In March 2022 I was instructing a PST requalification course, during which I was acting in one of the scenarios as the “angry man”, during which I was fully kitted up in a padded suit. As the scenario progressed, I was taken down to the floor and in doing so due to the restricted movement from the padding I fell awkwardly and hyperextended my shoulder causing damage to rotator cuff. 13 months later and after receiving private and NHS physiotherapy I had made very little progress. At this point I thought it was about time that I filled out the forms to attend the PTC. A short time later I received my date to attend St Andrews in Harrogate.
Upon arrival at St Andrews I was taken aback by the vast size and setting of the centre, the first thing I noticed was the outside gym area and tennis courts surrounded by superbly maintained grounds, with water features and a sensory garden. When I checked in at reception the staff were very friendly and helpful. My room was situated at the rear of the premises, I was given a large room with a comfortable double bed and a very modern bathroom that was spotless and cleaned on a daily basis. The gym is modern and well equipped with cardio and resistance training apparatus, and the pool facilities were clean and well maintained.
When my treatment started I was assigned Tom as my Physio, he was very knowledgeable, friendly and it was clear to me that he understood my injury and had taken to the time to review my paperwork prior to my appointment. He gave me the confidence I needed to place trust in my shoulder and start putting it work rather than being in self-preservation mode. One of the movements of note that I could do was throw a ball, Tom was made aware of this and he immediately knew exactly which part of my rotator cuff was damaged, this then set the tone for my road to recovery.
When I attended I had in my head that although I was going to be guided in the right direction by my physio I was going to have to go all out and push myself and do everything I could to recover from my injury. I did the exercises and classes that I was assigned to by Tom but also signed up for nearly every other class on the timetable. I also made the most of the swimming pool, sauna and steam room. By the end of the first week I was physically exhausted but had started to feel the benefits of my hard work. Part way into the second week we began to incorporate some throwing into the routine using a weighted medicine and tennis ball, to my surprise I was able to complete an “overarm throw”. Initially, it niggled but was a definite improvement. By the end of the week my throwing movement and power was back to normal, I can get through a night with undisturbed sleep which has made such a difference to my personal life.
I will be recommending to anyone who requires treatment to attend the Police Treatment Centres and make use of the facilities. There really is nowhere else that you would be able to attend and receive personalised treatment from such a dedicated team.
PC 242 Chris Dentith.
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