Absolute Physiotherapy

18/03/2026

Absolute Physiotherapy Centre Clinical Insights

Brilliant in-service training this week delivered by Alexis D***s (Physiotherapist), fresh from a Mulligan course and kindly sharing her knowledge with the team 🙌

A really practical session focused on applying these principles to help improve pain and range of movement in the upper limb — exactly the kind of hands-on learning we value.

We love building connections with physios in the area and coming together to share knowledge, not compete. No egos here — just a shared goal of doing the very best for our patients.

Already looking forward to the next session focusing on the cervical spine 👀

We’re also on the lookout for nutrition input for an upcoming in-service. If you’re a nutritionist who’d be interested in delivering some CPD with us, we’d love to hear from you — please get in touch!

rehabilitation teamlearning physioeducation

01/03/2026

Collagen vs Protein Powder – what does the evidence actually say?

We get asked this a lot in clinic — particularly by active patients and athletes

Here’s the honest answer 👇

Both collagen and protein powder are broken down into amino acids in the body. You cannot “direct” collagen to your skin or tendons.

So why the debate?

🔬 Collagen is rich in glycine and proline — amino acids heavily used in connective tissue.
💪 Whey protein is higher in essential amino acids and superior for muscle protein synthesis.

🧴 What about skin?

Some studies suggest collagen peptides may:
• Improve skin hydration
• Slightly improve elasticity
• Reduce wrinkle depth

But…

Most trials are:
• Small sample sizes
• Short duration (8–12 weeks)
• Often industry-funded

Effect sizes are modest — not transformative.

Adequate total protein intake remains the priority.

🦵 What about tendinopathy? (More relevant to our athletes 👀)

There is emerging research suggesting:

Collagen + vitamin C taken 30–60 minutes before tendon loading exercise
may increase markers of collagen synthesis.

However:

• Small preliminary studies
• Limited clinical outcome data
• Mechanistic markers ≠ guaranteed symptom improvement
• Not yet supported by large high-quality RCTs

So this is interesting… but still early evidence.

💡 Bottom Line

✔️ Adequate total protein intake is essential.
✔️ Collagen is optional.
✔️ It may offer a small adjunct benefit for skin or tendon in certain cases.
❌ It is not magic.

As always in rehab:
Load management, progressive strengthening, sleep, and overall nutrition matter far more than a scoop of powder.

If you’re managing tendinopathy or training heavily and want to discuss whether this fits into your rehab plan, we’re always happy to talk evidence.


SportsNutrition

17/02/2026

Every Tuesday, Graham GD Health - Physiotherapy and Well-being Clinic mentors us through our PG Cert in ultrasound, watching us scan, challenging our thinking, refining our technique.

Today, he was on the couch.

Despite being highly experienced in ultrasound-guided injections himself, a problematic knee (that’s previously responded brilliantly to HA injections) meant he needed someone else to take the probe and needle.

He trusted me.

Ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection, with expert mentoring happening in real time , just from the patient’s perspective this time.

No wincing. Smooth procedure.
Now we wait for the results.

There’s something powerful about being trusted by someone who could easily do the job themselves.

Grateful.

KneeCare ClinicalConfidence

06/02/2026

🦶✨ Enhancing Balance Through Intrinsic Foot Strength ✨🦶

Just wanted to highlight the critical role that foot exercises play in improving balance and coordination. Craig demonstrates a series of effective exercises we often prescribe aimed at strengthening intrinsic foot muscles, which are vital for maintaining stability—particularly for our patients focusing on balance rehabilitation. Not everyone has feet as good as this and some might find toe spacers helpful during these exercises. ( I’ll send a link for toe spacers we recommend to anyone that wants it!)

Research indicates that intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) exercises significantly improve balance and strength, ultimately leading to decreased self-perceived disability and enhanced stability 1 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10784881/). Many individuals seeking therapy often require targeted interventions for their foot and ankle regions. By enhancing strength and coordination through these exercises, we can make substantial strides in overall balance.

Expect to see these type of exercises in our advanced balance classes with Hayley our specialist Physio in balance. . 🙌

For those interested in these cork cylinders I can send you a link to some sites that sell them. There’s a huge price difference and to be honest the cheaper ones are totally fine!

03/02/2026

🌟 Exciting Developments in Musculoskeletal Practice 🌟

Emma and I are currently enhancing our skills in point-of-care ultrasound scanning as part of our postgraduate studies in Musculoskeletal Practice. Under the guidance of our mentor, Graham Dawson from GD Health and Well-Being Physio, we are gaining invaluable hands-on experience every three weeks by scanning patients. This is part of us gaining our PgCert in MSK Ultrasound.

This service not only offers a more affordable option for patients but also allows us to refine our skills for their benefit. We invite anyone interested in this service to book an appointment as we aim to practice extensively and ensure our proficiency.

HealthAndWellbeing ClinicalPractice ContinuousLearning

31/01/2026

Enjoyed a great morning out with the Absolute Physio team! 🌤️ It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky we are to work together.

We had some delicious food at Granny Downkins, caught up, and took in the fresh air and views.

Looking forward to planning our next outing already!

09/01/2026

🌟 From Childhood to Now: A Journey in Motion 🌟

Captured a special moment tonight on the treadmill! 🏃‍♂️✨ Just reflecting on how my son’s running technique has developed over the years—from those adorable toddler steps to his effortless strides today. It’s amazing to see how each phase has its own charm and challenges!

Noticing the small things that make a big difference:
✅ 🦵 Cadence that flows naturally
✅ 🌬️ Soft knee landings for energy efficiency
✅ 🙌 Relaxed arms gliding almost effortlessly

His running might not be perfect, but it’s uniquely him. Each run is a reminder that with practice and passion, we create our own patterns of movement. There is no right way to run.

Barefoot adventures have been a game changer for his strong, mobile feet and those daily calf raises whilst teeth cleaning ( if you’ve been treated by me you won’t be surprised!)

Here’s to enjoying every step, whether in running shoes or barefoot! 🏃‍♂️❤️

30/12/2025

🎉✨ As we bid farewell to 2025, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing clients/patients. Your unwavering support has made this year truly special for our team at Absolute Physiotherapy Centre.

💪 We are so grateful to be a part of your journey towards health and happiness. We’ve loved sharing in your successes and helping you enjoy your favorite activities.

Here’s to a fabulous 2026 filled with new adventures, wellness, and joy! 🥳🥂

Sending you all our love and thanks! 💕

💚 With love,
The Absolute Physiotherapy team

28/12/2025

2026 classes available to book onto!

🔸Clinical Pilates
🔸Balance and Strength for older adults
🔸 StickMobility
🔸Lift for Longevity

All instructed by certified chartered Physios in line with current evidence based approaches to improving health and wellbeing.

Book via: www.bookwhen.com
More detail via www.absolutephysiotherapy.co.uk

23/12/2025

🎉✨ As we wrap up 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on a year filled with amazing milestones at Absolute Physio! 🎄🌟
Paola our superb internship Student kicked off our 2025 and brought an energy and passion that rubbed off on us all. She can still be seen through our exercise app with her fantastic videos!
Sharon joined our team and has sorted our admin. She is the Angel we all needed.. a harder job than she anticipated 🤣🤪
Libby joined the squad and an array of five star reviews followed 🙏
Our team continued to progress their post graduate skill base with Emma and Jemma starting their pg cert in ultrasound under the fabulous Graham Dawson and Hayley completing her acupuncture qualification. Helen Wilson expanded her women’s health knowledge base and spread the word with more fantastic speaking events. Fran continued to advise on her specialist skills in paediatric physio, organising conferences and advisory panels.
New classes started in balance and falls and also lifting classes for women over 40.
Our collaboration with ZW clinics and the joint multidisciplinary service has continued to grow and with it a waiting list.

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible patients, the fantastic team, and our amazing collaborators. Your dedication and skills have shaped the excellence we strive for every day. 🙌

We are so proud of what we’ve achieved together, and we’re excited to continue developing new services that support your health and well-being. 💪🌈

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with health, joy, and happiness as we head into 2026! Let’s build on our successes and make the coming year even more extraordinary! 🎊❤️

🎥

GivingBack Sharron Gibson Metcalfe

20/12/2025