Hydro Physio - First Steps To Recovery :: Session 1

Following an eventful snow blading trip in Austria, Vicki Martin was left with two breaks and three fractures in her left Tibia. Having had an operation in Austria to put in place a full length pin, Vicki was returned to England where her plaster cast was added. Two weeks later the cast was removed. Having been advised by her physio to do low weight bearing exercise, Vicki saw the article on BBC News about HYDRO PHYSIO and realised the potential for supporting her rehabilitation.

The Lifestyle Trainer's convenient door access allowed Vicki to walk into the equipment unassisted, the side rails are ideal to transfer weight from the reliance of the crutches. With a quick explanation, Vicki found the treadmill easy to use and the warm water (30°C) was soothing on the injured leg. The treadmill treatment speeds were also perfect for her first steps (0.1km p/h).

After just 15 minutes exercise, Vicki had built enough confidence to walk without any other assistance than water for support and continued exercise for 10 minutes un-aided. This was a complete surprise for everyone, none more so than Vicki, who having spent the past five weeks on crutches found it a great relief to finally do some exercise.

The session lasted 30 minutes, ranging between 0.1 - 0.5km p/h. Culminating with a warm down for two minutes with the resistance jets, gently massaging the calf muscles; improving circulation and relaxing the muscles.

Vicki, who works as a Biomedical scientist at Leicester Hospital, was extremely encouraged by the 30 minute session, as this may lead to an earlier return to normal lifestyle.

Circulation had also been a problem, with the colour of the skin on the left leg noticeably blue, with a yellow and darker discolouration around the ankle. There was very little flexibility in the ankle and weight bearing was extremely painful. After the full session, the colour had returned back to normal, and Vicki was able to apply weight, with the support of the crutches on her ankle for the first time since her operation. Vicki noticed reduced swelling throughout the whole leg.

With such amazing results from just one session, Vicki is hoping to visit our demonstration area 1-2 times a week, to increase her mobility, circulation and improve her recovery time considerably.

It will be interesting to see how much quicker the Lifestyle Treadmill will make that recovery time!!

For more information visit:

http://www.hydrophysio.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Hydro
• Physio
• Hydrophysio
• water
• therapy
• rehabilitation
• aqua
• running
• treadmill
• hydrotherapy
• exercise
• fitness
• weightloss