I have been a competitive road cyclist for two complete seasons and attained Elite status in September 2008. I have known Mark for a few years as I sculled at Vesta Rowing Club on the Putney Embankment for 6 years. When I started bike racing, Mark suggested that I take up Pilates as a useful tool to compliment my cycling. My improved core stability has benefited my cycling and whether I am climbing hills or riding flat out on the drops, I’m far more aware of my muscles and which of them need too be working and engaged.
It was therefore natural for me to ask Physio4Life for help when I broke my collar-bone during a race in September 2007. I saw a member of the physiotherapy team, Andrew Bennett and was given exercises which helped me to regain scapular control and build my strength back so that I could begin training again. I was also given an “action plan” and Andrew very much oversaw my recovery, helping me get the most out of the NSH consultants I saw by formulating questions for me to ask them and writing a letter to explain the support I was getting from Physio4life.
On the back of this 2008 was successful year for me and I raced twice a week, most weeks from April to September. I even managed to compete in some time trial events, something which seem impossible at the end of the previous year. I saw sports masseuse, Gemma Eaves most weeks throughout the latter part of the season to help me with releasing tight muscles and combating latent sciatic pain. Gemma is a fantastic sports masseuse and a bright and cheerful person, which made my sometimes painful sessions very welcome indeed. I genuinely don’t think I would have been as successful without her expert help and am very pleased to be among her clients!
Charlotte Blackman – Pilates and Physiotherapy Client, Physio4Life