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Introducing our new Physiotherapists
Chris Scott - has locumed for the clinic on a number of occasions &
we are pleased to now have him with us on a full-time basis.

Joanne Pitman - recently joined our team as replacement to Vivien Baxter who is currently away on maternity leave.
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Sports Massage Therapy with Claire Litherland
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS - 9.00am to 5.00pm
30 Minutes - £30.00 1 Hour - £50.00
London College of Massage (LCM)
Diploma in Practioners Massage
Diploma in Anatomy & Phyiology
Deep Tissue Massage |
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Snow Sports - Glide with Care
The change in temperature and recent snowfall must mean only one thing, winter has arrived and the snow sports season has
begun. Whether you are a regular to the slopes or a newcomer, conditioning your body to cope with the forces imparted on
your body during skiing or snowboarding is essential for reducing the risk of injury. An injury in any form on a winter holiday
can be frustrating especially if it stops you from skiing or boarding.
Training should start a minimum of 6 weeks before the holiday to achieve the necessary conditioning your body requires. The
most important aspects of your training should include working to develop:

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- Muscle Strength and Endurance – of the core, quadriceps, gluteal, calf and lower back muscles. Squats, lunges and step-ups work specifically towards strengthening the leg muscles.
- Flexibility – of the calf, quadriceps, hamstrings muscles and the lower back can reduce the risk of ‘straining’ your muscles due to an inability to lengthen.
- Balance – specifically practicing the skiing, snowboarding positions and actions on one leg and both legs. Gym balls can be used to further develop balance.
- Aerobic Fitness – Due to the effect of high altitude on your body aerobic conditioning is a vital component to injury prevention. Using the cross trainer, bike or running works the aerobic and muscular system specific for snow sports.
- Equipment – check your bindings have the correct D.I.N setting for your ability, weight and the equipment is safe to use.
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Finally, when you are preparing to hit the piste or off-piste on the first day and on every day after, try to ensure that you are both physically and mentally prepared before heading onto the slopes.
A lack of a pre-ski warm up (increasing your heart rate and
stretching) and a post-ski warm down (stretching) routine is one of the main contributors to injury. Spending between 5 to 15
minutes before and after skiing to address tension in the muscles can really make the difference in enjoying your holiday on the
slopes. Tiredness can also significantly contribute to sustaining an injury. If you are tired stop and rest, or call it a day. For
advice on a more specific rehabilitation programme to suit your needs ask your physiotherapist.
Jason Flitter, MSc BSc Hons MMACP MACP SRP
Physiotherapist to professional skiers and snowboarders |
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Ski Injury Statistics
According to a leading UK ski cover insurer, 2-3% of skiers
require hospital treatment. With minor injuries from skiing,
occurring on average 1 in every 14 days of skiing.
Of this percentage, 25% of ski injuries are caused by
collision with the likes of a tree, pylon or other people. Of
these 60-70% require hospital admission. Seventy five
percent of accidents relate to falls, attributed to poor fitness,
inexperience, snow conditions or bad luck.
In addition to the above findings:
- 25% of accidents occur during a 1st winter sports holiday.
- Of all snowboarding injuries, over 50% relate to novice boarders.
- Under 25’s account for the highest winter sports injuries, with young male skiers travelling in excess of 25mph more likely to have a collision than a mature or experienced skier.
In order to help prevent accidents & injuries the following safety guidelines are advised:
- The wearing of a safety helmet will reduce the severity of head injury by up to 50%.
- Many snowboarders suffer wrist injuries, as a lot of pressure is applied in a fall. By wearing wrist guards this will be greatly reduced.
- Skiing & alcohol do not mix. As well as being extremely dangerous, the intake of excess alcohol contributes to a high percentage of hospital admissions after lunch.
By Mark Langley, B.Ph.Ed.,M.C.S.P.,S.R.P.
P.G.D. Biomechanics
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Introducing the CTI2 Brace for ACL Deficient Kness
A common knee injury sustained when skiing is a rupture of
the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Once ruptured the
joint is less stable and will often cause a ‘giving way’
sensation under certain loads.
Currently there are 4 ways of dealing with this problem:
- Become sedentary (never ski again).
- Train your hamstrings and other leg muscles to control the joint.
- Surgically re-construct the ligament.
- Use a specialised knee brace.
The brace option is often preferred by the re-training and reconstruction group, as they can provide excellent stability, are highly adjustable and comfortable, allowing you to ski with confidence.
The CTI braces from Technology in Motion can be bought
off the shelf (but adjusted to your knee size), or custom sized depending on your budget.
At Josephine Lawson Physiotherapy Clinic we provide a fitting service for these braces, tailoring the braces to suit your specific injury and ability.
ACL Support
The CTI2 brace encompasses the tibia and femur and combined with a unique hinge mechanism inhibits both anterior and rotatory tibial movement caused by ACL laxity. The non-elastic upper cruciate strap provides an opposing force on the femur to help stabilize the knee.
For more information please visit Technology in Motion’s website:
www.technologyinmotion.com |
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