Rugby star supports Physio clinic in donating profits to brain charity
International rugby star Chris Henry has praised a new state-of-the-art physiotherapy clinic which is ploughing all of its profits into a charity helping brain injury victims rebuild their lives.
The Belfast-based flanker has thrown his weight firmly behind Rebound Physio, a new social economy business which is donating all of its profits to the charity Brain Injury Matters.
He said: “”I really like that Rebound Physio is supporting the charity Brain Injury Matters. It’s great that a business is giving something back to the community and helping people during a critical time in their lives.”
Henry was diagnosed last year with a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain which has kept him out of the sport. He is back in training and is hoping to be available for the Rugby World Cup later this year.
He added: “Being part of a professional rugby team I am well used to the physiotherapy couch. After my recent illness, I understand the importance of physiotherapy in rebuilding your health as well as your confidence in your own body.
“It was an anxious time for me and for my family and really brought home to me what it’s like to deal with serious illness. The team at Rebound specialise not only in sports injury treatments but also in recovery from neurological conditions.”
Dr Katy Pedlow, the founder of Rebound Physio, is one of only a handful of practitioners in Northern Ireland to attain a PhD in neurological rehabilitation.
She says the treatment of brain injuries is rapidly becoming an essential part of the physiotherapy profession.
“We have seen advances in many sports in how head injuries are treated. International rugby has introduced new protocols because of advances in knowledge of the long term dangers of concussion.
“Neurological work is becoming a vital part of the physiotherapists’ skill set so it is important that more and more of our practitioners get the qualifications necessary to help in the treatment of head injuries.”
“When we set up Rebound Physio, the aim was to give something back to the community, to help those that need it most to rebuild their lives that is why we are supporting Brain Injury Matters. We work on a one-to-one basis focusing solely on our patients’ needs, developing a treatment and exercise programme to support their recovery.”
For more information contact Teri Kelly on 02893 340275, 07957142915 or email teri@kellypr.co.uk
