Perfect tonic for women’s health

WOMEN’S health has been brought to the top of the agenda in Saddleworth by chartered physiotherapist Catherine Johnstone.

Already a busy practice with five full-time staff, Catherine, from Rochdale, has expanded the range of services by taking on two specialists.

Ann Aspden, from Chadderton, and Beth Mason-Hall, from Mossley, have joined Saddleworth Physiotherapy Clinic in High Street, Uppermill, to complement what was already an impressive range of treatments for muscular, skeletal and sports injuries.

A clinical specialist in women’s health, Ann has spent the last 11 years at the Royal Oldham Hospital while Beth has joined the renowned St James’s Hospital in Leeds where she was a respiratory specialist.

Catherine said: “There is a huge demand from women for these services. Women’s health issues are one of the great taboo subjects.”

Ann and Beth will be undertaking referral work from the NHS on a range of issues covering pelvic floor exercises to respiratory and chronic chest conditions — and all of these services, including acupuncture, will be available privately through the clinic.

Treatments such a breathing correctly, posture, relaxation techniques, plus electrical stimulation are all preferable to surgery, says Catherine, adding that hospital consultants are determined to explore all these possibilities before turning to the last resort of surgery.

The Royal College of Physicians estimates there are between 2.5 and four million women in the UK affected by these problems.

Ann and Beth join an experienced team of physiotherapists — Martin Taylor-Williams, from Holmfirth; Stuart Cole, from Denton; Cheryl Goodwin, from Stalybridge; and Jeannette Watts, from Springhead — all of whom are registered with the Health Professions Council.