Wrightington Hospital Therapy Department

Our Therapy Department is based at the Wrightington Hospital site, although the team provide services across all of our three main Hospital sites. There are three professions within the Therapy Team:

• Physiotherapy

  Physiotherapy is often used to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, disability or illness. Our therapists can also offer lifestyle tips and advice that will aid recovery and reduce the risk of further injury or illness in the future.

  Physiotherapy takes place on our wards and in our Physiotherapy Unit.

• Occupational Therapy

  Occupational Therapy provides support to people whose health prevents them from doing everyday activities and helps people maximise their independence after illness or injury.

  Each patient is individually assessed and then the designated therapist works with them to identify their goals which will help them to regain, maintain and improve independence. A variety of different techniques are used. If necessary, advice can be given to help them change their environment and use new equipment to aid recovery and promote independence.

• Podiatry

  Our podiatrists undertake a biomechanical assessment (study of the structure and function) of the foot and lower leg and can develop a tailor made treatment plan to help patients overcome any problems. This may be advice on how to stretch or strengthen muscles, provision of specially made devices to wear with footwear to control, realign or cushion a patient’s foot or it may be advice on footwear.

• Therapy Team

  We work within the following specialities:

  • Upper and Lower Limb Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic patients 
  • Rheumatology 
  • Women’s Health

  We have more than 60 staff in our department, ranging from Therapy Assistants, Clerical Assistants and Physiotherapy Assistants to Specialist Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Podiatrists. The Inpatient Team treat patients prior to their hospital admission, and following surgery, to ensure a safe and timely discharge from hospital. The Outpatient Teams see approximately 12,750 new patients and 27,000 follow-up treatment sessions per year.

  Our Therapies Unit at Wrightington can be contacted on 01257 256305.

• Facilities

  The Physiotherapy Unit
  The Unit is a large treatment area made up of individual cubicles and an open gym area with a range of fitness and assessment equipment.

  We were one of the first NHS unit’s in the country to purchase an Alter G anti-gravity treadmill. The machine uses NASA-patented “underweighting” technology to reduce patients’ bodyweight by as much as 80%. It allows patients with various conditions and varying diagnosis to run and walk with much less impact and stress on joints. This has demonstrated benefits for treating patients with lower limb conditions by:

  • Reducing complications after surgery, for example, reduction of muscle wastage 
  • Speeding up rehabilitation and allowing patients to be discharged more quickly 
  • Fewer readmissions to hospital after discharge from hospital 
  • In some cases prevents the need for surgery as conditions improve to the point where surgery is no longer needed

  The machine can also be used to help people who are trying to lose weight. Not only does it reduce the stress of exercise on the body, but can allow people to see how they would feel if they lost weight, and how much fitter they could become in the future.

  The Alter G treadmill is often used by athletes recovering from injury who which to maintain their cardiovascular fitness. It can also help elite athletes or recreational marathon runners train as it can help increase leg speed without stressing the joints.

  To book a private session on the Alter G anti-gravity treadmill contact one of the Therapy Team on 01257 256305. The price for a half hour session is £20. If you block book ten sessions this reduces to £18 per session. 

  The staff at the Unit are committed to innovation and using the latest techniques to improve patient care. One of the latest techniques introduced is shockwave therapy, which is used to treat tendon problems. The treatment reduces pain and can prevent the need for surgery. The shockwaves are low energy sound waves which work by increasing blood flow to the injured area; this speeds up the body’s healing process.

  Hydrotherapy Pool
  Our hydrotherapy pool is used to treat patients with various musculoskeletal conditions that need help improving mobility and function. The pool which is maintained at between 34-35 degrees Celsius has many benefits and aids recovery by:

  • Easing pain  
  • Relaxing muscles and enhancing muscle strength 
  • Improving co-ordination, endurance and balance 
  • Increasing circulation 
  • Boosting feelings of wellbeing

  The hydrotherapy pool is a self-contained unit with its own changing rooms and showers. There are varied water depths including a seated area for exercising. This allows a variety of treatments. The pool can be accessed by steps or hoist.

  The pool was proudly funded in its entirety by Charitable Funds, with donations mainly coming from our patients.