A weekend warrior and subsequent worrier

At Life Made Simple Physiotherapy we often hear stories from clients about their experiences and these can be great case studies in how injuries can happen, and how physiotherapy can help.

With spring warming early this year, one client decided that one bright sunny Sunday morning, the order of the day was to do a good deed for the house and went up a ladder to clean the gutters. There were no immediate dramas and with an hour of work achieved, a coffee was consumed and the day continued until the mid-afternoon. From that point, the client’s back tightened and movement became very painful. Indeed, he had seized up over those few hours.

Physiotherapy treatment, combined with soft tissue massage at our Bramley clinic, was undertaken to address the client’s condition. Although recovery took some time, symptoms gradually improved, and functional movement returned. The client continued to experience occasional muscle spasms or twinges, which were likely related to residual muscle tension and heightened sensitivity in the area. These sensations served as reminders of the original injury and contributed to some fear about the lower back pain returning.

During a later holiday to Northern Europe, the client took part in a planned city walk. Despite being prepared for the activity, they reported that walking was slow and cautious. This was partly due to ongoing recovery from the recent fall involving the ladder and gutter, and some persistent tightness in the lower back. However, the main factor appeared to be anxiety about triggering a recurrence of the back pain.

It is not uncommon for fear of pain to create muscle tension and guarded movement in the affected area. This response can increase the risk of symptoms returning if not addressed. In this case, the client’s slow walking pace and cautious approach were likely influenced more by fear of re-injury than by physical limitations alone.

Regular physiotherapy care and consultation can help in keeping a client mobile and active, a must all year round, but perhaps more so during the warmer summer months when people are usually more active. Massage and reflexology can also be of significant help in keeping supple, and Mel Allan can help from our Bramley centre.

Contact us 

We look forward to helping you and your family members with your physiotherapy, massage and reflexology needs, tailored to your personal circumstances, into the future. If you are interested in our services feel free to call us on 07309 272 555 or email physio@lifemadesimple.co.uk. Life Made Simple - expert physiotherapy in Guildford and Surrey.