Here at East Kennet PCN, we have now completed our first series of Group Consultations.
Our pilot has been based around shoulder pain, with expert guidance from our very own First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) Aizaz Ikram, and some very willing Patients it has been a journey of great success.
Aizaz has guided us through education and exercises over a span of 6 months. We've all come to know more about our ailments and with his meticulously crafted and comprehensive shoulder work programme, some of us have made improvements more than we expected as well as new friends!
If you thought physiotherapy was all serious faces and stern exercises, you couldn’t be more wrong, here’s why …
Meet the Team
FCP Aizaz Ikram:
The Sorcerer of shoulders. Aizaz wove his therapeutic spells, crafting uniquely tailored physical therapy sessions for each participant. If shoulders could give a standing ovation, Aizaz's sessions would have the whole joint clapping.
Facilitator Ayesha Khanam:
The facilitator orchestrating the sessions. Ayesha's organisation and expertise set the tone for each group consultation, transforming what could be a routine physiotherapy experience into a joyful and transformative occasion.
Trainee Facilitator Karen Mackrill:
Our cheerleader in training! Karen brought the zest of a rookie to the group, infusing each session with a delightful blend of enthusiasm and a touch of quirk and immense amount of kindness. Who said trainees can't steal the show?
Wellbeing Lead Sarah Davey:
The guru of good vibes. Sarah's wellbeing touch were like a spa day for the soul – promoting mindfulness, reducing stress, and keeping the spirits high. Because healing isn't just about the body, but the mind too.
Shoulder Sessions
Our group consultations were not your run-of-the-mill medical sessions. With a mixture of interesting ice breakers and therapeutic exercises, we came together over the weeks. Inspiring each other as well a little healthy competition; who did reach the highest in their wall climbs in the end? The group chat grew and at times was like a comedy club where shoulder complaints took centre stage, and trust us, shoulder jokes were the real deal.
Here are some of the participants doing some climbing.
From week one, our team of shoulder warriors united. Aizaz educated us on the physical structure of the shoulder and in what ways we can protect ourselves in the future, strengthen and recover from injury. While the rest of us discussed how to open a tin (or bottle of wine) with a wonky shoulder!
Finishing with our sixth and final session, our Christmas Party. Adorned with Christmas hats and after a Mince pie or two, we showed Aizaz just how far we have all come.
The Group Consultations have been a light-hearted programme packed with low intensity exercises, lots of laughter and camaraderie.
Some of our lovely participants with Aizaz and Karen.
As we close on our final session, we have reflected on our Six months of growth, laughter, and shouldering each other's burdens (pun intended). We are culminating in a celebration of triumph over shoulder troubles. We're proud of our participants, their progress, and the friendships forged in the crucible of shoulder pain.
Looking Ahead
This pilot FCP group consultation programme was not just a success; it was a testament to the power of getting together in healing. As we say farewell to our shoulder warriors, we're gearing up to extend the joy to other group consultations. Because, let's face it, when life gives you pain, why not turn it into a group programme?
So, here's to laughter, shoulders that can now dance a jig, and the FCP programme that proved healing can be both effective and entertaining. Until next time, keep those shoulders and the laughter rolling – after all, it's the best medicine.
Here are some quotes from our lovely participants reflecting from our 6months session!
“The Ice breakers are fantastic, it wasn’t just the first session”
“We got to know each other”
“I actually kept up with the exercise!”
“I've enjoyed the exercise, they were specific yet gentle and effective”
“It was nice that we all had similar but not the same issues”
“Cool and Calm Aizaz”
“Once a month camaraderie has been the best, laughter is the best cure”
“Has been very good, considering I was sceptical”
“Reassurance and expert advise at hand”
“Its encouraging being in a group”
“More group sessions for other conditions with exercise please!”
“I liked the Mince Pies!”
“Attending the FCP Group encouraged me to attend Pilates”
“The exchange of ideas has been really Interesting”
“I have really enjoyed it!”
Published by Ayesha Khanam and Karen Mackrill
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