Nicola Weston - Foot & Groin Pain

Nicola was referred to motive8’s rehabilitation clinic in July 2009 after complaining of plantar fascia pain in her right foot together with groin pain. Nicola’s foot pain began four years ago following one of her regular yoga classes then, a year later, she was out walking in the park and found it a struggle to walk back home. Nicola attended a podiatrist and had a course of treatment from a neuro- physiotherapist as she has suffered from plantar fasciitis on and off for the past few years.

Nicola also suffers from Parkinson’s Disease which was diagnosed in 1999. In May 2009, she experienced left groin pain after getting out of the bath. Nicola’s pain increased when she was walking and she had become unsteady on her feet, having to hold onto her husband’s arm for support when walking outdoors. Simple activities such as showering and walking around the house had become very difficult. Nicola had lost her confidence in her balance and walking so had stopped going out for short walks in the park with her husband and to the shops.

Our initial assessment showed an abnormal gait pattern; Nicola’s left leg did not swing through whilst walking. There was a marked weakness in her left leg muscles and she had an adductor and Rectus Femoris strain.

Nicola’s treatment consisted of soft tissue work, mobilisations of hips, knees and ankles and a home exercise programme which initially consisted of strengthening exercises for her legs and core stability. Her programme was progressed to include Pilates-based exercises and balance exercises. After six weeks, Nicola was walking around the house easier and was able to shower independently again. She also managed a short walk outdoors with her husband. The pain in her groin had decreased and after eight weeks Nicola’s confidence in her walking had improved to the point where she was regularly walking outdoors again.

Following treatment from motive8’s therapists, Nicola has been able to return to walking in the park with her husband and walking around the shops. She continues to be seen fortnightly by motive8’s therapists so as to maintain her leg strength and balance.

I found my treatment very helpful, particularly with my having Parkinson’s, as I need continual support to help with the pain and difficulties caused by both conditions. This treatment has been very beneficial, both physically and mentally, as it not only gives me confidence but motivates me to do the exercise and reassures me that I am on the right path to recovery. I had tried acupuncture but didn’t receive anywhere near the same benefits compared with those I get from the motive8 exercises. I felt that my body needed hands on treatment in order to benefit and have found the massage very effective.

Nicola Weston