Edinburgh Sports + Spinal Physiotherapy are pleased to have an association with Libby Hope who is an external provider of Community Rehabilitation.
For more information please call the clinic
0131 235 2354
Libby Hope | Chartered Physiotherapist: External Provider of Community Rehabilitation
Libby qualified in 2005, and has a background working in private practice and the primary care sector. She now delivers Community Physiotherapy across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Libby’s Approach
With community appointments, there is time flexibility to make sure that the needs of patients with more complex problems are understood, and to provide the extra support and pacing required for assessment and treatment of those with disorders involving mobility decline and degenerative conditions.
While work centres around the needs of the patient, approach frequently seeks to include the wider team around them, where input from next of kin and carers is especially valued. As such, Community Physiotherapy is patient and family centered.
Ultimately, Physiotherapy is usually sought to address physical health concerns. However, not only do community patients typically need to process, manage and adapt to conditions which significantly affect function, there are usually implications on psychosocial wellbeing too. Approach is accommodating and within remit, develops strategies to help case presentations as a whole. This incorporates the Biopsychosocial model of care.
Types of conditions seen in the home environment
The remit of community work can be quite wide, and covers presentations which cannot safely attend clinic, or need significantly extra time. The list below is not exhaustive, though if an enquiry is not within my scope of practice, I will do my best to signpost you to someone who may be better placed to help.
Mobility/falls – is the most frequent reason home visits are sought.
Dementia – patients living with this condition benefit from input for mobility/falls, pain or management of co-morbid conditions relating to aging.
Neurological – these patients are usually seen after completion of input from the public health service, and time is taken to work out where supplementary private Physiotherapy can add value and further support cases.
Orthopaedic – a growing number of cases are seeking input following hip or knee replacement, or after surgical fixation following trauma. These cases are seen in the initial weeks after discharge home, and some then signposted onto further input in clinic later on.
Muscle and joint pain – usually linked to degenerative conditions, chronic or involving another condition where mobility is affected.
Ergonomics – occasionally the desk and computer set up used by community patients is found to be making muscle joint pain worse. This can be checked as part of the assessment and recommendations/ equipment signposting made.
Libby’s skills
Gait work with walking aid prescription
Transfer sequencing with aid/appliance prescription
Falls and environmental screening with education
Supported rehabilitation programmes
Prevention and management of contractures
Liaison with relevant other health and social care bodies including Social Work OT
Supporting patient transition into the third sector including community/ leisure groups
Manual therapies including joint mobilisations and massage
Acupuncture and dry needling
Electrotherapy
Taping
Home exercise plans
Pain management
Ergonomics
It is recommended, that you take a quick read of our blog post for top tips in preparation for any home visit. Click here physiotherapistsedinburgh.co.uk/home-visits-appointment/