Introducing Simon, Janet, Sarah, Jo and Linda who have all trained at JW Fitness whilst living with pain, injury and following surgery.
Simon came to JW Fitness with some longstanding injuries and was later supported through his hip replacement.
'During my time with JW Fitness, I’ve had existing long-standing injuries to address and new, sometimes significant, ones came up. Old injuries included a distorted shoulder joint and torn thumb ligament. New injuries included occasional lower back pain and a total hip replacement. I discussed all of these issues face to face with my Personal Trainer.
My PT listened and I felt confident in the detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology that was demonstrated by John. My shoulder causes me no pain and very little mobility issues however I know my PT is aware of it and we generally avoid exercises that could put direct pressure or extraordinary load through the shoulder. But that hasn’t been restrictive at all and my PT has not shied away from exercising the shoulder region, it’s just that the approach has been properly considered and monitored. The same applies to my thumb and also to my back pain. If I have any issues with the back we adapt, not avert. I like that and the confidence that my PT inspires and demonstrates.
When the time came for a hip replacement, my PT took a detailed and open interest in the process. He worked with me and my physio (a hip specialist recommended by my surgeon) to understand both pre- and post-operative care. Sessions were changed to focus on the supporting network around the hip before my operation and detailed, carefully composed sessions to assist my recovery. Because of the knowledgeable and cooperative approach taken by my PT, my recovery was both reduced and more complete. I not only regained 100% mobility with no pain, I am stronger and better protected against future issues thanks to the directed efforts of my PT. I literally could not have done it without JW Fitness.
My back pain has also become significantly reduced. From a chronic to an occasional acute matter which I can usually pin down to a period of poor posture. But my PT has helped me be aware of this and I have learned and practice movement and exercises which reduce the risk of back problems and this has helped enormously.'
Janet lives with fibromyalgia nerve pain.
'On a bad day, pain can be sharp or a nagging ache and moves between joints and muscles around the body, mainly in arms and legs (affecting everyday tasks and mobility) and diaphragm (causing shortness of breath). My main concern was that exercise of a moderate intensity improves my pain by improving the quality of my sleep but the pain can be worsened if I overdo it. I explained this to the PT in the consultation and I usually mention how I'm feeling at the start of each session.
The PTs definitely take the time to understand the cause of my pain. Sometimes, I might not complete the same number of circuits as the other members and the PTs are fine with me taking extra breaks, if required. Since training at JW Fitness, I definitely feel that I am able to manage my pain better and, as a result, I can do more outside of the gym.'
Sarah has a recurring shoulder issue.
'I’ve had a number of niggles over the years that I’ve trained with John and the team, the main one being a recurring shoulder issue. I communicate this to my PT during sessions and in particular when it flares up allowing them to make appropriate adjustments.
I know the signs of it now very well and can pre-empt it becoming an issue by making relevant adaptations to my workouts. It doesn’t stop me doing anything, I’ve learnt how to adjust and adapt workouts with the guidance of the team. The team at JW Fitness suggest different exercises or variations of an exercise, for example dropping the weight down or removing altogether on the right hand side where the issue is.
My gut reaction to an injury or niggle would have been to avoid training. I’ve learnt that for me, that’s one of the worst things I can do. Keeping moving and adapting the exercise has been far more beneficial for me and I’ve been pain free in doing so.'
Jo suffers from back pain and has also trained with an ankle injury
'I have had a couple of injuries whilst training. I sprained my ankle which made walking very painful and I have had ongoing issues with my back including stiffness and pain in the lower back. Prior to training with JW Fitness, I suffered with severe back spasm following a lower back sprain.
I discussed my previous injury during the initial consultation and when I sprained my ankle I told my PT in person when I came to the session. Anthony took time to understand exactly where the pain was and what I could do. He adapted exercises to take account of my injury and I didn't need to miss a session - I always felt able to participate and make progress despite an injury.
I received excellent and detailed advice on strengthening and mobility exercises which made a huge difference to my recovery. When I struggled with a niggling back pain, I felt listened to and whoever I trained with was aware of my current difficulties and made tweaks to the session to allow me to train safely.
When I struggled with my back, the coaches would find a safe way for me to complete exercise blocks where I could get maximum benefit and also aid recovery. For example, squatting without weights and instead adding a pause and reducing the depth.
Continuing to train and completing lots of additional mobility work, I have been able to massively improve my symptoms; I have no pain just some occasional stiffness (which I can manage). I feel that through training with the coaches at JW fitness I have a much better understanding of my body; I know its strengths and weakness better and I have the tools to manage any discomfort.'
Linda joined us in 2018 with a shoulder injury (following a break) as well as knee and ankle pain.
'I broke my shoulder in 2015, it was in a sling for 6 weeks. The NHS physio service felt like being on a conveyor belt, I could only raise my arm straight out by the time sessions ended. I couldn't lift it overhead leading to problems with basic tasks such as washing my hair and getting dressed.
In 2017, I damaged the ligaments in my knee and ankle. It took nearly 7 months to get off crutches and then I was put in a lower leg physio class with 5 other people. We all had different injuries but the exercises were the same for all of us, it was a 'one size fits all approach' and it didn't work for me. I struggled to walk more than 2-3 miles and couldn't run - long walks and running were, and still are, very important to me. I suffered with pain and restricted movement. It left me feeling depressed and thinking this was as good as it was going to get.
I saw a video on social media of John talking about semi PT training. I had checked out a few trainers online but John's approach and attitude "felt right" so I messaged him and booked a consultation. Best thing I ever did!
The consultation took about 2 hours and John went through everything, not just the injury areas and how they linked with other parts of the body. The physio hadn't done this, they had just focused on the injury site. John was clear and easy to understand, I felt listened to which I hadn't before. The assessment was really thorough and dealt with all of my problems and how they could be improved. He was also realistic with time frames, no false promises about a "quick fix". I left the consultation feeling that things could get better and had hope again.
All the sessions were adapted to meet my identified needs. Even if I was doing the same exercise as someone else, it was all adapted around what I could or couldn't do, and how to improve things. It's still the same now, the coaches always see us as individuals - no more of the old "one size fits all!".
I 100% think that training has helped my recovery and pain management. I have full movement in my shoulder and left leg. I can easily go hiking and do long coastal walks again. I am back running and cycling. I can lift weights, do squats, strength and conditioning sessions - everything that everyone else can do, with adaptations of needed to suit me.
I never thought I would ever be able to do things like this again. JW Fitness completely changed my fitness and got my mobility back. The best decision I made! Totally trust John, Anthony and Rachel, they've given me back my confidence and I couldn't be happier!'
Do you have an injury or condition that causes you pain? Perhaps you are waiting for surgery or are recovering. These are just a few of the stories from our members. We have trained individuals with many different conditions. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
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