Blown away

Posted by Nell Mead at 08:00 on 24 Sep 2010

The bit of my job I enjoy most has always been treating clients.  It's immensely satisfying to watch as people change, recover from injuries and regain confidence in their bodies.  Sometimes that can happen very quickly - particularly if I can catch an injury while it's in its earliest stages, so that it gets treated effectively right from the start.  (I spent 8 seasons working with Army, RAF and Combined Services rugby teams at various levels, and rugby players were often my best patients, partly because they were physically fit to begin with but also because they were motivated to improve and get back on the field, and because they were able to access early treatment.)  But even people with really chronic injuries and underlying health problems - for example, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - can see real benefits and changes to their quality of life.

I recently asked a few of my current and former clients if they would write a few words for me, to use on this website.  I was very happily surprised by some of the responses, and you'll be able to see more of them when I launch the full website.  But I was really blown away by this extraordinarily generous testimonial from Andy:

"I am a 43 year old Royal Navy Officer with a long history of complex neck and back injury with neurological complications which has required considerable intervention by physiotherapists for 13 years.  I first met (then Captain RAMC) Nell Mead in 2003 whilst serving at the Northwood Headquarters, having been declared unfit for further sea service.  From the outset, it was clear to me that Nell was something special.  Hitherto, my treatment had been patchy at best and my therapists had (although I am sure always to the best of their ability) offered little more than crisis management of acute episodes.  Nell quickly realised that my condition was chronic (with acute episodes) and determined that there were a number of underlying problems from my sporting past which she set about treating methodically and, for the first time in my experience, holistically.  She took charge and arranged regular (at times daily) treatment in her already busy schedule and, slowly but surely, she began to unravel the layers of injury which were contributing to my debilitated state.  Previous (and subsequent) physiotherapists have often appeared to be overwhelmed by my range of conditions and have frequently been reluctant (or not had the confidence) to intervene; Nell on the other hand adopts a hands on approach which, together with her guidance on self-help techniques has invariably led to much better results for me.  I was greatly saddened when Nell was posted from Northwood and, although others have done their best, nobody has been able to provide the same level of treatment since.

"It is typical of Nell that she has kept in touch since, including during a posting abroad, and been on hand to offer advice and (luckily for me) occasional treatment.  Nell has continued to develop her professional knowledge and has recently studied under Sarah Key and I have been fortunate to have benefited from the techniques she has learned.  I honestly believe that I make more progress in a single session with Nell than numerous appointments with other physiotherapists.  She has developed still further in her holistic approach and, a rare thing in my experience, is willing to listen and learn from her patients, as demonstrated by her continued interest when I was diagnosed with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and subsequently with chronic PTSD, which has greatly aggravated my condition and associated pain.  Most physiotherapists are only interested in the purely physical, but Nell understands better than any other physiotherapist I have met the link between mind and body and the need for a multidisciplinary approach, in my case involving Occupational Therapy, Psychotherapy and even Yoga Therapy.  Throughout, Nell has taken an active interest and has been keen to learn from my experience and has sought to apply lessons to other patients who may need a similarly holistic approach.

"In summary, I consider it a privilege to have been treated by such a dedicated, caring professional and consider her also to be a true friend.  I have been treated by numerous physiotherapists over the years, some very good and at the top of their game, but none can hold a candle to Nell; I believe she is the standard by which all other physiotherapists should be judged, and I am aware of other highly respected medical professionals who are of the same opinion.  I wish her the very best in her new venture and believe she is putting together a truly outstanding multidisciplinary team."

Wow.  I am immensely flattered.  All I can say is - thank you! 

(Oh, and if you'd like an appointment, whether you have a sprained ankle or a chronic condition like Andy's, please feel free to e-mail me!)