Hydrotherapy has changed my life!

My name is Amanda Murphy. In 2020 aged 34, married with a teenage son and working as a GP receptionist, I had a stroke. On starting hydrotherapy in March 2022, I was very nervous as I didn’t have any physiotherapy after my stroke due to the nation going into lockdown because of Covid. My right arm and leg are weak, I fatigue easily and my brain functions completely different to what it once did. I don’t go out alone due to weakness, fatigue, hyperacusis (extreme sensitivity to noise) and lack of co-ordination.

During the 5-week Hydrotherapy Course for new users, Susan taught us exercises in the pool. I learnt that I loved the water and how much easier and more mobile you are in the pool. After each session, I would feel fatigued but also very accomplished and fit. Since April 2022 I have been part of the Bolton Neuro Voices Hydrotherapy Continuation Programme at the Sir Jason Kenny Leisure Centre in Bolton.

Two months later, my husband and I joined our local gym and now swim and do classes weekly. We love aqua aerobics and yin yoga.

Everyone at hydrotherapy is so friendly. I really do feel part of a group and it’s lovely to talk to people who are going through the same as me, and in doing so I have made friends. Together we have joined Jigsaw, the local stroke group, where we go twice a month. We play quizzes, do chair aerobics and watch singers and plays. We also attend the trips they provide.

I have also advised my new social group how good the aqua aerobics make me feel and how fun it is. They have now joined my local gym also and now we all go to aqua aerobics twice a week. And next week we are going to see a show in Liverpool!

Hydrotherapy has really opened doors for me both physically and socially. It has helped me gain confidence, get fit and make friends.. I am much happier and feel so much better and accepted in my ‘new body’. It has helped my mental health and rocketed my social life. It keeps my days busy now with my new-found love of the pool and its classes, Jigsaw and also hydrotherapy weekly.

I feel like I have a life again and I cannot thank Bolton Neuro Voices enough! Thank you!

Reviews

"We have used SP Therapy Services for around 6 years. They provide an excellent service. Our Physiotherapist, Jane has been an amazing support to our son with the various techniques she uses to encourage him to undertake his physio for his cerebral palsy. Following an operation last year, his programme was adapted accordingly and his mobility has improved. Jane has continued to look at different methods to keep him engaged with his exercises, using dance, darts, Nintendo switch which has kept him enthusiastic. We would be happy to recommend SP Therapy, they definitely provide an efficient, effective and reliable service."
Lynne Hush

"The team at SP Therapy Services are always professional and understand the need for client centred goals . It has been a pleasure to have Rebecca's support to enable one of her clients to connect with me and engage in Equine Facilitated learning sessions. Their support is much appreciated ."
Sarah Squires Grimbleby

"The physio team at SP Therapy Services are life enhancers. Not only are they excellent professionals- true experts in what they do, but they are also advocates, champions, and guardians of wellbeing.
My physio Jane has been particularly supportive of me and has helped me understand my own body, improve my strength and instil confidence. Jane does everything she can to help me improve but is flexible to real life challenges.
Juggling work with my energy variation isn’t always straightforward but Jane adapts each session as needed. And I’ve found every team member are all very good and caring.
I doubted whether going back to physio would do any good- but SP teams are the best of the best and made me so grateful to have access to such excellence. Would highly recommend."
C D

"I was diagnosed with MS twenty years ago. Early on, I was advised 'physiotherapy will really help you'. Luckily, SP Therapy Services came to my rescue. They have never let me down, it has been easy to book appointments, and the quality of the sessions is excellent. Speaking to a professional who understands the condition, assess my needs, and comes up with a treatment plan for each appointment is priceless. Many, many thanks to Jane R, and the rest of the team."
Samantha Henthorn

"Susan Patterson at SP Therapy has supported Headway Salford for many years, and her dedication to the brain injury community is truly something special. She consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference for people living with brain injuries and the families supporting them.

Susan is the founder of the North West Brain Injury Forum, which has brought professionals and organisations together to improve support, understanding, and collaboration across the region. Her passion for raising awareness and improving services for those affected by brain injury shines through in everything she does.

Her commitment and hard work have rightly been recognised, including receiving the Headway Salford “Above and Beyond” Award. It’s a well-deserved honour for someone who gives so much of her time, knowledge, and compassion to others.

Susan is a true advocate for the brain injury community and a valued supporter of Headway Salford. People like Susan make a real difference, and the impact of her work continues to be felt by so many."
Sam Ashcroft

"SP Therapy Services have been a fantastic support to Headway Rotherham. Their visits to our group have made a real difference, especially through their engaging and accessible chair-based exercise sessions, which our members really enjoy and benefit from.

They are not only professional and knowledgeable, but also genuinely warm and encouraging, helping everyone feel comfortable and included. We are particularly grateful for their ongoing support in raising funds for our charity, which shows their commitment goes far beyond their sessions.

We highly value our partnership with SP Therapy Services and look forward to continuing to work together."
Sadie Bratt

"Very professional service and high quality of reports and communication to ensure best practice and outcomes for my clients."
Elaine O'Flaherty

"Excellent service! As always. I have worked with SP Therapy services now for close to 18 years and I rate them highly."
Linda Jooste

"I am delighted to endorse the team at SP Therapy Services. They consistently provide exceptional therapy and support their practice with sound, detailed documentation, which always arrives in a timely manner. The friendly clinicians are a credit to this fabulous company and it is evident that they always keep their patients at the centre of everything they do."
Janet Penny

"SP Therapy Services has supported Greater Manchester Spinal Injury Group for many years. Susan and Rebecca have demonstrated knowledge and skill and been adaptable to working in community settings. I would have no hesitation in recommending SP Therapy Services."
Greater Manchester Spinal Injury Group

"I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to Sue for everything she has done for our daughter who has FND.
Her patience, encouragement, and expertise have made such a difference, and we are truly grateful for the care that she has given to her ."
Julie Meara

"I referred one of my clients to SP Therapy Services for physiotherapy input. Jayne and the team have worked really hard to help my client meet and exceed their goals in a short period of time. They have provided regular updates and have been professional and empathetic at all times with my client and their family. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services."
Grace Heppinstall