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Innovative New Therapy Centre Opens in Sheffield

Last Updated on 04/02/2020 by steveperry

An innovative new therapy centre designed to encourage exercise participation in older adults and to support the rehabilitation needs of those living with long term health conditions has opened in Sheffield.

Operated by independent charity, Valley Leisure LTD, the centre boasts eight accessible power assisted exercise machines from UK Manufacturer, Shapemaster, and a Medicotech Thera-trainer. Sheffield Neuro Physiotherapy are also supporting client screening, assessment and exercise programmes for users with varying conditions and abilities.

Liz Murray, Community Health Development Manager, Valley Leisure commented, “We are extremely proud to be opening the new and innovative I Can Therapy Centre in Sheffield. Valley Leisure’s sole aim is to enable people to move more and feel better and through the operation of our new Power Assisted Exercise facility we are certain that we can make a real difference to help many people live as well as they can for as long as they can.”

Users of the facility also have the option of accessing affordable and individualised physiotherapy sessions. Physiotherapy treatments include soft tissue mobilisation, balance rehabilitation and mobility interventions to optimise physical wellbeing and performance.

Emma Richards, Managing Director, Sheffield Neuro Physiotherapy added, “Sheffield has been in desperate need of a centre like this for many years. Being able to offer power assisted exercise alongside physiotherapy interventions will not only benefit those with neurological conditions but will also support the needs of many older adults and those with long term conditions, ultimately encouraging and enabling independent living”.

The centre was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Tony Downing. Also in attendance Jared O’Mara, MP who spoke passionately about the value of physiotherapy treatment. Stroke survivor and child protection campaigner, Sara Payne MBE also attended the event and gave a moving speech on her stroke journey and stressed the need for more centres like I Can Therapy.

Sara commented, “The facilities offered at the I Can Therapy Centre are absolutely superb and the whole ethos of the team is incredibly inspiring. I wish centres like these were available in every town and city across the country, not just for the physical rehabilitation which in itself is vitally important, but for the social engagement that Liz and her team are clearly focussed on delivering”.

Also in attendance, Dr Ali Ali Consultant Geriatrician and Stroke Physician at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust and Senior Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sheffield. Dr Ali delivered a powerful presentation on the benefits of exercise for those who have experienced a stroke. Over   12,000 people in Sheffield have experienced a stroke. Dr Ali has pioneered the introduction of an inclusive exercise pathway for Sheffield’s stroke population and understands the challenges associated with creating accessible exercise facilities. He views the introduction of the I Can Therapy Centre as an exciting addition to the range of options available to the people of Sheffield.

The specialist equipment adopted by the centre enables users to exercise passively or actively, depending on their abilities. Jared O’ Mara MP commented, “This is a great addition to Sheffield and I have every faith that the centre will be a great asset to our community and improve many peoples lives for the future.”

The centre which already has referral pathways mapped out from local healthcare providers has already welcomed its first group of users. Liz Murray added, “We are absolutely staggered by the interest we have received from local healthcare providers, who not only see the clinical value in our offering, but the social benefits for a wide range of user groups including older and vulnerable adults. The launch event itself attracted many people with varying long term health conditions such as Fibromyalgia, MS and those living with the physical effects of a stroke, some of whom have already signed up and are very enthusiastic to move more and feel better.”

For further information on the ‘I Can Therapy Centre’ please contact:

Nikki Harley (for centre information)

I Can Therapy Centre Manager

E: nharley@icantherapycentre.co.uk

T: 0114 349 8710

Rachel Young (for partnership, health & community liaison)

Neuro Physiotherapist

E: rachel.sheffieldneurophysio@gmail.com

Liz Murray (for partnership, health & community liaison)

Community Health Development Manager

E: lmurray@valleyleisure.com