on the body that could benefit from specialist help like physiotherapy, podiatry, and massage services. The additional pressure of new ways of working and communicating with colleagues and loved ones means access to relaxation and cognitive style therapies could also offer support for an improved day to day life. In response to this, a quiet transformation has been taking place at Forth Physio, which now offers an extremely comprehensive, high-quality range of healthcare services delivered by specialists and experienced therapists working together to help you live your best life. The recently extended clinic now offers more treatment rooms and many more services than you may realise. The experienced physiotherapists can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems such as neck & back pain, including sciatica, joint, ligament & muscle injuries, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, repetitive strain injuries, nerve pain & arthritis. They can also provide post operative rehabilitation such as after joint replacement surgery, ergonomic assessments and rehabilitation for neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s & MS, or for those with poor mobility or recurrent falls.

In addition to the more well-known physiotherapy services offered at the practice, Forth Physio has added some significant, specialist services that have been proving very popular in the local community and surrounding areas. Recently appointed, specialist Women’s Health physiotherapist, Fiona Smith, can help with common conditions such as stress urinary incontinence (when there is a leakage of urine on exertion or cough/sneeze/laugh), an overactive bladder (this is when you experience urgency to urinate or perhaps have difficulty holding on), pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis rectus abdominus (or, in plain English, tummy muscle separation), bladder pain syndrome and treatment for lots of post-natal ailments in the back, shoulder, hip and pelvis.

Another recent recruit is respiratory physiotherapist, Claire Davidson, who can help with many acute and chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, chest infections, long covid & breathing pattern disorders. Other benefits of respiratory physiotherapy can be improved airway clearance (e.g., secretions) and improved inhaler technique.

Alongside these newly expanded components of the clinic runs a long-standing podiatry service. A hard-working team of four podiatrists from Queensferry Podiatry look after the feet of the local community with care and dedication. A podiatrist is simply the modern name for a chiropodist and refers to a specialist in the treatment of the feet and lower limbs. Queensferry Podiatry podiatrists offers an extensive range of services that includes general foot care, nail surgery, biomechanics, and orthotics. They also give advice and care to prevent the development of specific foot problems and treat issues associated with diabetes.

In addition, Forth Physio has a number of other therapies and services available:

• Pascale King offers Manual Lymphatic Drainage reflexology, Cancer Care massage, Holistic Massage and Reflexology.

• Forth Physio Chiropractor Vicky Pittman is a recent addition to the team and is a Chiropracter who comes with a wealth of experience. She has a degree in Sports therapy and is also qualified in APPI’s Matwork Pilates.

• Carol Hand offers Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Hot stone Massage, Indian Head Massage and Therapeutic Oncology Massage which is safe for those still undergoing treatment. Beauty therapy treatments include waxing, Shellac fingers and toes, BlAB nails, eyelash and eyebrow tinting. Facials using Neals Yard products and Carol is also available to do make-up for special occasions.

• Francine Orr from Orrganise offers Reiki, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnotherapy. She is also available for coaching.

As the world has been slowly adjusting to new patterns of working and the additional challenges these may bring, it is comforting to know that such a wide range of healthcare services are now offered to residents in an affordable, available fashion. If any of the services outlined above could help you, give Forth Physio a call - have a look at the advert in this issue on p2 for a summary of their services and contact details.