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By Sarah, August 2024, I’d had knee pain since December sustained whilst putting up Christmas decorations. I’m normally pretty fit and active and at the gym 4-5 times per week. I have a 7 year old daughter who is very lively and we have lots of days out. I’m a single parent so inevitably end up on soft play, climbing frames etc! The knee pain was gradually worsening and at times would suddenly catch me if I moved in a certain way. It was limiting my activities and really starting to slow me down and make me feel low. My mum recommended Olivia and she has been fantastic. She was very professional and reassuring and listened to everything I had to say. She also remembered seeing my mum and her talking about her granddaughter (my daughter) which just demonstrates how much Olivia cares about her patients and how committed she is to the job. After 2 visits to Olivia, my knee was 90% better and I felt like I had been given my life back! A few months later and I have no knee pain at all and am so grateful for her help. I would definitely recommend her and wanted to say thank you for such a positive experience.
By Sarah, March 2024, I started my running journey with a half marathon 6 years ago. I was in my late 40s and although I’d been fit and active all my life I’d not done any running or recovery! As I started to train for my first marathon I upped my mileage and started to suffer from a number of ‘niggles’. I began working with a coach who introduced S&C sessions, yoga and recommended I have my first sports massage. I booked in with Pippa at Get Back to the Action, I was a little nervous not having had any form of massage before but Pippa put me straight at easy chatting away as she worked on loosening my legs. The race went well and I recovered far better than I expected. Things escalated quickly after lockdown ended, I completed 7 trail marathon events in 2021, a 50 mile race in 2022 and then the 250km Marathon des Sables in 2023. Massage has become a regular slot in my calendar, helping to recover from intense blocks of training, loosen up ahead of races and most importantly is keeping me injury free. I feel that Pippa knows my body and what needs to be done to prevent anything becoming an issue, she is also able to spot any new trouble spots and to address before they caused me any problems. I know I wouldn’t be able to maintain the level of training and intensity I do without these regular proactive sessions.
Through my Marathon des Sables training I regularly used compression leggings to promote and speed my recovery after my back to back long runs so was excited to hear Pippa had the Evolve compression boots available to borrow and was keen to give them a try. I collected them after my regular massage and was instantly surprised how portable they were in just a standard sized rucksack. They were easily unpacked, connected together and ready to use. The Evolve boots have 6 compression chambers to target as many areas as possible and 6 different modes filling and emptying the chambers in different orders / patterns. You just pick a mode and set the pressure and timer, they’re easy to slip on with a full length zip and then you’re pretty much good to go.
I tried all 6 modes over the course of a week, each for 30 minutes after a training session. I found a couple of the modes felt more effective and settled on a pressure which was comfortably uncomfortable. I did try to increase the pressure to as high as I could bear – I didn’t make it anywhere near the maximum 260mmHg!
My training load in the week I tested wasn’t ‘maximum’ but I did a relatively tough interval session, strength sessions and a 3 hour long run. The research on the benefits of compression is still inconclusive but my legs certainly felt fresh and less achy than they normally would, particularly after the longer run. I actually found myself very relaxed after using the boots each evening. I routinely track my sleep using my Garmin watch and the week I used the boots was the most consistent week of good sleep I’ve ever had! For this benefit alone I highly recommend the boots and will be looking to rent again or possibly even purchase.
By Nichola, November 2023, So pleased I came to see Olivia for treatment for my ligament injury. She was able to massage my overworked muscles and after a few treatments and some recommended stretches I was able to return to work quickly, I stopped using my sticks and am free to walk about and have recently started my hobbies again gardening, DIY and walking. Thanks so much Olivia, this was life changing, I could only walk for about 5 mins with sticks 14 weeks ago, and feel now I am getting back to normal, after thinking it would take longer to recover.
By Colin, June 2022, Running is important to me, both for physical and mental health. So, last autumn, when I developed foot pain, and then post run swelling around my right foot and ankle, I really needed to find out what was going on and fix it. At first, I thought that rest might be the answer, but that was easier said than done. We have a large Old English Sheepdog who needs a daily walk, and she tends to pull a bit (understatement). By Christmas, 2021 the pain and swelling had got to a point where I could barely walk. So, I decided that action was needed; the question was, where do I go for help? Was this a doctor, physio or podiatrist issue?
Usually, I can document the development of an injury and any likely contributing factor such as a fall. This allows health professionals to build up a picture. This injury was different. I knew that I had suffered a couple of significant “knocks” on my foot, but there wasn’t a clear correlation between any of these and the foot pain/swelling. Just to complicate matters further, the site of the pain seemed to move too, from the right side of my foot, over to the left and then on top, and then into the ball of my foot just for good measure.
I decided to consult a doctor, just as a means of getting a quick X ray to rule out a broken bone. That came back clear, apart from a touch of arthritis, but hey, I am 70 years old so no real surprise there! Then, on a friend’s recommendation, I tried a podiatrist. He had some interesting technical kit which produced a computer picture of my how my feet were landing and pushing off. The fact that the right foot wasn’t working properly (over pronation in technical terms) was clear. We talked about a custom-made orthotic shoe insert to stop the foot from rolling over too far to fix it. In the meantime, I had had to stop any running, but the swelling and pain persisted. By this time, I was a stone over my normal weight, just to make things worse!
Before going ahead with the orthotic, I decided to consult Pippa who has “sorted me out” on a number of occasions. I am always amazed by her diagnostic technique. She listened carefully to my detailed account of the history and looked at the X ray report from the doctor. She then got me to stand up, turn around, and try a squat. This was followed by an examination of the inside of my foot and few slightly painful prods. I could tell from her face that she had worked out what the problem was. I waited with bated breath for the verdict. She knows me well! The first comment was “this isn’t the end of your running. You and I can fix this, right ?” . “Yes” I said. This was a pact; she was saying “you do exactly as I say (meaning do your exercises properly and regularly) and I will get you through this”. An added bonus, was that Pippa was keen that I resumed running, albeit slowly and for short distances. I suspect that part of the problem for people of my age is that limbs naturally stiffen up if they are not being exercised; so, inactivity can compound the problem.
Her approach to stopping the pain and swelling was to fix the cause of the over pronation, rather than look at orthotics which block the excessive foot movement. Apparently orthotics don’t always work so well for people like me with high arches. She massaged a tendon on the inside of my foot (it was causing my foot to collapse inwards when I put weight on it) and gave me daily exercises to work on toe and ankle strength. She also recommended recovery shoes/sandals, which can be worn at any time, but are mainly designed for use post activity. They brought instant relief from post run pain.
I was soon out running again (short runs to start with) and had a couple of follow up appointments, at the end of which the pain and swelling had vanished, as has the extra stone in weight! I have gradually built up to a 12k run (24 June 2022) on my way to another Half Marathon.
By Lissa , March 2022, My first visit to Pippa was in 2017 after a previous therapist told me that I should not run again due to problems with my shins and calves. Pippa’s initial assessment was extremely comprehensive and professional, Pippa gave me a prompt diagnosis and developed a tailor-made treatment plan for my rehabilitation, within a few weeks my injuries were vastly improved and I even managed to complete a triathlon – all thanks to Pippa.
I have continued to see Pippa for numerous injuries over the years and have never been disappointed with her competency, level of treatment or professionalism. I like the fact that Pippa is always researching new equipment, new scientific evidence and developing her professional knowledge with up-to-date courses.
I have absolute faith in Pippa’s abilities and will continue to use her services, I frequently and willingly recommend her to friends and family.
By Denise, February 2022, I am a 74-year-old woman, and, since the Covid 19 pandemic, been able to undertake little exercise as my weekly tai chi classes stopped and walking caused pain. I was suffering pain and discomfort in my legs and lower back and my GP referred me for an MRI scan. I was offered a physiotherapy appointment, but the wait would be 6 months. This is when I contacted Pippa.
Prior to our first appointment I sent a resume of my medical history and a copy of the MRI scan report. Pippa had explained it would be a one-hour appointment, part discussion, part treatment. On arrival at her clinic, I was immediately made to feel at ease. We went through my history and Pippa was able to explain to me what the scan report indicated. The second part of this first appointment was investigation of the troublesome areas and some gentle massage. I was given 4 exercises, which Pippa demonstrated before I left. I returned home feeling elated and confident that Pippa would be able to help me regain my mobility. When I got home Pippa had emailed the exercises and video links.
Subsequently Pippa has treated me with acupuncture and both deep and gentle massage. She has talked to me about how I can improve my condition and given me appropriate exercises to undertake between appointments. I always leave feeling better in mind and body. The exercises and links are always in my email when I get home.
I recently had my first NHS physiotherapy appointment where my condition was put down to my age. “Quite normal in someone your age” was frequently repeated. This did nothing for my morale. I was told about four exercises I should do, without demonstration, and had to ask if I could write them down before I left – no diagrams were offered.
I appreciate the NHS is under pressure due to the pandemic, but I couldn’t help but make comparisons. If all NHS physiotherapy departments had one tutor, or practitioner, like Pippa, I’m confident departments would be able to provide better outcomes for patients and save time and money on treatments.
By Paul, October 2021, I am a keen club runner, running 5 or 6 times a week and competing regularly, and know that the key to improvement is to train regularly and consistently. My experience of running over many years is that regular sports massage reduces muscle stiffness and soreness, which I believe helps to improve my running and helps reduce the risk of injury. However, moving house during 2020 and the need to socially isolate during lockdowns prevented me from seeking regular treatment over quite a long period.
I made my first appointment at GBTA in July 2021 because I had running related knee pain. Olivia carried out an overall assessment and identified the root cause of my knee pain as tight IT bands. Weekly remedial sports massage helped to ease the IT band and gave me the confidence to complete the Lakeland Trails 55K ultra in August. Since then, I’ve had a monthly consultation with Olivia so that she can continue to monitor my health and fitness. Each session has always been positive and supportive. Going forward, I will continue to have a monthly consultation with Olivia and I will recommend her, and the practice, to runners looking for a really good sports therapist.
By Kelly, October 2021, Having been recommended Get Back to the Action by many friends, I decided to be proactive about my general muscular strains and pains and book an appointment with Olivia. After a very thorough and professional initial consultation, I was surprised at how my mobility increased and how much looser my muscles felt. I now attend regular sessions and definitely feel the difference after each massage. I also feel more knowledgeable about how to look after my muscles after exercising. Olivia has also made me aware of which muscles are prone to tightness. Olivia has been very accommodating with appointment times and is always empathetic when trying to relieve pain. I would strongly recommend this team as it’s a caring and welcoming place to be fixed!
By Clare, October 2021, I recently received excellent, professional and timely service from Pippa when suffering from lower back pain. Along with my husband and 2 now adult sons, we have always lived a very outdoor life and have all suffered from various muscle/ joint strains over the years. Pippa has always been there with careful assessments, immediate diagnosis and treatment and exercise plans which have been brilliant and got our problems sorted. she is very knowledgeable and thorough and we have every confidence in her. She has always been our first port of call. I would highly recommend Get Back to the Action’s services.
By Pat, October 2021, Pippa is extremely knowledgeable and explains things in plain and simple language .She is very thorough and professional. Her friendly and approachable manner puts you at ease. Her diagnosis, and treatment and exercise plans have always been effective in resolving injuries etc. I have seen Pippa for various injuries over the years and would highly recommend her.
By Mary, October 2020, Pippa came highly recommended and it is easy to see why. Her encouraging approach has ensured that I have stopped feeling pain and have regained movement in my shoulder. Every time I see her, Pippa listens carefully to me and makes an assessment before explaining what the next stage of therapy is. In addition to the treatment at the clinic, Pippa has given me an exercise plan to do at home. I have found the rehab exercise videos a great help. Each video clearly shows exactly how to do each movement and Pippa adds notes with suggestions and the number of repetitions. All this combined has meant that I have felt totally confident with the service Pippa offers.
By Nicola, September 2020, I have been going to the clinic in Stokesley for a couple of months now and could not recommend it enough. My lower back, neck and shoulder problems have improved immensely and I am returning to activity I did not think I would be able to. I have received excellent service and advice and will continue to use ‘Get Back to the Action’ going forwards. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.
By, Paul, September 2019, I had Lower back pain for 4/5 months and after trying the doctors, rest and strong anti-inflammatories without improvement I was becoming frustrated and this was beginning to have an effect on my mental and physical well being. I was recommended get back to the action by a friend and have to say the two appointments and advice I received from Pippa were worth every penny. I am now back running, weight training and being active with the family. Would highly recommend.
By Kate, July 2019, I’ve had years of nerve pain and doctors prescribing pain killers – so I decided to give these guys a go only three appts in and I’ve seen a massive improvement in my mobility and pain levels.
By Pip, May 2019, Thank you so much Pippa. You have been absolutely great. I’ve had that niggling neck problem for years and years and I really feel that you have helped already, in just two sessions, as well as giving me some exercises for longer term maintenance and recovery. I couldn’t recommend you more highly.
By David, February 2019, My first visit last summer was on recommendation from a friend to treat my shin splints. Pippa explained not just the causes of the problem but how she was going to treat it. After 3 sessions they were sorted. Recently I went back to Pippa to hopefully sort out another problem. She recommended Running Analytics which involved doing a series of floor exercises and then being filmed running on the treadmill. This was a revelation and highlighted how my running style had changed and was actually the cause of the problem. A series of strengthening exercises were recommended and after 2 physio sessions and some weeks of rest I’m back running again. I would highly recommend Get Back to the Action and thanks in particular to Pippa for her help. No offence but I hope I don’t see her again but I won’t hesitate in going back to her should (when!) I need to in the future.
By Jayne, February 2019, Great results for shoulder, hip & leg. Pippa is amazing, very knowledgeable & genuine
By Huw, September 2018, Just after one session with Pippa it was great to get back running. No hesitation in recommending them. Thanks!
By Lisa, April 2018, I ran the Paris Marathon last weekend and I honestly believe I wouldn’t have been able to without Pippa’s treatment. I sustained quite a bad calf injury during my training schedule. I was in pain and unable to put any weight on it after a run. Pippa was recommended and my only regret is I didn’t find her sooner. I saw a huge difference after a couple of treatments. Pippa understood my anxiety of not being able to train and she reassured me that my injury wasn’t unusual for runners and it could be fixed. I would highly recommend if you have any pain or injury of any kind and I would like to say a BIG thank you to Pippa for her expert advice and help. Lisa.
By Lisa, June 2017, My Wife went for treatment with a problem knee and couldn’t run at all. She is now knocking out 5 miles with ease!! Thank you so much Pippa you have helped Kelly “get back to the action” top quality treatment , advice and service
By Mark, May 2017, Pippa started treating a ling term calf/achilles tendon issue I had from Autumn 2016. Weekly deep tissue massage session and at home exercises followed until January 2017. During the sessions Pippa recommended that I visit Steptoes (podiatrist in Stokesley) to help with the root cause of my issue; foot posture and gait!
Thirty odd years of football, cricket and running have given me “footballer’s bowed legs”. The podiatrist at Steptoes undertook a gait analysis and recommended bespoke Orthotic insoles to adjust my feet to ensure my knees, calfs and heels were aligned. I started using the insoles in December 2016.
The third element of treatment was a range of stretches and self massage using a foam roller and spikey balls. The combination of treatments gave me confidence to join a gym and personal training sessions. In March 2017 I ran my first Park Run for a year – non stop and pain free in my calf achilles.
Many thanks Pippa, for getting me back to the action!
By, Nigel, January 2017, I was visiting my dentist, I told him I could not sit in the chair with my head back for extended periods of time due to excruciating pain in my upper shoulder neck and arm he recommended I see Pippa Carrick. My GP had some months earlier diagnosed this as a trapped nerve and had recommended I see a consultant specialist. However, with my appointment for this month’s away, the company medical scheme had me in Manchester 2 days later, where I saw a specialist and had an MRI the same day. This confirmed the nerve trapped between the 6 & 7th vertebrae in my neck. This nerve goes through the shoulder and down the right arm. Due to wear and tear, age and all the other things we do wrong to our bodies, the nerve was trapped and had become swollen. I had numbness and pain in my fingers and the pain was serious at times; the “keeping you awake” type of pain.
My GP gave me pain killers and Ibuprofen but they did nothing to help. I then went to see a pain specialist who injected a concentrated dose of anti-inflammatory and steroid into my neck just above where the nerve exits the vertebrae. This, if successful would give instant relief. Nothing! I was then referred to Dr Fred Nath, consultant Neurosurgeon whom I saw at James Cook. Dr Nath recommended a further MRI and I was booked in as soon as there was an appointment available. It was about this time I went to the dentist. I saw Pippa within a day or two. I told her the story you have just read.
She assessed my condition, posture, movement etc. A gentle massage was then carried out. My next appointment with Pippa was a little more intensive and I was given some light exercises to do between appointments. The next appointment Pippa told me that she needed to really get after the root cause of the pain in neck (although by now I was experiencing some relief) and massage out the knots in the muscles in and around the problem area more deeply. The next day and the day after the pain was intense again … I emailed Pippa and expressed my concerns (I think it was a Sunday) and she replied telling me to hang in there, apply ice and rest, as things would get better and they did! The change was exponential and every day I gained more relief and more movement.
I had my second MRI and went to see Mr Nath to get the results. Mr Nath saw a difference in both movement and the change in my physical demeanour; I had no pain, making life a whole load better. He told me I had no need to see him again and was happy for me to continue my treatment with Pippa as it was obviously making a difference. So I did for the next couple of weeks just once a week now to ensure things would not regress. Since then, about 6 months ago things have been superb. I look after posture a bit better and try to exercise the muscles in the area and keep flexibility good as recommended by Pippa. If symptoms start to develop I will see her again for sure.
I have recommended her to friends and family as did my dentist for me and if anyone manages to get to this point after all of the above I would recommend her to you.
I would like to run a marathon maybe this year but I have a dodgy right knee so I will probably take advice from Pippa. Very thorough, very professional and very good!
By Julie, November 17th 2016, I had been suffering with sore hips for some time when Pippa Carrick was recommended to me as a sports therapist who would offer honest advice. So, a couple of weeks ago I made my first appointment. Pippa diagnosed my problem and gave me some intensive sports massage and some stretching exercises to do at home. By the time my second appointment came round 1-week later, I was amazed at how much better my hip pain was. Pippa herself was surprised and delighted at how quickly my symptoms had improved. She then gave me some strengthening exercises to help me continue to improve and to get back to walking which I really enjoy.
I hailed Pippa as a miracle worker, and would heartily recommend her.
By Sara, 28th June 2016, To put it simply, without Pippa and Get Back to the Action I would not be able to continue doing the thing I love, at the level I am currently able to, which is playing tennis competitively in the local league.
After playing the sport for many years and intensive leg strengthening work in the gym (following a cruciate ligament reconstruction in my left knee) without doing any of the post exercise stretching that one should (I didn’t even know I was supposed to stretch) the muscles in my legs, neck and round the shoulder have ended up a tangle of knots; leading to various incidences of pain and reduced flexibility. These knots have been gradually worked out but Pippa, and in her absence Lucy. This allows me to play tennis more regularly, and in a way that is both enjoyable and satisfying, than I have for a number of years. Some niggles are quickly resolved but others take time and continued treatment. Once relieved an occasional return to the treatment table keeps everything ticking over.
My daughter has recently moved to senior school and started to play many new sports, using muscles she probably didn’t even know she had. She also spends many of her free hours dancing, including point work in ballet. After a fairly intensive week of extracurricular activities she started to experience strains and pains in her legs and shoulder. A session with Pippa, being treated at a level that was suitable for her age eased the pains and she was given a programme of stretches to ensure she does not start with the bad habits of her mother.
I would not hesitate in recommending ‘Get Back to the Action’. In fact, many of my friends have been successfully treated by them already.
By, Ian, BDS (Newc 1990), May 31st 2016, I am very grateful for the day about 4 years ago when, on recommendation, I arranged to see Pippa Carrick. I had always been very fit but had let it slip for a number of years and found that when I started running again, several years older, my calves became so tight and strained that I thought I would stand no chance of continuing something that I loved.
From the first visit I felt reassured that all was not lost. Thorough sports massage released the muscles and sound advice about how to rebuild my training volume ensured that once again I enjoyed my running.
I am now training for an Iron Man Triathlon in July this year (2016). I have trained hard over the last years since that first appointment, starting with fell running and duathlons. Then sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, half marathons, 1/2 Iron Man triathlons and the Kielder Marathon. Understandably, there have been setbacks throughout this time; strains, muscle tears and general niggles which have all been sorted out by Pippa. Through therapeutic massage and sound advice, I was always able to maintain my aerobic base and have got stronger in the long run.
The confidence I have from knowing that Pippa is at the end of the phone for treatment and advice either for the healing of injury or for maintenance and injury prevention through massage is worth it’s weight in gold. I cannot commend Pippa highly enough. I used to see Pippa at Teesside Sports Injury Clinic and have no hesitation in following her for treatment now that she has set up her own business in Stokesley. She is the secret weapon in the armoury of anyone who is truly interested in achieving their full potential in sport. Thanks Pippa!
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