Cranleigh Hospital League of Friends Trustee, Lynda MacDermott, recently experienced firsthand the expertise of the hospital’s physiotherapy team. Read her account of this outstanding local service.
Have you ever heard of leg alphabet? No? then read on!
Along with six other intrepid participants I recently took part in 12 twice-weekly sessions of a guided exercise circuit in the Cranleigh Village Hospital physio department – all aimed at reducing the symptoms of arthritis strengthening muscles and getting us moving more.
With 14 different activities and two long minutes on each, it seemed daunting at first but we soon came to see how helpful it all was: bending, stretching, stepping, up and stepping down, standing (on one leg), standing up from sitting without using hands, squatting – slowly mastering the wobble board – all of this with added ankle weights when it got too easy or big strong elastic bands – therabands – just to challenge us more.
Part of our time was spent on discussing strategies for feeling better and sharing our own tips – we even had one session of relaxation!
At the end of the term – we all felt better and promised to carry on the exercises – and I for one am doing just that.
So, what is leg alphabet then? Sit on the edge of a bed or chair; raise one leg, keeping it straight; without stopping, use your leg to make the shape of all the letters in the alphabet – You will be very relieved when you reach Z!
If you live in Cranleigh or surrounding areas and need physiotherapy, ask your GP about being referred to Cranleigh Village Hospital.
