Mendip NHS physiotherapists join forces with local gyms to offer rehab for patients

Patients who’ve been cared for by our physiotherapy teams at Frome and Wincanton hospitals are now able to continue their rehabilitation through the NHS – at the towns’ gyms.

The new link up between the hospitals and gyms means our colleagues are able to offer physiotherapy sessions outside of the hospital setting, either once a patient has been discharged to their home or as part of their regular outpatient physiotherapy sessions.

While patients will be able to use the gym for rehabilitation sessions for a short period, the ultimate aim would be to encourage them to consider joining a gym or continuing to exercise for years to come.

The partnership is with Fusion Gym in Frome, where a third of patients have taken up a gym membership, and, more recently, Wincanton Sports Centre.

Vicky Hier, our musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy lead for the Mendip area, explains: “We’re thrilled to be able to link up with Fusion Gym and Wincanton Sports Centre in this way, as it’s such a great opportunity for our patients to continue their rehabilitation as part of their NHS care. We hope it will give them the confidence to get involved with the gym in the longer term.

“Through this arrangement, our hospital physiotherapist, who they’ll have built up a relationship with, will take their sessions at the gym, so for those apprehensive about going to a high street gym, they’re more likely to realise that it’s not as scary environment as they might think…and also there are lots of people just like them in there too.

“We’ve encouraged our clinicians to be a bit more hands-off and try to get patients to think about what other exercises they could do in the gym, rather than giving them a set routine, as we want it to be reflective of what it would be like if they were an actual member.

“There’s no fee for the patient, or for the NHS, as the Fusion Gym and Wincanton Sports Centre teams are letting us use the space for free, but of course some patients may want to take out a gym membership if they really enjoy it – a huge thank you to both gyms for this generous offer.”

The hospital-gym link up first came about as our physiotherapy team identified that patients are not necessarily set up that well with a long-term plan of how to manage their ongoing conditions.

“The patients who’ll benefit from this are those with degenerative changes that need long term management, rather than those with a sprained ankle or other short term injury,” Vicky continues.

“We thought it would be good to get patients into a gym and using some of the equipment, or even to realise that it’s not just gym equipment they can use for exercises…but potentially something as simple as a can of baked beans!

“At Fusion Gym in Frome, we’re running the group daily from 1pm to 2.30pm, with two patients coming in staggered half hour slots during that time, just so the physiotherapist can introduce themselves (if it’s not their patient), and get to the bottom of their goals and what they want to achieve.

“In Frome we see about nine patients a week, during a 90 minute session, and in Wincanton we’re starting with six patients and may be able to offer more, depending on how it goes.

“Being with like-minded patients in the gym session will also help our patients and may create social links between them as well.

“They’ll also get to know what sort of exercises they have done so far, and will get them set up on a piece of equipment…then the next two patients come in…and so on.

“It’s nice to be able to show them that this type of equipment exists though, and this link up means it’s possible for people to come in and use it by themselves, after being handed over by their NHS physiotherapist.

“Most of our physiotherapists are avid gym goers so they’ll be used to how it works and can make sure our patients are comfortable too.

“It may be that we can provide them with NHS care in the community, but if that’s not what they need, then we would still get them set up with some longer term fitness goals, working closely with our colleagues at the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership.”

Sophie from Wincanton Sports Centre adds: "We are excited to open our facility as a space dedicated to supporting our community members.

“Our goal is not only to provide opportunities for participation in sport and recreation, but also to collaborate with other professionals to better understand the needs and interests of a variety groups.

“Together, we can continue to grow as a community-centred sport centre where everyone feels welcome, included, and inspired to take part. We aim to encourage long-term physical activity and will continue to support this in the years to come."