Absolute Physiotherapy

Absolute Physiotherapy www.bookwhen.com/absolutephysio Absolute Physiotherapy started in 2010 by Jemma Donald.

Jemma qualified as a chartered Physiotherapist in July 2004 from Birmingham University. She worked for the NHS at the Royal Preston Hospital for three years where she worked alongside leading spinal surgeons, lower limb and shoulder specialists gaining valuable experience in acute and chronic musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems. During this time she also worked for a private sports injury clinic where she furthered her knowledge and skills in sports injury assessment, treatment and prevention. In 2007 she moved back to her hometown of Penrith where she continued to work as a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist for the NHS. Jemma took over a private clinic in Penrith in 2007 before taking a break to start a family. In 2013 she set up Absolute Physiotherapy and now works part-time private and part-time NHS. Since qualifying Jemma has undertaken extensive postgraduate study gaining a diploma in orthopaedic medicine, certificates in acupuncture, clinical pilates, biomechanics of the lower limb, orthotics, achilles tendinopathy treatment and dynamic taping. Currently she is studying towards a PGC in higher Education on a part-time basis and her diploma in Injection therapy allowing her the scope to inject steroid and viscosupplements into joints. She has a specialist interest in biomechanics and uses her skills in analysis of movement to underpin her assessment and diagnosis. Outside of work Jemma has a long history of running and competitive squash. More recently she has started competing in the popular sport of triathlons in between adding to the family. As the business has progressed Jemma has taken on two members of staff on a part time basis. These are Paul Hetherington and Helen Jackson, both of whom have brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the practice.

Great to see clubs seeking out ways to inform their players of areas that can particularly affect their performance and ...
15/10/2025

Great to see clubs seeking out ways to inform their players of areas that can particularly affect their performance and well being as women in sport 💪👌🙌

NEWS: Ahead of Saturday's World Menopause Day, physiotherapy lecturer Carolyn Kent, who also leads the knowledge exchange platform Women's Football Hub , has hosted a special event dedicated to women's health in football.

Players from Carlisle United's ladies team and manager Tracy Gannon visited our Fusehill Street campus last night.

Carolyn staged a session on the importance of picking the right boots to help prevent injury and optimise performance. Penrith-based physio Helen Wilson, from Absolute Physiotherapy, hosted a session on women's health that featured a focus on pelvic floor and breast health as well as menstrual cycles and menopause.

Thanks to all involved.


Carlisle United Football Club Carlisle United Community Sports Trust Carlisle United Ladies FC

15/10/2025

🌟 Elevate your health with advanced physiological testing at Absolute Physio:

🔹 Resting Metabolic Rate
🔹 Spirometry
🔹 VO2 Max
🔹 Oxygen & Muscle Testing (using Near Infrared Spectroscopy)

Every test is expertly analyzed and interpreted by Daniel Crumback, an international expert in physiological testing.

Our services aim to:
- Enhance performance
- Improve longevity
- Address respiratory and metabolic conditions

For more information on this specialized service, visit our website! www.absolutephysiotherapy.co.uk

Absolute Women’s health visiting the Carlisle United Ladies team. 🌐This evening, Helen delivered a comprehensive talk to...
14/10/2025

Absolute Women’s health visiting the Carlisle United Ladies team. 🌐

This evening, Helen delivered a comprehensive talk to the Carlisle United women’s team, focusing on women’s health, particularly in the area of posture fitting.

Helen brings a wealth of experience in treating both women’s and men’s health issues. Her recent service in posture fitting aims to empower individuals to find the right support and to look, move, and feel better. Many young women playing sport are not supported correctly which is not only uncomfortable but can affect performance too.

We’re pleased to showcase the informational leaflet she shared. It really highlights the array of services Helen is leading.

For more information on how we can assist in pelvic and breast health, please visit our website.

We look forward to supporting more individuals on their health journeys.

Many of you may know I play this wonderful game of squash and help with the ladies squash development. It’s world squash...
10/10/2025

Many of you may know I play this wonderful game of squash and help with the ladies squash development. It’s world squash day tomorrow so we are having a day of free squash for all. We are massively encouraging families, adults, children to come down to play! We have coaches to help guide those that need it and rackets and balls for anyone that needs them.

A great opportunity to try it out! Please feel free to share to friends who might be interested 👌🙌

Please share
This is FREE
There are coaches available all day!
Try it out and have fun!

25/09/2025

🌟 Exciting News for Our Older Adults!

Join us for our Older Adult Balance and Strength Class led by the very experienced Hayley Berman, our specialist older adult physiotherapist! This 45-minute class will take place every Tuesday at 3 PM with very small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention for all participants.

👥 This class is perfect for those who may be struggling with balance and are at a higher risk of falls or maybe had repeated falls. Hayley is passionate about helping you improve your strength and stability, and we’ll be offering advanced classes for those ready to take their skills to the next level soon!

📞 Interested? Drop us an email, give us a call, check our website:
www.absolutephysiotherapy.co.uk or message us right here for more information! You can also book your spot directly via the link below.

🗓️ Classes start in just a few weeks!
Tuesday October 14th.

👉 [Link to book: www.bookwhen.com/absolutephysio )


🌟 Physio Pod Clinic Availability 🌟 Are you struggling with foot or ankle pain? Got issues that are extending up to your ...
14/09/2025

🌟 Physio Pod Clinic Availability 🌟

Are you struggling with foot or ankle pain? Got issues that are extending up to your knee, hip, or lower back? This Clinic could be for you and it’s at Absolute Physio Friday 19th Sep.

Meet our amazing duo:
👩‍⚕️ Zoe Wilson- A musculoskeletal podiatrist who excels in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle issues.
👩‍⚕️ Jemma Donald - Our specialist physiotherapist focusing on the whole system but particularly from the pelvis down to the ankle. Together, they tackle even the most complex cases in a holistic approach.

To book on or find out more please contact either:
ZW clinics 01524 932 031
Absolute Physio 07851228805

Great article as always illustrating how strong and robust our knees can be are despite cartilage tears.
30/08/2025

Great article as always illustrating how strong and robust our knees can be are despite cartilage tears.

Is cartilage stronger than concrete⁉️

Beluzzi et al. (2023) say cartilage strength is approximately 9 to 40 Mpa. The compressive strength of standard concrete is 17 to 35 MPa.

They have comparable strength, but cartilage is a living, viscoelastic tissue which is far more resilient than concrete under repeated dynamic loading and manages millions of load cycles during its lifetime.

This strength and resilience allows it to function even with a tear. This may be why tears are often asymptomatic, even in runners.

As with everything, individual cases will vary and management will be influenced by the type of tear and symptoms such as locking, giving way or persistent loss of range.

The good news is that many meniscal tears can be managed conservatively without need for surgery. Reassuring people about the toughness of the knee and its cartilage can help them see that rehab is well worth a shot!!

09/08/2025

🏃‍♂️🌟 Unlock Your Foot Strength! 🌟🏃‍♀️

At Absolute we believe strong feet are the foundation of a great run! 🦶✨ Check out our young star showing how simple tools and fun games can boost foot and ankle strength! 💪

👣 Intrinsic foot strength
🏋️ Ankle power
🏃‍♂️ Calf complex training

Balance and plyometric exercises are highly effective for building foot and ankle strength in runners and are enjoyable for both children and adults. These exercises not only enhance muscle power, tendon elasticity, and neuromuscular coordination but also improve balance, which is crucial for reduced risk of injury and optimal running performance. Incorporating fun, sport-specific plyometric and balance training engages multiple movement planes often neglected in running alone, promoting resilience and sustainable biomechanics.

Additionally, emphasizing fun and engaging activities around these exercises is important for sustained motivation in both children and adults. Early education using simple equipment and playful drills can foster strong, mobile, and flexible feet, helping prevent pain and injury long-term.

“Balance and plyometric exercises don’t just build foot and ankle strength—they’re fun and effective for runners of all ages! These exercises improve your power, speed, and balance by training muscles and tendons to react more explosively and efficiently.

Reference example:

- Myer et al., 2006; Gebel et al., 2018 (balance adaptations)
- Sports Medicine, 2018; Frontiers in Physiology, 2021

👉 Swipe to see the magic on the treadmill!

🌟 Joint Health at Absolute Physio! 🌟We are pleased to announce our upcoming Injection Therapy Clinic on Wednesday, June ...
26/05/2025

🌟 Joint Health at Absolute Physio! 🌟

We are pleased to announce our upcoming Injection Therapy Clinic on Wednesday, June 5th, led by our Specialist Physio and Practice lead Jemma Donald 💉✨

Our clinic specializes in hyaluronic acid injections utilizing Sinovial or Ostenil designed to replicate the shock-absorbing and lubricating properties of natural synovial fluid. These injections serve as an excellent adjunct to exercise therapy—the gold standard for managing osteoarthritis. They are particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate arthritis, providing significant pain relief while minimizing risks compared to steroid injections.

👩‍⚕️ Who is this treatment suitable for?
If you are living with osteoarthritis and seeking an effective solution for joint pain, these injections may be a helpful option.

📊 Evidence-based treatment: Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlight the efficacy of hyaluronic acid injections in enhancing joint health. Notable references include:

1. Zhang, W., et al. (2015). “Efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 23(9), 1568-1579.

2. Kahn, M., et al. (2016). “Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of the literature.” The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 44(3), 275-281.

3. Henrotin, Y., et al. (2013). “Hyaluronic acid for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review.” Clinical Rheumatology, 32(6), 779-795.

Our team at Absolute Physio is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care, with our practitioners being Chartered Physiotherapists with advanced practice qualifications to ensure you’re in expert hands.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to reach out via email or DM.

Congratulations to Femke van Schelven and  on setting up this service for Cumbria. Two very experienced therapists provi...
20/05/2025

Congratulations to Femke van Schelven and on setting up this service for Cumbria. Two very experienced therapists providing a much needed service in Cumbria for neuro patients. 🤩🙌👏

At Miles Ahead Therapies, we specialise in providing integrated Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services. Our approach focuses on active and engaging therapies to ensure a meaningful and functional rehabilitation experience for our clients. With specialist assessment, reporting, and treatment...

🏁💪 Congratulations, London Marathon Runners! You’ve conquered 26.2 miles - what an incredible achievement! 🎉 As your phy...
27/04/2025

🏁💪 Congratulations, London Marathon Runners! You’ve conquered 26.2 miles - what an incredible achievement! 🎉 As your physiotherapy team, we want to help you recover effectively over the coming days. Here’s how to ensure a smooth recovery backed by science! 📚✨

1. Rehydrate
🔹 After your race, it’s critical to restore lost fluids. Aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water and consider electrolyte-rich drinks. Proper hydration aids in muscle recovery and overall function.
“Dehydration adversely affects performance and recovery.” (Casa et al., 2000)

2. Nourish Your Body
🔹 Focus on a balanced diet with a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Incorporate lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and veggies into your meals to replenish glycogen stores and repair muscle tissue.
“Post-exercise nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery.” (Jeukendrup, 2017)

3. Active Recovery
🔹 Engage in light activities like walking or gentle cycling—this keeps blood flowing and helps your muscles recover without taxing them.
“Active recovery has shown positive effects on preventing stiffness.” (McCarthy et al., 2013)

4. Stretch and Foam Roll
🔹 Incorporate gentle stretching and foam rolling to alleviate soreness and improve flexibility. Target your legs, hips, and back to release tightness.
“Self-myofascial release may improve flexibility and reduce soreness.” (MacDonald et al., 2013)

5. Prioritize Rest
🔹 Give your body the sleep it needs! Quality rest is essential for muscle recovery and adaptation; aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly.
“Sleep extension has been shown to enhance athletic performance.” (Mah et al., 2011)

🌟 If you have any concerns about your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalized advice. You did it, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

🌟 Exciting Update on Osteoarthritis Management! 🌟 Absolute are thrilled to announce that Jemma our specialist Physio is ...
12/03/2025

🌟 Exciting Update on Osteoarthritis Management! 🌟

Absolute are thrilled to announce that Jemma our specialist Physio is going to be using her skills as an injection therapist to help with OA management using hyaluronic acid (HA) joint injections paired with exercise therapy. 💪

OA affects millions, causing pain and limiting mobility. While there’s no cure, HA injections can provide significant pain relief and improve joint function, as shown in research from the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (Jung et al., 2020). When combined with personalized exercise programs, we can maximize recovery and enhance quality of life. 🏃‍♂️✨

The Role of Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies, particularly in connective tissues. In the context of OA, HA injections can provide essential lubrication and cushioning to the joints, mimicking the properties of synovial fluid. Research has demonstrated that these injections can help reduce pain and improve joint function. For instance, a systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research indicates that patients receiving HA injections experienced significant pain relief and improved mobility over time (Jung et al., 2020).

If you or someone you know is struggling with OA, let’s explore this comprehensive approach together. Here’s to better joint health and an active lifestyle! 🙌

Address

Penrith
CA110BJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

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