Dare I say, things are beginning to get back to somewhere near normal?
Like every other high street business, Cleve Chiropractic has had to make major changes to the way we operate – to keep our staff and customers safe. But now I think we’re getting close to “business as usual” again.
Immediately after lockdown, we experienced the “pandemic of back pain” brought on by months of inactivity as Covid-19 took a global hold. However, as restrictions were relaxed in the UK, people began to exercise and do some strenuous jobs around the house.
As we reopened our doors, back pain was a big issue for many of our clients. Now, with gyms back in action and more people taking part in organised team events, there seems to be a “pandemic of sports injuries”.
With local cricket, rugby and football teams returning to the fray, there’s plenty of shoulder issues and, indeed, a full range of injuries for us to deal with. With golf and tennis among the first to be up and running after lockdown, there’s more than enough to keep us busy, helping local athletes stay on top of their physical and mental well-being.
One of the more bizarre injuries I’ve had to deal with during these extraordinary times was presented by a client who came to see me with a problem caused by throwing his boomerang! He was suffering after a three-hour session of serious throwing on Frenchay Common caused a repetitive strain injury to his wrist and elbow.
Meanwhile, in the world of more conventional sport, I’m very pleased to be back working with Bristol Rovers as they prepare for the new season in League One. I can tell all you “gasheads” out there that your team’s players are training for long, hard days and there’s a great vibe around the club.
I’m finding that manager Ben Garner is a fantastic character to work with – he’s brought in a few new players during the extended summer break and there seems to be a fresh sense of purpose and great optimism at The Mem.
However, with the increased stress on the players after such a long time off, some of them have been suffering with a few more niggles than usual – from groin, hamstring and calf issues to back and neck pain. It feels great to be helping Rovers again and I’m delighted to be working as part of a wider team, alongside new physio Miles and sports therapist Sarah.
Catherine Quinn, the newest face on the Cleve Chiropractic team, has also been busy in the world of professional football, assisting Queens Park Rangers with their preparations for the new Championship season.
And I’m delighted to say that Catherine has made a huge impact during her first few weeks in Bristol, proving to be an instant hit with our client base. I was confident that she would be a popular “signing” but she has exceeded even my expectations. Within weeks of starting at the clinic, Catherine has already filled her diary and become a strong member of the team.
The key to her lightning success is a perfect balance of talent, personality, dedication and elite sport experience. This has meant that, with little to no advertising of her services, Catherine is helping large swathes of people in Bristol through word of mouth alone. That said, I’m grateful that all of my team are world class – and they’re ready and waiting to help you out with any fitness or training issues.
Finally for now, I’m pleased to say that we are remaining vigilant in the clinic and the infection control procedures are working successfully. All the staff and patients are getting on well with the different routines and the new normal has become just that. I’m so proud of the staff for stepping up to the highest standards that I expect of them – and the patients for respecting and working within the new structure.
Together, we all make a great team!
