"The exercises do work"

One year ago I was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis at Stornoway General Hospital. This followed a period of severe pain in my lower back where I struggled to walk without the aid of two walking sticks.

The physiotherapist department at the hospital gave me a series of exercises to complete over a period of weeks/months . I also went to the local leisure centre in Stornoway and used an exercise bike in the hope that it would give aid to some recovery. I also used the pool to do aqua therapy, sculling on my back for 6 to 8 lengths, then into a steam room and finally a sauna.

After this treatment, over that period of weeks my back was restored to full function, the pain, which was around 8 permanently, was reduced to 1 to 2, and is of time of writing, 0. Two months after this little battle my right knee showed signs of a similar pattern emerging and was back to using a stick ( oh joy ). After an X-ray back at the hospital it was determined I would need a full knee replacement which I agreed to.

Physio then asked me to attend Pre -Hab classes, again down in the leisure centre. After only four sessions my mobility has increased to the point whereby I no longer need my stick for support and the pain in my knee has been reduced to a mere irritation.

I can quite attest to the fact that the strengthening exercises the physiotherapists give us to do, if entered into with focus, work. As a consequence of this I have cancelled my full knee operation until further notice. The exercises will continue every week complemented with additional exercises in the gym, pool and at home…Thank you.