A new aquatic physiotherapy business has opened near Keswick offering support to people living with neurological conditions.
Ripple Effect Physio-therapy is being run from the Calvert Lakes hydrotherapy pool by two specialist neurological physiotherapists Femke Van Schelven and Jo Dixon.
Between them, Femke and Jo have over 40 years of clinical experience as physiotherapists and both specialise in the rehabilitation and management of adults living with neurological conditions such as acquired brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s.
Both Femke and Jo have worked within numerous NHS services, but most recently worked together at Calvert Reconnections, the specialist neurological rehabilitation service in Keswick which closed its doors last year.
Calvert Reconnections specialised in innovative rehabilitation of clients with brain injury using activities in local outdoor environments but also utilised indoor facilities at Calvert Lakes to treat resident and outpatient clients.
“When Reconnections closed, we had a number of local aquatic physiotherapy clients who were devastated to hear that the service was coming to an end,” said Jo.
“Femke and I were keen to continue the positive impact of the aquatic physiotherapy clinic and the ripple effect that it had upon people’s lives. We quickly set out to keep the service available to local people with neurological conditions.”
Aquatic physiotherapy is a specialist form of physiotherapy that takes place within a warm hydrotherapy pool using the unique properties of water, and with a physiotherapist who is qualified to deliver treatment.
Buoyancy, drag resistance and turbulence can all be used to progress flexibility, muscle strength and balance, while the warmth and support of the water reduces unwanted symptoms such as pain and raised muscle tone, which can be problematic for patients living with neurological conditions.
Femke explained: “The water in a purpose-built hydrotherapy pool often provides a huge sense of freedom, relaxation and enjoyment as part of the therapeutic programme. Our clients have the ability and confidence to move in the water, in a way they are often unable to on land.
“The change in confidence and ability to move freely can have real dramatic affects.”
Ripple Effect Physio-therapy also utilises a specialist aquatic treadmill within sessions to help clients improve exercise tolerance and progress mobility in an environment where weight bearing is reduced by water pressure.
The aquatic physiotherapy clinic takes place on a Wednesday morning and offers a mixture of one-to-one sessions and group appointment options.
