Outpatient physiotherapy

We have several physiotherapists within the department who are fully qualified to deliver acupuncture as part of your treatment regime. 

All physiotherapists will have completed a recognised post-graduate acupuncture qualification and will maintain a record of appropriate on-going training (continuing professional development) to ensure that their skills are kept up-to-date, safe and as effective as possible.   

Acupuncture may be offered as part of your treatment when your physiotherapist feels it will aid your recovery.  Due to the nature of the referrals that we receive from GPs and consultants we rarely offer acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment.

All patients being considered for acupuncture treatment will undergo a screening process to make sure there are no reasons why this form of treatment may not be appropriate for you.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

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Physiotherapy management following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery

The physiotherapy out-patient department has close links with the orthopaedic knee surgeons and in-patient therapy team at Lewisham Hospital to provide a smooth transition from your in-patient post-operative care following ACL surgery.

We organise an initial appointment usually within one week of your discharge from hospital to ensure you are progressing as expected in this important initial 2 week period.  We will make sure that your pain is well controlled and that you are on target with your early exercise programme. 

For on-going management we offer a weekly gym-based exercise class specifically for ACL patients, as well as periodic reviews to ensure that you are meeting your targets.  If for any reason you are unable to attend this class then we give you all the information you need to carry out your rehabilitation independently, with periodic review appointments. 

All aspects of our ACL rehabilitation delivery have recently been reviewed, resulting in the most up-to-date, evidence-based care possible.  The changes that were put into place won the Association of Orthopaedic Chartered Physiotherapists (AOCP) 'Service of the Year' national award.

The service is delivered by senior physiotherapists and therapy assistants experienced in the management of ACL reconstruction rehabilitation.  Our aim is for you to return to your pre-injury levels of activity and sport.

Referral is by Consultant or Physiotherapist. 

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

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Most amputees in south-east London will undergo major amputation at St Thomas' Hospital. Once medically well, Lewisham residents will be referred to our service, where we work in close partnership with the Bowley Close Rehabilitation Centre. The service works with clients to assess their needs, rehabilitate them into the community and help them achieve function, mobility and independence.

The service includes:

• Twice weekly individual rehabilitation sessions.
• Strengthening program
• Limb care
• Bed and wheelchair transfer practice
• Balance and coordination training
• Ambulation with assistive devices without a prosthesis
• Donning and doffing of the prosthesis
• Gait training

The service is also available for existing amputees who may be struggling to use their prosthesis and may benefit from a short period of rehabilitation to improve their function.

Who can refer?

GPs, Consultants and other allied healthcare professionals.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

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The aim of the Back Rehabilitation Programme is that participants learn more about what may cause their low back pain and how to manage and improve it.

The Back Rehabilitation Programme runs over 6 weeks. Participants attend a group session once a week either on either Monday morning or Friday afternoon for an hour and a half. Each session contains 30 minutes of education and an hour of supervised exercise in the gym.

 We have had impressive results from the programme: 100% of patients report finding it helpful and have learnt strategies to manage their low back pain and 80% saying that their low back pain improved as a result of the programme. Feedback includes:

               “As a result of the programme I've realised low back pain doesn't last forever and I should get out and live my life”

            “The sessions have been really interesting and thought provoking for me and I have really built my confidence up in exercising and managing my low back pain”

 Referral to this class is by a Physiotherapist following an individual assessment.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

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The Cardiac team

At Lewisham Hospital the cardiac rehabilitation team consists of cardiac specialist nurses and a physiotherapist, as well as a cardiac fitness instructor.  After a heart attack, patients are seen by a cardiac nurse on the ward, which is where the rehabilitation process begins.  The same thing happens after surgery, usually at Kings College Hospital or another hospital which specialises in heart surgery.  Patients who have had surgery are visited at home by our cardiac nurse for further care and those patients who have had a heart attack or coronary angioplasty will be followed up in a cardiac clinic at Lewisham Hospital. 

What happens next?

Once recovery has taken place at home after a cardiac event, patients are invited to attend an outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation programme at Lewisham Hospital.  The cardiac team runs three courses a week, on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Each course lasts for seven or eight weeks. Most people attending will need to make some lifestyle changes to help prevent further heart problems.  It may be that patients would benefit from stopping smoking, losing weight, doing more exercise or getting help with depression or anxiety.  The cardiac team are dedicated to helping with these issues.

What takes place during the course?

We aim to help patients’ recovery and improve fitness and strength.  We also aim to improve confidence.  This achieved by thorough assessments, exercise sessions, relaxation and education.  By the time patients leave the Cardiac Rehabilitation programme they should have a full understanding of their condition, know how to exercise safely, be aware of how to make life-style changes and feel confident to lead as full a life as possible.

Cardiac Physiotherapy at Lewisham Hospital               

A cardiac physiotherapist is part of the team to ensure patients exercise safely.  Many people attending the programme have muscle or joint problems and worry that they may not be able to exercise.  The physiotherapist assesses these conditions carefully and modifies the exercises to suit each individual, taking into account their age, so that they feel comfortable and confident to join in. Any patient with a muscle or joint problem that requires treatment is dealt with by the cardiac physiotherapist during the programme and may continue after discharge.

The physiotherapist also assesses some patients before attending the programme.  This is usually for patients who have problems other than their heart condition.  This helps the team decide which of the programmes is best for the patient and how to best care for them. The physiotherapist, nurses and fitness instructor work very closely with each other and aim to treat  patients in a holistic way, caring not just about their heart condition but about their health and wellbeing in general.

Who can refer?

GPs, Consultants and other allied healthcare professionals.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

Back to Lewisham Physiotherapy Services >>

We see a variety of patients: those who have had 2 or more falls in the last year, those with a fear of falling or those who feel off-balance.

We offer a detailed assessment and tailor treatment accordingly. We base our treatment on postural stability exercises and Otago exercises.

Patients can be seen on a one-to-one basis or within the Balance Group (Falls Group).

The Balance group runs once a week over a period of 12 weeks, during which time we work on strength, flexibility and balance. The classes also contain an educational component which improves awareness of causes and consequences of falls and what can be done to limit these.

We generally require all our patients to also complete home exercises to help them reach their full potential. We expect these exercises to be done during the period of time they are coming for treatment and to be continued on discharge.

Referral is by GP, Consultant or Physiotherapist

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net
 

Back to Lewisham Physiotherapy Services >>

For information on the: Lewisham Community Falls Service >>

Hydrotherapy is a type of physiotherapy carried out in water. Hydrotherapy differs from swimming because it involves special exercises in a warm pool: the water temperature is usually 33–36ºC, which is warmer than a typical swimming pool. It is especially beneficial to help with early rehabilitation from acute lower limb injuries and fractures, as movements and activities that aren't possible on dry land can be performed in the water.

The properties of the water temperature, pressure and buoyancy can help reduce weight-bearing stresses and reduce pain. Dynamic exercises within the water will begin to restore muscle strength, balance and co-ordination.

Referral to hydrotherapy is by a Physiotherapist following an individual assessment.

 How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Fri  day, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

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Following lower limb surgery or injury, it often takes a while to return to pre-injury function or sport.

After consultation and initial treatment from a Physiotherapist it may be agreed that an intensive 6 week exercise class, individually tailored to the specific injury, may be the best way to achieve this return to full function.

This class is designed is to provide advice, education and exercise regarding your particular injury and provide help and assistance in progressing your exercises to return to your pre-injury level of ability.

The class consists of a maximum 6 sessions for 1 hour.  They run once a week – Tuesday at either 3pm or 4:15pm or Friday at 8.30am. The class takes place in our fully equipped rehabilitation gymnasium within the outpatient department.

Referral to this class is by the treating Physiotherapist only.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

Back to Lewisham Physiotherapy Services >>

Physiotherapy is an evidence-based healthcare profession concerned with human movement and the function of muscles, joints, nerves and limbs. Using a variety of techniques we aim to help your body work to its full potential, reducing pain and stiffness and assist to repair damage by providing the correct environment for the healing process to take place

Treatment options include:

• Tailored home exercise program
• Specific exercise classes
• Joint manipulation and mobilisation
• Hydrotherapy
• Taping
• Acupuncture

Physiotherapy helps people keep mobile and active, whatever their age or state of health, and to get people back to work after illness or injury.

Back Pain

Including joint pain and stiffness, disc related pain, sciatic pain, whiplash and referred leg and arm pain

Joint Pains

Pain swelling and stiffness, injury and arthritis

Soft tissue Injuries

Acute and chronic injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Including; Achilles problems, frozen shoulder, tennis elbows, knee and hip pain, repetitive strain injuries and postural problems.

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A physiotherapy service for people with a neurological condition; e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, vestibular problems and any condition or injury affecting the brain or spinal cord, resulting in altered movement patterns.

We offer an assessment and treatment programme. Treatment may include exercise and stretches, gait and balance re-education, management of long-term disability, hydrotherapy or a circuit exercise group.

Initial assessment may take up to an hour; subsequent appointments are approximately 45 minutes to an hour, dependent on need.

We expect patients to take an active part in their treatment, and follow agreed exercise programmes independently.

The service is based at Lewisham Hospital in the neuro rehabilitation gym on the ground floor of the blue zone building.

Who can refer?

GPs and consultants and other allied healthcare professionals.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T:  020 3192 6380
E:  neuro.physiotherapy@nhs.net

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Knee pain and stiffness are common, but can be disabling and have a significant impact on the ways people are able to lead day-to-day life.

As we get older our joints and the muscles and ligaments surrounding them become more susceptible to degeneration, often as a result of the stresses and strains they have withstood throughout our lifetime. Previous injuries may also mean our joints no longer function as well as they used to. The joints commonly affected are the hips, knees, lower back and hands; many people will experience symptoms in one or more of these areas as they age.

People who experience knee pain and stiffness (sometimes associated with swelling and redness) will often be told they have osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of joints affects approximately 8 million people in the UK, and is becoming more common as we live longer.

Many people think osteoarthritis/joint pain is untreatable: this is not correct. Whilst getting rid of knee joint pain completely is not possible, there is a lot you can do to reduce pain and maximise your ability to do what you want.

ESCAPE (Enabling Self-Management & Coping And Pain through Exercise) is a well-researched programme to help patients learn to manage their knee osteoarthritis. It is supported by Arthritis Research UK and The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

The aim of this class is to provide advice and education regarding knee arthritis and help you start the exercises designed to improve your movement and reduce your pain. You will be provided with guidance for self-management of your arthritis.

The class consists of 10 sessions.  They run twice a week – Monday at 2.30pm and Thursday at 2.30pm and it is important to attend every class.

Referral to this class is by a Physiotherapist following an individual assessment.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

Back to Lewisham Physiotherapy Services >>

We provide a comprehensive outpatient service run by a team of specialist paediatric therapists.Children are seen from birth to 16 years of age for a wide range of conditions, including general musculoskeletal problems, gait education, post-fracture rehabilitation, hypermobility and developmental problems.

The paediatric team can offer appointments throughout the week, some being available before and after school. As well as offering a department-based service, therapists regularly attend the Cystic Fibrosis clinic and Paediatric Rheumatology clinic. In this environment, patients and families have instant access to a therapist, for regular reviews or for new patient referrals.

The same specialist paediatric physiotherapy team also covers the inpatient areas for paediatrics at UHL. This ensures smooth referral to Lewisham’s outpatient services and provides continuity of care to the children and their carers.

Referral is by GPs, Consultants and other allied healthcare professionals.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

Back to Lewisham Physiotherapy Services >>

The recently refurbished Gymnasium, including new spinning bikes, allows a widespread range of rehabilitation classes; from neurological and amputee rehabilitation to return to sport following ACL reconstruction.

How can you contact the department?

The Department is open between 7.45am - 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted using the following:

T: 020 8333 3148
F: 020 8333 3089 
E: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net

Back to Lewisham Physiotherapy Services >>

Our Women’s Health team provide an extremely specialised service, treating a wide variety of conditions including bladder dysfunction (urinary incontinence, overactive bladder), bowel dysfunction (incontinence, constipation), post-natal problems, pelvic pain and related sexual dysfunction and pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

The team perform detailed examinations as required, alongside musculoskeletal assessment techniques.

They employ a variety of treatment options including advice, pelvic floor muscle exercises, general exercises, acupuncture, bladder and bowel retraining, use of rehabilitative equipment and electrical stimulation, as well as a pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain group education and exercise session.

GPs and consultants and other allied healthcare professionals.

Contact

Opening hours: Monday — Friday, 7.45am - 4.45pm

Phone: 020 8333 3148

Email: LH.Physio-info@nhs.net