'Exercise can be fun', physios tell rehab patients using orthopaedic hospital's refurbished gym

Physiotherapists at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) have welcomed the installation of new items of equipment in the gym – part of £25,000 investment at the unit in Oswestry, Shropshire.

Advanced physiotherapist Michael Murphy (pictured getting to grips with the gym equipment in the photograph) said: 'Previously at RJAH, we had a limited range of dated equipment which wasn’t fit for purpose. We have already seen so many benefits to our patients using the new equipment.

'We all know the benefits of exercise, strength and conditioning in rehabilitation, however we also understand that patients can have a fear when a therapist mentions exercise and the gym.
 

'With the new equipment we’re hoping to encourage all patients that exercise can not only be fun, but the best way to get us back doing the things we love like walking, running, playing with our children or socialising.'

Mr Murphy added: 'The coronavirus pandemic has truly highlighted the importance of being healthy and this equipment will help to promote health and wellbeing with all our patients.' Items include dumbbells, kettlebells, a leg press, a treadmill, spinning bikes and a squat rack.

Prominent physiotherapist at the helm

Therapy services manager Philip Hulse said: 'The whole team are delighted with the purchase of the new equipment for the therapy service – it’s really had a positive impact across the department.'
 
Mr Hulse, who received a Distinguished Service Award from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in 2019, added: 'The purchase of the equipment means we can improve the outcomes of our patients; provide world class care; and carry out high quality research which will benefit the trust, orthopaedics and future patients.'

For more information, see: https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/About-Us/News/RJAH-patients-benefitting-from-state-of-the-art-25.aspx