Physiotherapy patients offered treatment in gyms as part of pilot

NHS physiotherapy patients are being offered treatment in gyms and leisure centres as part of a pilot scheme that brings the medical and physical activity sector together.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ has partnered with industry body, ukactive, to improve access to musculoskeletal rehabilitation and therapy services in the community.

Around half of the team’s referrals are for patients suffering from lower back pain, for which regular exercise is key to recovery. The majority of other patients need to improve their fitness and muscle strength due to underlying conditions such as injuries, arthritis or fibromyalgia.

The 18-month pilot is expected to involve around 25,000 patients.

The project combines the expertise of the Trust’s specialist staff with gym environments at Castle Leisure Centre, Brixton Recreation Centre and Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre.

As a result, patients will be able to benefit from more space and a wider range of equipment than that offered by hospital gym sites.

The initiative also lowers transport costs for patients and reduces travel time to and from appointments as they tend to be closer to their home or work. This helps make it easier to attend appointments and reduces health inequalities, with early data showing that the pilot has reduced ‘no shows’ by around 6 per cent.

As an added bonus, patients are able to use the wider gym facilities – including pool, sauna and steam room facilities – for free on the days that they are attending physio services. It is hoped that by accessing treatment in a local gym, patients will gain confidence in using equipment and possibly take up a membership – making them more likely to exercise regularly. Patients are able to access discounted gym memberships once their treatment finishes.

The pilot has been made possible thanks to funding from the Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity.