Following a number of years of increasing arthritic pain in my right knee, in early August I had a partial knee replacement. I was aware that physiotherapy is key to a satisfactory recovery from such surgery, and my post-surgery treatment plan included six physiotherapy appointments over a four month period, but none of them were very long, and, of course none was residential.
I had paid for membership of the PTCs throughout my 23 years police service, but was fortunate enough not to have needed their services whilst I was serving. I kept my membership going when I retired in 2009 and so when the surgery was scheduled I contacted the PTC at Harrogate regarding whether I could use the services they provide, and, if so, what was the best timing after surgery. A head physio responded to say that of course I could have a residential week, and that the best timing was about 12 weeks after surgery, and so I was booked in at Harrogate for the first week of November.
My experience of that week was excellent. The staff were friendly, the accommodation comfortable, and the facilities excellent. The food throughout the week was plentiful and tasty, with good choices available. Following an initial assessment by the nurse on arrival, I had 5 days with physio appointments twice a day – in the morning in the hydrotherapy pool, and in the afternoon in the gym. Each appointment was one-to-one, and lasted about 30 minutes. The physio was a trainee under supervision at the Centre, and she was both knowledgeable and encouraging. We worked on a number of exercises to improve range of movement, strength, and balance, and she gave me some exercises which I would be able to continue for the month after leaving the Centre as I headed towards a review with the surgeon to assess progress. Outside these organised sessions, there were a number of other optional sessions available, along with opportunities to relax and recover.
I met with the surgeon on 11th December, and I can do little better than quote a few extracts from his discharge letter :
“I was delighted to see the progress following his partial knee replacement four months ago……. his range of movement is excellent and his quadriceps musculature is impressive. I’ve reassured him and I’m happy for him to go skiing……I’ve discharged him…”
So, an excellent experience overall, and with a great outcome!
I have a number of friends who are not current or former police officers and who do not have access to facilities such as those provided by the PTC, and they are amazed at what is available to us when we need it, and at such relatively small cost.
Finally, I was a trustee at the PTCs for several years in the early 2000s, and I was privileged to have had the opportunity to support their work in that way. I was especially delighted to return as one of their ‘patients’ recently, and to see their offering as excellent and relevant as ever.
