Physios turn to high-tech methods to get people fit
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS in Ashbourne have been harnessing technology to ensure their patients can keep up with exercise schedules and have their aches and pains assessed remotely.
Ashbourne Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Centre, which is based in Waterside Park, has capitalised on its high-tech IT system to offer diagnosis over phone calls and video links.
And the Nhs-contracted centre, which also has a practice in Hilton, has been backfilling demand from GPS and other communitybased physio services during the coronavirus lockdown.
Director and practice manager Chris Short said: “At the start of the coronavirus situation we realised that we would need to be quick to adapt and flexible to the needs of our patients.
“We recognised we would not be able to see people face-to-face but could still do a lot to help.
“We were lucky to have a robust IT system in place already between our two sites and a comprehensive exercise prescription package.
“A steep learning curve for some of us to come up to scratch on the IT has actually been quite exciting and we are delighted with what we are now able to offer people.” Patients have been able to collect items from the clinic such as braces and exercise bands during their daily exercise allocation, and staff have even been able to assess patients from inside the building while they walk around the car park.
Mr Short says the treatments they have been giving have included problems such as strains and sprains from new exercise routines, neck pain from home working at laptops and gardening injuries.
Mr Short said: “Its been lovely to have a laugh with people as we always do in our consultations and keeping connected is so important for all of us at this time.
“Of course we look forward to the day we can throw our front door open again and welcome everyone back in, but before then will come a stage where we see few patients in a restricted way with PPE in place for the safety of all.
“We are planning ahead for whatever the future may bring but will be here for you throughout this whole process in some form or another.
“So, meanwhile, do enjoy the privilege of your gardens, the ‘fresher than ever’ air and the beautiful surroundings we have to exercise in.”
● To find out more about the services on offer and the way the practice has adapted, email admin@ashbournephysio.co.uk or call 01335 344952.