“I cannot begin to say just how much the programme improved my life. The team are knowledgeable and incredibly supportive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ten and I plan to continue using them for my ongoing recovery and fitness building”
Melissa had recently arrived from Australia when she was involved in a serious accident. She was hit by a car, shattering her knee. Not only was she left with serious injuries, but away from her homeland and new to the UK, she had limited support.
Nominated by her friend and Physiotherapist Kate, Melissa’s programme was designed to help her recover from her first round of surgery and prepare her for her second, scheduled for a few months later.
It combined Physiotherapy, along with a bespoke rehab programme based around Physio-led Pilates, courtesy of Clinical Pilates Instructor and Physiotherapist Elle Rich.
This is me when I’d just got home from my first surgery. I was in a lot of pain and could barely make it to the toilet but happy to be home.
Me at the top of Mount Coolum in Australia in February. I was really proud of this effort. One year after being hit by a car and I’m able to travel home and climb a mountain.
Just about to go in for the second surgery. I was really comfortable and prepared to go in again.
My mental and physical state in the last two pictures are a testament to the MoveBetter programme. I wouldn’t have been ready for either of these events without all the support from Ten.
What were you hoping to get out Ten’s Move Better programme?
My main goal was to build up my physical strength and be closer to the physical condition I was in before the accident. I am normally a very active person. I love to run and was training for a half marathon before the accident.
How did you feel going into it?
Going into the programme my leg felt so weak I was struggling to climb stairs. And I felt scared every time I crossed the road. My journey to recovery seemed so long. What I didn’t consider is that the programme might also help my confidence and emotional well-being.
I was both excited and nervous about starting my sessions at Ten. I felt like I had a long road to go but also felt so positive to have the support and help on the way to recovery. I was physically weak and emotionally exhausted from everything I had been through so far. But felt I was in professional, knowledgeable and caring hands at Ten.
How do you feel following the programme?
I feel stronger and more confident. By the end I could see significant improvement in my physical ability. Exercises that were impossible or incredibly difficult were much easier. This gave me hope.
I also had the chance to talk to others participating in classes who had very different injuries but were experiencing similar struggles. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my recovery. This helped me endlessly. The team also helped me fully understand my injuries and the work that had been done to my knee. This gave me confidence in the integrity of my knee following surgery.
What impact has this had on your life?
I cannot begin to say just how much the programme improved my life.
I now feel like I have my life back. I have more control and I can see the light at the end of my tunnel of recovery. Having been through such a traumatic event could have easily had a massive negative impact on my life.
Of course it has been a huge challenge. However with the support of Ten’s Physio staff I feel like this is a challenge I have almost overcome. This has given me self-confidence that I can endure future life challenges.
What advice would you give to somebody facing similar injuries, limitations or discomfort to yourself prior to this programme?
My advice would be to never give up. Some days are hard and painful and it feels like the struggle will never end. But putting in the persistent effort, results will follow. And that is so rewarding. You can get your life back. Especially with the support of a team like Ten.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your experience at Ten?
The team are knowledgeable and incredibly supportive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ten and I plan to continue using them for my ongoing recovery and fitness building.
