This March, we are celebrating the journey of our first ‘Patient of the Month’- Anna Thompson- a super-Mum from Manchester who was treated for a damaged rotator cuff at Harris & Ross Altrincham. Read about Anna’s story here-
I am a mum of a 4 year old and decided a few years ago that being an older mum in my forties wasn’t going to stop me being a fun Mum to my daughter Tilly, so I started working out and using a personal trainer to become the ‘best me’ I could be. I even entered Tough Mudder as a challenge and loved it.
I worked loads on my upper body strength beforehand and even managed 10 pull ups last Summer, but in August 2017 I damaged my rotator cuff. Fed up of waiting for an appointment on the NHS, I booked an appointment with Tessa at Total Fitness in Altrincham and was very pleased I did.
She took the time to listen to what I had to say, did lots of range of movement assessments and came up with a plan to get me fixed.
Progress is still slow, but my sessions with Tessa definitely make a difference. She does some manipulation and dry needling and has helped me get close to getting my strength back.
I have got down about the injury on many an occasion, but realise I mustn’t push too hard for fear of taking a few steps back. I have also learnt to put things into perspective – I may have an injury, but there are many who are worse off than myself. Having previously represented the North West in gymnastics, fitness means a lot to me though and helps me both physically and mentally. Not being able to do my usual classes has been difficult – I compensate by doing spin classes instead of lifting weights, just so I’m doing some form of exercise. We’re taking our 4 year old snowboarding next month so I need to get fit for that!
I have booked Tough Mudder again in September so my aim is to get back that upper body strength and give it my best shot! With Tessa’s help I know I have the best support possible to get there.
Whenever I feel low about my injury, I watch the video of me achieving my ‘pull up’ aim as motivation to keep going and tell myself I. Can. Do. It.
Well done to Anna on her dedication and we’re so glad that Tessa is helping her through this injury. If you would like to be our Patient of the Month and win a £100 treatment voucher, find out how to enter here.
Interested in an appointment with Anna’s physiotherapist- Tessa? Find out more about Tessa here and you can book appointments with her by calling 0161 832 9000 at either Harris & Ross Manchester or Harris & Ross Altrincham.