Kimberley Christmas Market

Today was the 3rd time the clinic has been open as part of the Kimberley Christmas Market.  Organised by Nygel (owner of Madhatters) the market brings together lots of local businesses offering food, gifts and a chance to meet some of the local business owners and see what they have to offer. Many of the cafes are open offering a chance for people visiting to have a bite to eat and a warm beverage.  We have some fabulous businesses in Kimberley and the event has a real community feel which is so often lacking in todays society.  The first year I took part I was very nervous as I run a physiotherapy clinic and don’t really have things to sell.  I set my table up and spent the day chatting to locals.  This year the weather held out; in fact we even saw some sun!! and I had Ali (https://www.mind-body-machine.com/about)and Betti (http://www.senseofwholeness.co.uk/) around for part of the day promoting their services.

I chatted to lots of people who are still unaware that the clinic is there.  This probably highlights my inadequate marketing but the clinic continues to be busy so I have no concerns yet.

I love meeting people and talking about physiotherapy.  I think its important to get the message out that physiotherapy isn’t a passive therapy.  People who come into the clinic expecting me to fix them are often disappointed when after 1 session they aren’t magically fixed.  Musculoskeletal pain usually comes about from either too much activity or not enough.  Working with a patient to find out why they are getting their symptoms is the first step.  Adapting their activity and educating them as to why they are getting pain is crucial for rehab.  I say at least once a day that patience is key!!  The body is very good at healing but it takes time and although some interventions may helps some people a small amount we have to work with the body’s own healing processes.  Once someone understand this process its easier to get them on board with their treatment.  If someone comes to me who is relatively inactive I always try to encourage them to add in some physical activity to their life.  Physical activity has so many proven benefits for both mental and physical health and in many cases its free.

So being open today and chatting to local people about the benefits of physical activity, showing runners around my new clinic, listening to people describe symptoms they are experiencing is all part of being a physiotherapist.  I love living in Kimberley, we have some great businesses and local facilities. I also love being a physiotherapist and hearing from people who follow my exploits on FB.  I try to promote a healthy lifestyle and hopefully my love for exercise and enthusiasm for life comes across in this.  If you want someone to fix you then I’m not the therapist for you but if you want someone to help and support you to fix yourself then come in and see what KHPhysiotherapy can offer.