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, Richard and Nicki 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!
	RICHARD CLARKE MCSP Richard graduated from Northumbria University in 2002 and worked for several years in the NHS in the North East before leaving to work and travel in Australia. On his return to the UK, Richard worked in several clinics in and around the Manchester area, specialising in Occupational Health and Sports Physiotherapy. During this time, Richard worked closely with TASS athletes (Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme) and Olympic 2012 hopefuls in a variety of sports, including rowing, badminton and cycling. Richard is currently studying for his Master's degree at Keele University in Neuro-Musculoskeletal Healthcare. When not studying or working, Richard enjoys several outdoor sports, including mountain biking, fell walking and running. Richard treats patients with a combination of manual therapy, muscle imbalance retraining, Clinical Pilates and excercise therapy.
	MARY ROWLINSON MCSP Mary qualified in 1986 from the Nottingham School of Physiotherapy. She then worked at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham for 9 years specialising in trauma orthopaedics. After having two children she joined the Women’s Health team at Nottingham City Hospital in 2001. Her work in this speciality has included management of musculoskeletal pregnancy related conditions, incontinence and parent education workshops. She has also received training from the APPI (The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute). Mary moved to Kendal in August 2011 and joined the Centre in September, specialising in Women's Health Physiotherapy. Her interests include Pilates, walking and amateur dramatics.
	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 pursue 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.
	NICOLA VECQUERAY Nicola qualified from the University of the West of England in 1993 and initially worked in the Bristol Royal Infirmary for two years gaining experience across a number of medical specialties, before working primarily in spinal injury rehabilitation in Bangladesh, Australia and Britain. Since 2000 she has worked in trauma and orthopaedics, and outpatient musculoskeletal clinics in a variety of settings, and has a keen interest in sports injuries. She has worked with local as well as international rugby and hockey teams, and has had many opportunities to work with fellow sports professionals as part of a medical team. Nicola has a particular interest in treating necks and shoulders, and uses a combination of joint mobilisation and soft tissue manipulation techniques, postural re-education and correction of movement dysfunction. She lives in Penrith with her family and enjoys orienteering, sailing, cycling and fell walking.

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 established 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 Tommi Capstick taking on this challenging role albeit for only 6 months as the NHS Treatment Centre integrates it's Physiotherapy Service with its sister hospital at Fulwood. Whilst we are sorry to end our association with the Treatment Centre we hope to continue expanding our service within the area and look forward to continuing our graduate scheme in the future.

We are delighted that Rob Barker, one of our successful post-graduate interns, has returned to us after a year of travelling, and look forward to him becoming an integral part of the team once again.

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