Physiotherapy

Our resident physiotherapists are extensively trained in anatomy, physiology and pathology. This means we have an excellent knowledge of how the body works and are qualified to assess and diagnose the nature of your injury. We can then offer treatment or advice on what other investigations or treatment may be required. Alison and Mike have many years experience both in the NHS and in private practice, and also liaise closely with the other Practitioners in the Practice and with local GP's and Consultants.

What treatments do we offer?

Manual therapy including joint mobilisation and manipulation, soft tissue release and massage.
Electrotherapy - Ultrasound, Interferential, Pulsed electromagnetic energy
Acupuncture for pain relief
Traction for neck and back
Exercises and postural or lifestyle advice

	PRACTICE PRINCIPAL: ALISON BLOXHAM MCSP Alison qualified in 1982 from the Joint Services School of Physiotherapy and worked in various NHS hospitals for 11 years, latterly as head of Out-Patient Physiotherapy at Westmorland General Hospital, Kendal. In 1993 Alison left the NHS and travelled as a contract Physiotherapist in USA for 2 years working in a variety of facilities. On her return to Kendal in 1995 she started at the Kendal Physiotherapy Centre in private practice and became owner and Lead Clinician at the Centre in 1996. Specialist interests include sports injuries and muscle balance re-education, particularly in relation to chronic back and neck problems for which Alison receives referrals from all over the Northwest. Alison has, over the years, been involved in providing Physiotherapy to Kendal Rugby Club, Sedbergh School, the Territorial Army and various national and international sports events. Since 2001 Alison has been the Physio for the British team at the World Transplant Games, and also coordinated Physiotherapy provision for the British Games which run annually. As an outdoors enthusiast Alison has experience of treating fell runners, cyclists, climbers and walkers and recognises that the need to do these activities often outweighs the need to rest! Treatments are aimed therefore at maximising activity whilst restoring full function!
	MIKE POLE-BAKER MSc, MCSP Mike qualified as a Physiotherapist in 1996 and worked for the NHS for several years before moving to the private sector in 2001. He went on to work in industry where his main focus was on work related issues. Mike completed his Masters degree in Orthopaedic Medicine in 2003 and now works primarily in private practice at Kendal Physiotherapy Centre and Dalston Medical Practice. At the Physiotherapy Centre he treats people with a wide range of musculo-skeletal conditions, including sports injuries. He uses an eclectic approach incorporating manual and exercise therapies with electrotherapy and acupuncture.
	ROB BARKER Rob qualified as a Sports Scientist from Anglia Ruskin University in 2005. This gave him the opportunity to work with college athletes, testing their physiological limits and providing data for them to help tailor their exercise programmes. After qualifying, Rob moved north and worked as a fitness instructor for a year before deciding to puruse physiotherapy as a career. Whilst continuing his training at Manchester Metropolitan University he completed volunteer placements at Wasps Rugby Union Football Clinic, and a number of private practices including Kendal Physio Centre. His involvement with the Physio Centre and commitment to the British Transplant Games resulted in his appointment this summer on the graduate training scheme at Kendal Physio Centre, where he combines 2 clinic days a week at the Practice and the rest of the week at Kendal NHS Treatment Centre. As a Practice we are thrilled to have someone with Rob's enthusiasm and fitness experience on the Team.
	Ellie Debenham Ellie qualified as a physiotherapist from University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, in 2004. She has worked in the NHS for six years covering a variety of areas including musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, neurological and paediatric care. Ellie currently combines working at the Kendal Physiotherapy Centre alongside working in the community covering the South Lakes area. Ellie is a keen triathlete, enjoying open water swimming, road cycling and fell running. She also enjoys climbing and getting out and about on the fells.

GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME - KENDAL PHYSIO CENTRE
In 2007 in the light of the desperate graduate unemployment situation for Physiotherapists, Kendal Physio Centre devised a scheme to provide a carefully selected new graduate with a job and valuable experience to enable them to progress their career. In conjunction with Furness PhysioFirst Centre a post was created incorporating 2 days at each Practice and considerable training from the highly experienced practitioners at each Practice. Our first graduate, John Flynn, proved a commendable candidate and built up a busy list and excellent reputation during his year. He has now moved on and has worked in further private practices and with the RAF apprentice training college (incidentally at RAF Halton where Alison did her Physio training!). He then travelled to Australia and combined work in private practice there with a travelling experience. During his time at the Practice he produced an excellent Back Care booklet to be used by the Practices to advance information to patients.

In 2008, 2 graduates were taken on shared between Kendal Physio, Furness PhysioFirst and the newly opened Kendal NHS Treatment Centre, where Alison runs the Physiotherapy service for Orthopaedic patients. Once again the graduates proved themselves to be a great resource in establishing and progressing a completely new service. This year sees Rob taking on this challenging job and we are delighted to see him contributing to both Kendal Physio Centre and the NHS Treatment Centre.

At Kendal Physio Centre we see investment in the training and progression of junior Physiotherapists as being of vital importance, whilst also balancing this with the need for experience and excellence in our care to all our patients. To this end we undertake vigorous one to one training and supervision of our junior staff. We also welcome the fresh approach and new learning that they bring to us!

PRICES:

Initial Consultation with written report £40

Initial Consultation without report £33

Follow up consultation £33

Home visits £50