Celebrating World Physiotherapy Day at St Barnabas
World Physiotherapy Day takes place every year on 8th September, celebrating the unity of the global physiotherapy community and recognising the important work physiotherapists do for patients and communities.
Physiotherapists support people with their mobility, strength, balance and coordination, helping them achieve their goals and maintain their independence.
Today, we’re celebrating our incredible physiotherapists and the impact they make by speaking to three members of our team who deliver personalised care across the county.
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What made you want to become a physiotherapist?
Natalie: “I wanted to train as a physiotherapist because it combines medical science with real human connection. I have always had an interest in the human body and movement and loved being involved in sport and keeping active. Being able to help someone manage pain, regain confidence, or simply maintain their mobility so they can do what matters most to them is very rewarding.”
Laura: “I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, so I did several experience weeks with different departments at the hospital. Physiotherapy was the experience I enjoyed most, so I decided to pursue a career in it.”
Michelle: “I was working as a physiotherapy assistant and was inspired by the work, and the variety of roles, physiotherapists could do and the impact they can have on patients. I decided to do my training and become a physio. I had a placement at a hospice and felt the environment was somewhere I wanted to work, as it was focused on personalised care and had very specific goals orientated to individuals.”
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What do you enjoy most about your role at St Barnabas?
Natalie: “What I love most is that we have the time and flexibility to deliver truly person-centred care. In a hospice setting, therapy isn’t about hitting targets or standardised routines, it’s entirely guided by the patient’s personal goals for the day. Whether that goal is walking out into the garden, sitting comfortably with family, or managing breathlessness, making those moments possible is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Laura: “It is such a privilege to be let into people’s lives when they are at their most vulnerable and needing support. Working together with other AHPs and nurses to give people the best death possible means a lot to me.”
Michelle: “I enjoy the freedom to work with our patients as individuals, along with working with a special group of people who all make St Barnabas what it is.”
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What can physiotherapy offer someone receiving hospice care?
Natalie: “Physiotherapy in palliative care focuses on maximising quality of life, comfort, and independence in a holistic approach. We offer tailored gentle exercise, mobility support, positioning advice, and breathlessness management techniques to help manage symptoms.”
Laura: “Physiotherapy offers someone the last opportunities to live life towards the end, providing them with the knowledge, empowering them with the courage they need to take risks, and providing relevant equipment and motivation to make that last goal happen.”
Michelle: “We aim to work with our patients to achieve realistic goals and maintain functional independence for as long as possible. Often, we need to work with other services and colleagues to help achieve this. We also help to support and promote self-management where possible, which in turn promotes independence.”
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What do you find rewarding about working with patients and families?
Natalie: “It really is a privilege to support patients and their loved ones during such a personal journey. You get to build genuine relationships and offer practical relief at a time when patients may feel vulnerable or things can feel overwhelming. Giving a patient back a sense of control or giving a family member peace of mind knowing their loved one is comfortable makes the role feel truly rewarding.”
Laura: “Supporting someone with an illness or injury involves everyone, not just the patient. Whether it be a family member or friend supporting them to remain independent, care for them, motivate them and help them live out their goals. Working with everyone makes things run a lot smoother and everyone is very appreciative of the help.”
Michelle: “It can be a lot for families and individuals to allow palliative services into their lives, and can be quite a change to individuals function, roles, and how we approach things. Personally, I enjoy understanding what is important to them as a person and working with them to achieve their goal(s). I have a specific memory of helping someone achieve a goal of getting out of bed and into their chair, which then progressed to into the car and going on holiday.”
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What’s your favourite way to keep active outside of work?
Natalie: “I have always loved taking part in sport and keeping physically active. I currently attend the gym 3-4 times a week, doing weight resistance exercises, or joining classes. I’m also passionate about Matwork Pilates, and practise as well as teach it 3 days a week – I love the mind and body connection, focusing on breathing, centering and posture. I believe it is so important to keep physically active to support your mental health.”
Laura: “Walking, swimming, and renovating properties.”
Michelle: “The most frequent thing is dancing. I enjoy having a dance around and can be seen doing this in the office and at home. I also enjoy body combat and park run.”
