Specialist Physiotherapy Services
The Physiotherapy Department at the Oaks
Hospital offers a range of specialist services.
Upper Limb & Hand Therapy
The Hand Therapy service is lead by Charlotte Ridsdale, a
clinical specialist in Upper Limb and Hand Therapy.
The service manages various hand
conditions:
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Acute injury
- Impairment resulting from chronic pathology
- Arthritic conditions
- Neurological impairment
It also provides made to measure thermoplastic splinting to
patients where appropriate.
For further information, please contact Charlotte Ridsdale on
01206 753 222.
Incontinence treatment
At the Oaks we have a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist who
treats all types of female and male incontinence problems of the
bladder and the bowel. She also treats pelvic pain and problems
associated with breast surgery scars.
For further information, in confidence, please contact Katrina
Wade, Women's Health Clinical Specialist on 01206 753
222.
Lymphoedema treatment
Lymphoedema is an excessive build up of water and protein in the
tissues of the body, leading to swelling. It occurs if the
lymphatic system is damaged or blocked, and this can lead to
scarring following breast surgery or radiation treatment. Our
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gael Lennox, can provide an enhanced
'lymphoedema management' service which aims to reduce the swelling,
improve mobility and quality of life through expert guidance and
hands-on treatment.
The treatment includes:
- Manual Lymph Drainage
- Skin care, with personalised advice for home care
- Compression sleeves, measured to fit
- Multi-layer bandaging
- Life-style advice
- Appropriate simple exercises
For further information, please contact Gael Lennox on
01206 753 222.
Neuro-Physiotherapy
The Oaks Physiotherapy Department is now able to offer
physiotherapy assistance, treatment, and/or advice to patients
suffering from neurological problems.
Acquired neurological problems treated
include:
- Stroke
- Head injury
- Neuropathologies such as Parkinson’s disease and MS
Podiatry
The Oaks Hospital's Podiatrist, Andrew Barker, has
extensive experience in treating biomechanical foot problems, those
caused by sporting injury and diabetic foot problems. The service
provides specialist gait analysis, bespoke orthoses and footwear
advice.
Foot problems treated include:
- Plantar Faciitis
- Morton's Neuroma
- Flat Feet
- Excessive Pronation
- Rheumatoid Foot Pathology
- Bunions
- Plantar Skin Lesions
- Back and Lower Limb Joint Pain
- Shin Splints
Personal Fitness
If you want to improve your level of health and fitness, come
along to see the very experienced Personal Trainer in our
Gymnasium, Pro-Motion. She will design a tailor made programme for
you that will be gentle as well as effective in increasing your
tolerance to all life stresses, both mental and physical. Sessions
are on a one to one or one to two basis and there is no loud music
or superfit people in leotards in sight!
For further information, please contact Karen on 01206
753 244.
Pilates
Pilates is an effective, medically approved regime of exercises,
designed to improve fitness and body awareness. It offers both
mental and physical training, balancing strength with flexibility
and relaxation, as well as achieving harmony between body and
mind.
The Oaks has Physiotherapists who are qualified Pilates
instructors and can offer one-to-one sessions as part of a
rehabilitation programme.
Spinal Triage Service
Oaks Hospital currently has a contact with the NE Essex PCT. All
NHS patients with spinal problems are referred to the local PCT
Clinical Assessment Service (CAS), who then refer the patient to
Oaks Hospital.
Patients are fully assessed by one of our Extended Scope
Spinal Physiotherapists who will discuss the next stage in their
care. This may include an MRI scan, physiotherapy treatment,
or referral onto consultant led treatment. No treatment is
undertaken at this appointment. Any necessary physiotherapy is
subsequently carried out by the Oaks Physiotherapists within the
NHS timeframe.
Physiotherapy Patient Information