Back to Fitness!

The Physiotherapy Department in Western Isles Hospital has introduced an innovative new programme for clients, in partnership with Lewis Sports Centre.

The Back to Fitness programme takes place every Friday morning and has been developed to empower clients to look after their own health and wellbeing and also increase their confidence.

Prior to introducing this programme, clients suffering certain conditions such as chronic or acute back pain attended a six week fitness programme (one day a week) in the Physio Department and were subsequently discharged.

Now, after the six week programme, clients are provided with a free gym induction in the Lewis Sports Centre, where Senior Physiotherapist Lisa Casey teaches them how to use the machines and develops a programme of exercise for them.

The aim behind the scheme is that patients will continue to use the gym and build up their fitness, thus reducing referrals to the Physiotherapy Department that could have been prevented.

Lisa describes the new service as ‘bridge building’ and stressed that those currently on the programme are extremely motivated and enthusiastic. She added: “It’s about building confidence, not just making people pain-free.

One of the clients on the programme commented about the benefits of the exercise on her back, whilst another has already noticed an improvement in her flexibility.

Bus Driver, Iain Macleod, commented: “As a bus driver, I suffer from chronic back pain and was terrified of movement as I was always trying to take care of my back.  This project has given me so much confidence and has certainly changed my attitude.”

Tony Wade, Sports Centre Manager, said: “From our point of view, this is a really good example of two groups working together to try and benefit the same client group. We will get additional gym users and the people involved will hopefully get some long-term physical activity benefits. Good on Lisa for getting this going.”

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