Mary Byrne Physiotherapy

29/05/2025

Delighted to hear that the cross border scheme for treatment is coming back on 2nd June!! This will be great news to so many people waiting for new hips, knees etc. Whilst it is very frustrating and painful waiting on orthopedic treatment, at least this will give some people an alternative to improve their every day life.

16/11/2024

Calling ladies in the 40-49age bracket!!! Or significant others tell them...
If you can get a slot on The Big Bus then do. 40-49 year olds can avail of breast screening on the bus and slots are bookable online via . Other health checks available including skin cancer detection, see full services online.
I managed to get a slot for this morning for breast screening and the whole process was easy, in and out in about 5mins. Helen on the bus was lovely and put me right at ease, donation made on way out. Keep an eye for bus locations online or book to the Belfast Clinic. Another wee job off the list, oh and while your at it, for all you ladies book your smear test!
They rely on donations and are running a raffle coming up to Christmas, top prize £2000, see link below
https://actioncancer.org/fundraising/winter-raffle/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1hDy90xquNs88uFcKdCLsK0KoHWnnuRZjLKAW5YmIscgyIDs2ttL1GtK0_aem_takFPUvrxyNkUTYAQpYj3A

04/10/2024

Jeepers it has been over 12 weeks since last post. A lot has happened in that space of time. I have returned to NHS work, albeit not my full hours but not far off. Still hard to believe I have been closed since Feb. I thought I would be back open in a few weeks but that at this stage is not looking likely. My brain is ready but my body is having other ideas. I am much further on from the summer but not where I thought I would be and that's ok.
So my brain wanted something to keep it going and so I started a new online shop, specialising in bracelets and bangles. I would be so grateful if you head over to My Jangle and follow on socials or help me spread the word. I also have time on Thurs/Fri to do some physio posts so if there are any topics you'd like me to talk about, let me know.
Here is the link for my new business @

Explore our stunning collection of fashion bracelets and bangles for women and kids. Perfect for everyday wear and special occasions. Shop online at Jangle for unique styles and quality craftsmanship that enhance any outfit. Discover your new favorite accessories today!

01/07/2024

Walking...
Considered an automatic function, meaning we just do it, don't really think about it, it just happens. Unless you potentially have a neurological issue of some description. This video is me walking, albeit not at my normal speed but I'm doing it. A few weeks ago I was unable to walk like this. If you were coming behind me I looked like I'd been on the booze, I was off-balance with no co-ordination, wanting to hold onto whatever was near, and so I stayed in the house. 'Step by step, bit by bit' , don't take the simple things for granted.
"The things you take for granted someone else is praying for"

Oh and also the number of messages and pms I had from my previous post from well wishes, thank you! Others with abnormal blood results, autoimmune conditions, unexplained symptoms etc. I have signposted a few to different supports and others down the investigative route and I wish them good luck!

21/06/2024

**Not a pity post**
Mary Byrne Physiotherapy has been closed since Feb. I feel my role as a physio is to educate and empower. So here I am... It all happened very quickly from being active and busy to being bed bound for over 10 weeks. I won't go into it all (there were other health issues) but if I can prevent anyone going through the same then job done. Please take the time to be aware of symptoms of B12 and folate deficiency, with symptoms maybe creeping up mild and putting them off as something else, sure I was up late, I've been busy that's why I'm tired. Stood up too quick there, bit dizzy. Too much time on phone/computer my eyes are funny etc etc, easy to do. I will include link in comments of symptoms from B12 Society. It is not just tiredness, B12 is needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system and can lead to neurological issues - vertigo, blurred vision, balance disorder, abnormal gait. I can see progress in the past 2 weeks with my treatment plan (takes time to find out what's going on and investigations etc) which has given me a big boost and you may see me out a bit more now, walls of a house can get very tight after this length of time.
So if any of those symptoms are you...it could be something else but could it B12/folate deficiency? If you do not advocate for yourself who else will? Ideally you should be off all supplements which includes B12 fortified food/drink 3months before testing. I feel at this stage I could write an article on this and who knows maybe I will, watch this space. Some people have symptoms which are mild and manageable and then others it leaves them unable to function. So if you have been in a position where you are literally starting from scratch... I get you I understand it now 100%, keep going, tomorrow is a new day. I will post a bit more about this soon because knowledge is power. Any questions, get in touch.
Take Care, M x

(If you are a health professional please see NICE guidelines from March 2024)
there

10/02/2024

Help wanted...
Wanting to compile a list of local resources to signpost people to. So want to know of pilates, yoga, chair exercise programmes, walking groups, counsellors, condition support groups or anything you feel relevant to physical/mental health. Comment below or send a dm/whatsapp. Many Thanks

17/01/2024

I get the impression that more people are opting for or considering private orthopaedic surgeries given NHS waiting lists. People also no longer have the option of the cross border initiative due to a non-functioning (yet paid) government but I won't get into that. Some of these folk paying over £10k in some instances for their surgery and putting themselves into financial hardship. I just want to emphasize that just because you have your new joint that does not mean you are 'fixed.' In fact, this is where the real work begins. I also feel that this is maybe not highlighted enough prior to surgery. So please if you are considering orthopaedic surgery of any description factor in that it takes work, yes it can be boring and a bit repetitive but you get out what you put in. There is no magic wand to make someone stronger, yes a physio can guide you but the onus is on the person themselves. It can also be worthwhile completing prehab before the surgery, that way you are in the mindset to do exercises and it is already part of the routine. Anyways get in touch with an orthopaedic queries and fingers crossed the cross border initiative can be resumed in the near future.

22/12/2023

Happy Christmas to all and I hope you all have a happy, healthy 2024. Thanks for the onward recommendations and returning with new issues even when you haven't been in a long,long time, it's good to know I come into your head and you place your trust in me to help you. Thanks so much this means a lot. I hope 2024 is good to all, take care, Mary

10/11/2023

To complete a proper assessment patients may have to undress so we can look at the area or for the purposes of treatment. This means we as physios are in a position to spot potentially abnormal skin changes. To date I have spotted 2 'suspicious' skin areas which have resulted in a cancer diagnosis and successful treatment. Keep a check for any changes and if you are worried get them checked.
Check Action Cancer pages for link for booking appointments, what a great initiative

03/11/2023

Hi All, if you can message me via whatsapp with any queries (new/existing patients) as it's really hard more recently getting into facebook messenger. See whatsapp link below. Many Thanks

15/09/2023

I work NHS part time and also private as you know.
Why should the physios working in NHS in Northern Ireland be paid LESS than our counterparts over the water for doing EXACTLY the same job?? Whilst politicians pick up their pay packet for not showing up!! Time for change. I will be closed Thursday 21st in support of NHS Physios.

CSP members working for Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI) have voted to take strike action in their first ever ballot on pay and retention issues. 

08/09/2023

Happy World Physiotherapy Day 2023!
It has been way too long since last post, so no better day. Yes I am still here and working away even though I have been less active on here. Life is busy, family, work, visitors, bit of time off, few trips and a big trip (Oz to family), my own big birthday, other birthdays, wedding, births, deaths and a bad dose of Covid. Sure you know the craic... it's just life. Anyways will attempt to be more active online and try and get to grips with insta. Anything you want me to post on? Make the most of this beautiful weather, enjoy your weekend. MaryB