"My experience has been very positive"

During 2022 I began to get pains in both legs, especially in the knees and below.  The condition worsened towards the end of the year, and it impacted on walking and movement in general, though quite variably.

I was attending a chiropractor privately, and received some helpful relief, but the condition persisted, and after a particularly difficult time early in 2023, I made a GP appointment. 

The diagnosis was arthritis, and I was put down for an x-ray and an appointment with a specialist consultant.  I had to wait about three months for the consultant, and during that time my condition did improve somewhat. 

The consultant (at the Bradbury Centre, linked to Belfast City Hospital) made appropriate examinations and recommended physiotherapy, also advising that the condition seemed manageable with appropriate exercise and professional guidance.

I took up swimming, usually once or more per week, and eventually got appointments with a physiotherapist.  These were based at the Knockbreda Centre, in the grounds of Foster Green Hospital, and the advice from my physiotherapist, Luke, was very helpful.

I was given a number of exercises and offered some time in the lower limb physiotherapy class, once a place was available. I started the class, and the main tutor each week was the same physiotherapist, Luke.  

The exercises have been very helpful, and I now feel that I know the kinds of activities that will help my condition.  My knees are generally much better than they were a year ago, which I attribute to the swimming, the physio exercises and the general advice from all that I should keep moving!

I found the staff at Knockbreda to be considerate and helpful at all times, and my experience overall has been very positive.  My thanks to all concerned!