Now, let’s take a look at the most recent UK data to understand exactly what is keeping the workforce at home, and how a clinical, proactive approach can protect your team and your bottom line.

The 2025/2026 Reality Check: The Sickness Absence Statistics

The statistics surrounding workplace absence make for sobering reading. Recent data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a workforce struggling to maintain its health:

• Record High Absences: Across 2025 and 2026, the average UK employee took 9.4 days of sickness absence. This is a sharp increase from 5.8 days only a couple of years earlier in 2022. (Crossland Employment Solicitors)

• Average length of each absence from musculoskeletal injury/pain = 14 days, & mental health absence = 22.9 days (HSE 2025)

• Total Days Lost: Across the UK economy, an estimated 148.8 million working days were lost because of sickness or injury in 2025 alone.
  Sickness absence in the UK labour market – Office for National Statistics
• The Financial Burden: This stagnation in the number of days lost to ill health cost the UK economy an estimated £141 billion in 2025!

To put that into context. Here’s what £141 billion could get:

Fund the NHS for nearly nine months: With the total revenue resource use for the NHS England Group and providers for the 2026–27 financial year set at approximately £215.4 billion, £141 billion would cover the lion’s share of the entire national health budget for over eight months.

Revolutionise the UK’s green energy infrastructure: The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has estimated that network investments of roughly £89 billion are required to deliver clean power targets through the 2030s. With £141 billion, the UK could fully fund this entire electricity network overhaul, with over £50 billion to spare for further research into energy storage or grid innovation.

Build the “Northern Powerhouse Rail” three times over: The proposed budget for the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, which aims to connect major cities across the North, is capped at £45 billion. £141 billion would be enough to fund this critical regional infrastructure project in its entirety three separate times.

When we look closer at exactly why employees are taking these record numbers of days off, two clear clinical issues dominate the data: mental health conditions and musculoskeletal (MSK) problems.

The Impact of Mental Ill-Health

Burnout, stress, and poor mental health are no longer fringe issues. They are central to the sickness absence crisis.

• Mental ill-health is now the leading cause of long-term sickness absence, with 41% of organisations citing it within their top three causes.
• It is also the second most common cause of short-term absence, affecting 29% of organisations.
• Inability to cope with workloads stand out as the top cause of self-reported stress absence, reported by 41% of organisations dealing with stress-related leave.

The Ongoing Burden of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Issues

Physical pain remains a constant barrier to productivity, particularly for roles involving desk work, heavy lifting, or repetitive strain.

• Musculoskeletal problems accounted for 14.6% of all occurrences of sickness absence in 2025/26.
  Sickness absence in the UK labour market – Office for National Statistics
• Furthermore, MSK injuries, such as back pain, were identified by 31% of employers as one of the top three causes of long-term absence – CIPD

Why the “Sticking Plaster” Approach Fails

Many businesses offer basic Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) believing they have ticked the wellbeing box. Now, don’t get us wrong, it’s better than nothing! However, the old saying “if you’re going to do something, do it properly” springs to mind. The overwhelming majority of organisations take action to support mental health, with 43% offering access to counselling services. But what effects are these services having based on their quality and quantity?

Unlike Mental Health with an average episode of sickness lasting 22.9 days (HSE 2025), musculoskeletal injuries (eg back pain or sports injuries or worse even an accident at work) are rarer to have treatment services offered via an EAP yet they have an average episode of each absence of 14 days.

This is why, at Physiofusion, we highly recommend referral to us for any employee that goes over the average absence expected. It’s a trigger. BUT its not best practice! There are huge savings to be made with early referral to bring the company absence cost into the best performer bracket.  Importantly early referral shows employee support and there is no bigger issue currently that recruiting good skilled staff. It is false economy to pay a daily wage for zero productivity that is several multiple times more costly than the cost of a physio or mental health treatment session that provides a faster return to normal duties.

We believe in:

Expert physio. Rapid booking. Mutually agreed comms to assist employee return.

Psychotherapy rather than counselling. Rapid booking. Employee confidentially in comms but proactive approach based on proven concepts of working producing better mental health scores.

The Physiofusion Solution For Sickness Absence: Integrated Corporate Care

At Physiofusion, we understand that human beings are complex, and the connection between physical pain and mental distress is deeply intertwined. We offer a comprehensive, integrated approach for East Lancashire businesses:

1. Clinical Psychotherapy: Moving beyond basic counselling to resolve the root causes of anxiety, depression, and stress, reducing the likelihood of long-term mental health absence.
2. Advanced MSK Treatment: Expert physiotherapy to rapidly assess and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries, keeping your team physically capable and pain-free.

The ROI of Proactive Treatment

It costs a mere fraction of the price to provide an employee with expert clinical treatment compared to the costs associated with paying statutory sick pay (or more subject to company policy), hiring expensive temp cover, and managing the drop in team morale via increased workload and stresses. Furthermore, the cost of recruiting and training a replacement when an employee ultimately leaves due to ill-health (or the feeling of a lack of support in ill-health) far outweighs the investment in preventative care.

Protect Your Greatest Asset

A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. The data shows that waiting for your team to break down, or stay broken down, is an expensive strategy. By integrating expert psychotherapy and MSK care into your company’s wellbeing strategy, you are investing directly in the operational efficiency and financial health of your business.

There are no overheads for this strategy either…just pay for what you need. Its not a monthly contract. It’s a ‘Houston we have a problem’ agreement….you ask the experts….we respond.

Are you ready to stop paying for absenteeism and start investing in performance?

Contact the Physiofusion team today to discuss our tailored occupational health service for local businesses in Burnley and Lancashire. Let’s get your team back to their best. Use our FREE Ask A Physio service here for any questions you have.

This is called Prehabilitation (or ‘prehab’). It is one of the most underutilised tools in modern healthcare, yet it is arguably the most vital step in your surgical journey.

What is Prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation is the process of improving your physical health, strength, and functional mobility in the weeks or months leading up to a surgical procedure.

Think of it like training for a marathon. You wouldn’t turn up to the start line without preparing your muscles and cardiovascular system. Major surgery is a significant physical trauma. Having surgery in the best possible shape means you are effectively “training” your body to handle the stress of the procedure and bounce back more efficiently.

What Is The Secret to Post Op Success? Why ‘Prehab’ Matters

Many patients ignore the importance of pre-op care, assuming that rehabilitation is only for the post-operative phase. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Here is why that approach is missing a massive opportunity:

• Faster Post-Op Recovery: When your muscles are stronger and more conditioned before surgery, you don’t have as much “wasted” time spent regaining baseline strength during your recovery programme.

• Improved Functional Outcomes: By addressing movement patterns and muscle imbalances beforehand, you ensure that your body is better prepared to use the surgical site correctly once you begin healing.

• Reduced Complications: A body that is fitter, more mobile, and better conditioned is naturally more resilient, which can help in reducing the risks associated with prolonged bed rest and inactivity.

• Psychological Confidence: Knowing you have done everything in your power to prepare provides immense peace of mind, reducing pre-surgical anxiety.

The Physiofusion Approach:

We believe that you are only as good as the tools you have, and your pre-op toolkit is exactly what we specialise in refining. This is your secret to post op success.

Our Specialist Physiotherapists don’t just give you generic exercises. We assess your unique biomechanics, identify areas of weakness that could hinder your recovery, and build a bespoke programme designed to get you into the “best possible shape” for your surgeon’s work.

When you work with us before your surgery, you aren’t just a patient on a waiting list; you are an athlete preparing for a performance. We help you gather the tools you need so that when you wake up post-op, you are already ahead of the curve.

Don’t Let Your Fitness Fade Away

If you are currently waiting for an operation, do not let your physical health decline while you wait for a date. In fact, you should be improving your mobility and strength so that you are stronger going in. This will mean the easier your road will be coming out.

Of course, there will be some elements of pain while you do this, but in the clinical world, there is such thing as “good pain” when it comes to makes you better and stronger.

[Book a Prehabilitation Assessment] with a Physio today to discuss your upcoming procedure with our specialist team. We will help you build a plan that bridges the gap between your current health and your post-surgical goals.

Have a question about your specific condition? Use our [FREE Ask An Expert service] to get guidance on how you can start your preparation today.

At Physiofusion, we believe that waiting for clarity shouldn’t delay your recovery. That is why we provide a fast, affordable, and hassle-free private MRI referral service right here in Lancashire.

Why Wait? The Benefit Of Physiofusion

Many patients assume that a private MRI scan is prohibitively expensive or complicated to organise. We’ve changed that by streamlining the process, cutting out unnecessary consultant costs, and prioritising your comfort.

When you choose Physiofusion for your MRI scan in Lancashire, you benefit from:

• Rapid Access: Stop waiting weeks on end. Most of our patients secure their MRI scan appointment within 1–3 days of our referral.
• Unbeatable Value: Traditional consultant-led services can cost over £1,000 for the full process. Our streamlined model keeps costs low, with scans starting from just £339.
• Expert Guidance: You aren’t just getting a scan; you’re getting a clinical plan. Our Specialist Physiotherapists handle your pre-scan consultation and your post-scan results, ensuring you understand exactly what the images mean for your recovery.
• No Hidden Fees: We pride ourselves on transparency. You pay for your consultations (£69 each) and your scan with no surprise consultant or private hospital fees.
• Total Comfort: We exclusively use wide-bore MRI scanners, which significantly reduce the feeling of claustrophobia, making the process much more comfortable

How Our Private MRI Process Works?

We have designed our service to be as simple as possible, ensuring you spend less time navigating paperwork and more time on the road to recovery:

1. Initial Specialist Consultation: You’ll meet with one of our Specialist Physiotherapists. We will take the time to understand your symptoms and determine exactly which area(s) require scanning to ensure we get the right clinical answers.
2. Expert Referral: We write a detailed, professional referral report for the radiographer, ensuring they know exactly what to look for, from ligament issues to spinal discs
3. Fast Scheduling: Our partner radiographers will contact you within 24 hours to book your scan at a time and location that suits you.
4. Results & Recovery Plan: Once the results are back, you’ll have a follow-up consultation with your Physiofusion expert. We explain the findings in plain English and provide a clear, actionable plan for your treatment or rehabilitation.

Stop Guessing. Get the Clarity You Need Today.

Living with pain is exhausting, and the uncertainty of not knowing the cause of an injury only adds to the stress. Whether you’re an athlete looking to return to sport, or you simply want to move through daily life without discomfort, we are here to help you get the answers you need, fast.

Ready to move forward? 

[Book Your Consultation Online] or Call our team on 01282 453 110 to discuss your options.

Have a specific question before you book? Use our [FREE Ask An Expert service] to get confidential advice from our team.

Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, a stuffy nose and even sleepless nights can really spoil the warmer weather experience, but there are things you can do to pollen-proof your home.

Here’s our top 10 tips to help you breathe a little easier, from gadgets and housework optimising to pillows and pets.

1. Vacuum twice a week (or at least once!)

Pollen settles on carpets and rugs, so vacuuming can make a big difference in relieving symptoms of pollen or dust-related allergies. It’s generally advised to vacuum your floors and soft furnishings at least once a week, ideally twice.

Allergy UK recommends using a high-filtration vacuum cleaner, especially one with a HEPA filter. But not all vacuum cleaners are equally effective at keeping the allergens locked inside the filter.

Bagged vacuum cleaners are usually less messy to empty than bagless vacs, since you’re not directly exposed to dust during the process. If you are using a bagless vacuum, you may be better off emptying it into a bin outside the house.

If your allergies are severe or usually triggered by vacuuming, consider wearing an KN95 filter mask (like the ones we wore here at Physiofusion during Covid) while cleaning. You could also consider swapping your carpets for wooden floors.

Vacuum filters trap dirt and allergens like pollen, preventing it from being blasted back into the air. But if a vacuum has a poor filter, you might notice more sneezing or a runny nose during or after vacuuming.

2. Change clothes when you get home

To avoid spreading pollen deposits all over your home, wipe your shoes on the doormat as you enter and then take them off before you go inside. If you have a porch, leave them in there.

Pollen can also cling to your hair and clothing, especially when the pollen count is high, so it’s a good idea to shower and change your clothes as soon as you get home.

Putting the clothes in a closed laundry bin, rather than an open one – and ideally not in the bedroom – is preferable. If your allergies are severe, allergy charities suggest putting your dirty clothes into a plastic bag until they’re ready to be washed to prevent any pollen escaping into the air.

3. Consider an air purifier

Air purifiers can help improve air quality by trapping airborne particles and circulating the clean air back out.

Good air purifiers will filter out both dust and pollen particles, and so may help alleviate symptoms of hay fever and other allergies while you’re indoors.

One air purifier won’t cover the entire house, so consider which rooms are the most important to use one in (for example, the bedroom for a comfortable sleep).

You should also choose the correct size for the space you plan to use it in.

4. Wash bedding weekly

Pollen can stick to bedding, triggering your allergies when you’re trying to sleep, so you should wash it weekly. It’s best not to dry bedding outside (more on this below), especially on high pollen days.

Washing your bedding at 60°C or hotter can help keep dust and pollen at bay. Many modern machines also offer allergy care cycles.

If you have kids, wash their soft toys in fragrance-free washing powder suitable for sensitive skin at 60°C or hotter too. Dust mites thrive in warmer conditions, so you could also try putting teddies

5. Dry washing indoors

Spring and summer months are ideal for drying our washing outside, but you should probably steer clear if you’re an allergy sufferer.

When the pollen count is high, tiny pollen particles can settle on your laundry, triggering hay fever symptoms when you bring the dry laundry inside, wear the clothes or sleep in the bed sheets.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternative options for drying your clothes indoors:

• Air-dry them on a drying rack
• Use a tumble dryer
• Try a heated clothes airer

6. Try an anti-allergy pillow

Traditional bedding can trap allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander, so you could try a pillow that’s specifically designed to help ease allergies.

There are two types: anti-allergy and hypoallergenic pillows.

• Anti-allergy pillows: Use fillings treated specifically with chemicals to combat dust mites and other allergens.
• Hypoallergenic pillows: Don’t use fillings made of a known potential allergen, such as down or latex.

You’ll need to make sure the pillow can be easily cleaned or machine-washed to help remove allergens.

And I couldn’t let this point go by without reminding you the pillow needs to be supportive and comfortable for your neck! Lets make sure we protect this too as well and your sinus’s and lungs.

7. Keep pets out of the bedroom

They may be our best friends, but if you’re suffering from allergies, your pets can make them worse… unless you have a hairless cat.

Pollen can cling to their fur when they’re outside, so it’s a good idea to give them regular baths to wash it off and to vacuum your home regularly. Alternatively, brush your cat/dogs’s coat when it comes in to help prevent them spreading allergens around the house.

To help contain the spread of airborne allergens in pet hair, try to keep them off your sofas or chairs, and keep them out of your bedroom – or at least off the bed – at night.

8. Consider using a steam cleaner

Steam cleaners are designed to deep clean your carpets, upholstery and even your mattress. The high temperature of the steam can help eliminate dust mites, which can trigger symptoms similar to hay fever, as well as pollen particles.

Steam cleaners are also a good way to clean other ‘pollen sticky surfaces’ like curtains, cushions and upholstery that won’t go in the washing machine.

9. Declutter frequently

Don’t let clutter build up, as this is where dust and pollen can settle.

This is especially important in your bedroom, as allergy triggers can disrupt your sleep. It may sound counterintuitive for a room that’s supposed to be cosy, but allergy sufferers should keep upholstery, curtains and clutter to a minimum in this room.

10. Keep the windows closed

Prevention is better than cure, so you’d be wise to keep windows and doors closed during the day to help keep pollen out in the first place.

This obviously isn’t ideal when it’s hot outside, but you could consider getting a portable air conditioner to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.

A common issue we see at Physiofusion is confused and frustrated patients that have had replacements (like hips and knees) but that have never seemed to recover to the point they expected. They are still in pain or still can’t return to the sport they loved (and was the reason for their operation in the 1^st place) or still feel weak or ‘malaligned’ on that side…and the list goes on.

Why Your Joint Replacement Has Stalled?

Most people expect a straightforward recovery after their joint replacement. Surgery done, new joint in, back to normal. But for a lot of people, (somewhere between 3 and 6 months) things plateau. Progress slows, confidence drops, and life still feels restricted. The surgery worked. The surgeon has confirmed the joint is ‘perfect’ so why doesn’t it feel like it?

The answer is usually one (or more) of these things:

1. Soft tissues around the joint (they didn’t replace those!) are irritated
2. The mechanics of the leg have not normalised, e.g; the motion is incorrect
3. There is tightness in some structures and weakness in others
4. There are underlying issues with balance or stability around the joint

Things To Consider Post Joint Replacement

Modern joint replacements are built to be loaded, so weight bearing is important. The implant needs progressive stress through it to integrate properly and the muscles around it need to be challenged to rebuild strength. Gentle walking and basic exercises get you started, but they won’t get you to where you want to be long-term. You will be fit to ‘basic level’ and likely not the level of fitness required for all of your lifes challenges.

At the 3 month point, most people should be working on single leg strength, progressive loading, return to perfect movement patterns, balance and stability training. If you’re still doing the same exercises you were given initially, it’s catch up time. Or something hasn’t got to plan.

Pain is not necessarily anything to worry about. Recovery stalling is not a sign anything has gone wrong either. It’s usually a sign the rehab hasn’t kept pace with where the tissue actually is.

Common Questions on Joint Replacement Answered:

Q: I’ve been to my surgeon and they said everything looks perfect on my X-ray but I’m still in pain 4 months down the line. Is that normal?

This is a very common event. And yes it’s very normal. Your body is still healing from the operation even at this time. It’s still structurally ‘bedding in. The scar is still changing and hopefully slowly ‘loosening off’. The muscles and ligaments have been surgically accessed to put the prosthetic in and are still developing strength. Remember also that the old habits of how you had to move with your worn and torn joint will also need retraining out to normalise movement and some structures may be tighter now than before your original worn joint. What matters is the overall direction of travel. If things are gradually improving week on week, you’re on track. If pain is not improving or worse still increasing, that’s worth discussing with your physio

Q: I was told to avoid certain movements because the joint could pop out?

Hips are the most prone joint replacements to dislocate and so you will be advised to not flex them beyond 90 degrees or take the hip into adduction (across your body central line). This is especially important in the 1^st 12 weeks and probabilities of dislocation reduce over the following months. Your physio will be able to advise when your personal joint is able to move into the directions and angles that previously you should have been cautious of.

Knee replacements don’t have these seem cautions. The joint is much less likely to dislocate and, quite the opposite to the hip, movement is very much encouraged to the fullest extent pain allows.

Q: How do I know if the pain I feel during exercise is safe to push through or a sign to stop?

A useful rule of thumb is the 24 hour rule. Pain or soreness during or after exercise that settles back to your baseline within 24 hours is generally fine to work through. It is a normal response to tissue stretch or load. If pain spikes significantly during an exercise, does not settle overnight, or leaves you worse than you started the next day, it is a signal to modify the exercise rather than push on. The goal is to find the edge of your capacity and build from there, not to avoid discomfort entirely, but to make sure the response of your tissues is optimal.

Q: I don’t feel things are as good as they should be and don’t feel confident to go alone with my home rehab….

That’s ok. Help is at hand. We can assess the new joint. Let you know how its getting on in our professional experience. Answer any questions. Provide any post-op treatment the joint would benefit from (for example soft tissue release). Review your home rehab program and try to get it back on track and appropriate for the time scale following the operation. Provide you with personalised reassurance based on your body, its assessment findings and not ‘Google’ averages!

As always, if you have any questions or queries. for us regarding your joint replacement, you can reach out to us for free using our Ask A Physio service, here. Our experienced therapists aim to get back to you within 24 hours.

Low Vitamin D levels have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Mental health conditions
• Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis
• Dementia
• Osteomalacia (and rickets in children)
• Muscle weakness
• Increased frequency and severity of respiratory infections

Why Is Vitamin D So Important?

Vitamin D is often associated with calcium absorption and bone health, but its role goes much further than that.

It behaves more like a hormone than a vitamin, helping to regulate genes involved in:

• Immune system function
• Brain health
• Inflammation control

This is why deficiency can have such wide-ranging effects on the body.

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

In the UK, Vitamin D deficiency is defined as blood levels below 25 nmol/L (25-hydroxy Vitamin D).

There are several reasons why people become deficient, including:

• Limited sunlight exposure (especially October to March)
• Poor dietary intake
• Higher body fat levels
• Ageing
• Genetics
• Darker skin tones
• Regular use of high-factor sunscreen

For many people, it’s not just one factor, it’s a combination.

How to Improve Your Vitamin D Levels

The good news is that improving your Vitamin D levels is relatively simple once you know how.

1. Get Safe Sun Exposure (April – September)

During the lighter months, sunlight is your best source.

Spending just 10–15 minutes outdoors between 11am and 3pm can generate approximately 1000–2000 IU of Vitamin D.

This happens when UVB rays interact with cholesterol in your skin to produce Vitamin D.

For best results:
• Expose areas like your arms, legs or face
• Avoid sunscreen during this short window only
• Take care not to burn

People with darker skin may need 25–40 minutes of exposure, as increased pigmentation reduces the rate of Vitamin D production.

2. Focus on Diet (October – March)

During the winter months, the sun simply isn’t strong enough in the UK to stimulate Vitamin D production.

This means your diet becomes more important.

Good sources include:

• Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Egg yolks
• Fortified foods (such as cereals and wholegrain products)

3. Consider Supplementation

For many people, especially in winter, supplementation is a practical solution.

Daily doses of up to 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 are generally considered safe for adults.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting.

4. Maintain a Healthy Body Composition

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it can be stored in body fat.

Higher levels of body fat can reduce how much Vitamin D is actively circulating in the bloodstream.

This is why regular exercise is important.

A combination of:
• Aerobic exercise
• Strength training

can help improve body composition and support overall Vitamin D function in the body.

The Bottom Line

Vitamin D plays a far bigger role in your health than most people realise.

From immune function to muscle strength and mental wellbeing, maintaining healthy levels is essential, especially in the UK where deficiency is so common.

Small changes like getting outside more, improving your diet, and considering supplementation can make a meaningful difference.

If you would like any advice, you can ask our experts a question any time you wish, here.

Many people are told the same thing:

“It’s just wear and tear.”
“You just have to manage it.” Or, “live with it.”

But that’s not the whole story. While arthritis itself cannot always be reversed, there are effective ways to reduce pain, improve movement, and help joints function better. At Physiofusion, we’ve introduced advanced Laser Therapy for Arthritis to help people do exactly that.

Using state-of-the-art technology, we’re proud to offer one of the most advanced non-invasive treatments available for joint pain in Burnley and Padiham.

What Is Laser Therapy for Arthritis?

Laser therapy, often referred to as photobiomodulation therapy, uses targeted laser light energy to stimulate the body’s healing processes. Unlike treatments that rely on medication or injections, laser therapy works by activating biological processes within your cells.

When the laser light penetrates the tissue around a joint, it helps to:

• Increase circulation
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Stimulate cellular repair
  • Improve tissue healing

The result is often less pain, improved joint movement, and better function. Importantly, the treatment is completely non-invasive, meaning there are no injections, no surgery, no downtime and most importantly, pain-free treatment.

Why Arthritis Pain Happens

To understand why laser therapy can help, it’s important to understand arthritis itself. Arthritis occurs when the structures within a joint become irritated or worn, leading to inflammation, stiffness and reduced mobility. Over time, the surrounding tissues can also become tight, weak or protective of the joint.

This is why many people experience:

• Persistent joint stiffness
  • Pain during or following activity
  • Reduced mobility
  • Muscle tightness around the joint

The key to managing arthritis effectively is treating the joint and the surrounding tissues together. That’s where modern physiotherapy and laser therapy work extremely well together.

How Laser Therapy Helps Arthritic Joints

Laser therapy works at a cellular level, which is what makes it such an exciting development in musculoskeletal treatment. The light energy stimulates the mitochondria inside your cells, which are responsible for energy production. When stimulated correctly, these cells become more efficient at repairing tissue and regulating inflammation.

For arthritis sufferers, this can lead to:

Reduced Pain: Laser therapy stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals and reduces irritation in the joint.

Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is one of the biggest contributors to arthritis pain. Laser therapy helps calm this process.

Improved Joint Mobility: By reducing swelling and relaxing surrounding tissues, joints can move more freely.

Faster Tissue Repair: Laser therapy encourages cellular activity that supports healing and recovery.

Patients report their joints feel looser, more comfortable and easier to move following treatment.

What Happens During your Laser Therapy Treatment?

One of the reasons laser therapy is becoming so popular is how simple and comfortable the treatment is. This is boasted by hands on physio techniques provided at the same time as your laser therapy eg joint mobilisation or muscle release as well as tailored exercise advice specific to the joint your physio has just assessed.

During a session:

1. Your physiotherapist will assess your joint and identify the areas needing treatment.
2. The laser device is applied directly over the affected area.
3. The treatment typically lasts a few minutes per joint.
4. Most patients feel a gentle warmth or nothing at all.
5. Manual therapies then follow to improve the mechanics of the joint and its surrounding tissue. This takes several minutes per joint usually.

The laser procedure is pain-free and safe, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterwards

Why We Introduced Laser Therapy at Physiofusion

At Physiofusion, we are always looking for ways to improve the outcomes we achieve for our patients. For many people with arthritis, traditional advice has often been limited to:

• Pain medication
• Waiting Lists
• Managing symptoms

We believe people deserve better options than simply being told to live with the pain. That’s why we invested in high-intensity, medical-grade laser technology to offer a treatment that addresses the root causes of joint pain rather than simply masking symptoms. This technology represents a significant investment, but it allows us to deliver one of the most advanced arthritis treatment options currently available in private physiotherapy clinics.

Why This Treatment Is Rare in Lancashire

High-quality medical laser equipment is expensive and requires specific training to use effectively. For that reason, very few clinics in Lancashire offer advanced laser therapy for arthritis. At Physiofusion, our clinicians are trained in how to apply the correct dosage, wavelength and treatment protocol for different joint conditions. This level of precision is essential because the effectiveness of laser therapy depends heavily on how it is applied.

Who Can Benefit From Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy can be beneficial for many common arthritic conditions affecting joints such as:

• Knees
• Hips
• Shoulders
• Hands and wrists
• Neck and back

It may also help people who experience:

• Long-term joint pain
• Stiffness affecting daily movement
• Flare-ups of inflammatory symptoms
• Reduced mobility due to arthritis

Your physiotherapist will always assess whether laser therapy is appropriate for your individual condition before recommending treatment.

A Results-Driven Approach to Arthritis Care

At Physiofusion, we don’t believe in passive treatment alone. While laser therapy can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, the best long-term results come from combining it with physiotherapy rehabilitation.

This may include:

• Strengthening exercises
• Mobility work
• Joint stability training
• Lifestyle advice to protect the joint

The aim is not just to relieve pain temporarily, but to help you move better, feel stronger and reduce future flare-ups.

Arthritis Doesn’t Have to Control Your Life

If you’ve been told there’s nothing that can be done for your arthritis, it can feel incredibly frustrating.

But modern physiotherapy has evolved. With the right combination of advanced treatment technology, expert assessment and structured rehabilitation, it is possible to significantly improve how your joints feel and function. Laser therapy is one of the most exciting developments in this area, and we’re proud to bring it to patients in Burnley, Padiham and across Lancashire.

Book Laser Therapy in Burnley or Padiham

If arthritis pain is affecting your daily life, the first step is understanding what treatment options are available to you. At Physiofusion, our experienced physiotherapists can assess your joint and determine whether laser therapy for arthritis could help you.

You can learn more about the treatment here: https://physiofusion.co.uk/clinical-therapies/laser-therapy-for-arthritis/

Or book an appointment online with our team today.

Because even when arthritis can’t be cured, it doesn’t mean that nothing can be done!

The most important thing is that we return home safely without and injury or incident, so let’s make sure we’re well-prepared!

Essential Equipment For Outdoor Adventures:

1.Communication and Navigation

Fully Charged Phone and Battery Charger! It sounds obvious, but so many people often encounter dead batteries when they need them most. In the age of technology, a reliable phone is crucial for emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Not just to notify someone of an issue, but to make it easy to pinpoint your exact location and even send that location to someone! What’s better than a fully charged phone? 2 fully charged phones. Well… at least a battery pack to full recharge your current one if it runs out.

Map and Compass: While modern technology aids navigation, never underestimate the importance of traditional map-reading skills. Carry a detailed map of the area and a compass you wish to walk to navigate in case electronic devices fail. On occasions, you may be in and out of signal, so these tools are vital for guided outdoor adventures, ensuring you stay on track.

Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated is essential, especially in elevated terrains. Give ourselves a head-start and drink plenty of water before we even set off! Don’t let the temperature of the day catch us out! It’s surprising how much water we lose through working hard and sweating. Carry enough water to last the entire day and consider scheduling an amount to drink so that we don’t drink it all in one go, and then desperate for more later on! Use sachets to add to our water that have electrolytes in it that gives us that little bit of extra energy for the

Breakfast! Some would argue the most important meal of day. Setting ourselves up for the day with a full stomach (packed with nutrition of course) will significantly help us throughout the day. Think about packing nutrient-rich snacks and meals to keep our energy levels up. Consider portable options like energy bars, nuts, and fruits. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining stamina during our outdoor adventure.

2.Clothing and Personal Gear

Walking Shoes: INVEST IN FOOTWEAR! We treat so many problems that stem from incorrect footwear. Sturdy, comfortable and well-fitted shoes to provide traction and support on all types of terrain are essential.

Walking Socks: Look to wear moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters that also keep our feet comfortable throughout our journey.

Fully Waterproof Clothing: Weather, particularly in Britain can be unpredictable. Just because it says there isn’t any rain forecast for today, doesn’t mean there won’t be any rain… Ensure clothing is waterproof and layered to accommodate weather and temperature changes.

Spare Clothing: A spare set of clothes can be a game-changer, especially if we encounter unexpected weather conditions. Not to mention, should we slip or fall and get wet and muddy. At the very least, we want to make sure we’re comfortable!

Dry/Plastic Bag for Essentials: Keep important items like keys and electronic devices in a sealed dry bag to protect them from the elements. Think about this with your spare clothing too. It’s not likely, but if we ever find ourselves in a situation where we need to get wet on our journey, its better to have dry clothes to change into if we need it.

3.Safety Equipment

Whistle/Rope/Spray Can: A whistle is a simple yet effective tool for signalling in emergencies. It can carry over long distances and is an essential addition to our safety gear. Rope is a survival guides number one item to bring on a hike. It can be an incredibly versatile item. We appreciate spray cans might seem a little extreme, however, in the event of a worst-case scenario, being able to mark our journey could be vital.

4.Warm up and stretch

You wouldn’t like us to forget we are Physios would you? If we are carrying an injury, we should try to do exercises before we start a walk to maximise the effectiveness of our injured area. Don’t forget, we can stop and stretch at ay point if we feel any niggles along the way. At the end of a walk, if there have been no flat sections to finish on, we can try a little walk around the car park perhaps to loosen the legs and stop the shock of a hard walk. Keep drinking fluids after the walk to help flush out any lactic acids and keep those muscles well hydrated!

Don’t forget, injuries are not the only thing to think about…worn and torn joints may also need a nice warm-up, stretch-off and cool-down too. If we take care of our body, our body will take care of us.

Conclusion

Preparation (in all scenarios) is absolutely the key to a successful and enjoyable hill and mountain walk. By ensuring we have the essential equipment for outdoor adventures, we not only enhance our safety, but also create the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the pleasure of our adventure. If we have been given any advice from our Physio, or even your Podiatrist, we must do our best to try and follow it. It means seeing less of us in the future ; )

If you have any questions or queries about an injury or issue, you can reach out to use for FREE using our Ask A Physio service, here. You can also ask us question about essential equipment for your outdoor adventure if you’re concerned about any risk

Let’s take one of the most common features in wearable technology, for example. Counting steps and step tracking. This feature has been around for a long time, with the majority of us using it to reach that “optimum” target of 10,000 steps a day. This figure has varied over time and will no doubt continue to do so, however, whatever the figure is, it’s always been a target that the “average” person should be able to manage.

It’s this notion that can offer some guidance on whether or not we should have that hip or knee replacement. In a recent study (here), it shows a case for 7000 steps a day being the cut off point for anyone considering hip or knee replacements, and that patients who cannot reach this target due to severity of pain are the ones most in need of a replacement.

It is also important to note that joint replacements are still somewhat risky procedures, leading to more medical complications than conservative care, so making this decision shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Deciding when it is time to have a knee replacement, it may be worth considering alternative information, as opposed to the usual X-ray and MRI scans. Instead, look at cut-off points of 7000 steps per day. Those that clearly can not reach this level due to severity of knee pain are the ones most in need of knee replacement.

Hip versus knee replacements

Generally, hip replacements are considered to be equal to if not superior to knee replacements in terms of outcomes. It is certainly more common to return to higher levels of fitness after hip surgery than it is after knee surgery. It is quite common for people that have had successful hip replacements to go on and compete in what are considered “challenging” activities, such as marathons and triathlons.

Things to consider

As a general rule, the efficiency of surgery is dependent on the amount and quality of bone available to fix the prosthesis in place. This means that hip and knee replacements perform better than ankle replacements and those of us that exercise tend to do better than those of us with sedentary lifestyles.

Use of walking asymmetry as an additional metric

Walking asymmetry is a valuable metric that can provide significant insights into our health, particularly in terms of neurological conditions, rehabilitation progress, fall risk, and overall mobility. The use of modern technology and wearable devices (such as Apple Watch / Health app), makes it easy to incorporate walking asymmetry analysis into various fields, from clinical practice to sports science and everyday health monitoring.

Someone who is taking 8000 steps a day (which is a healthy amount), but with high levels of walking asymmetry (e.g. greater than 20%) may be heading for trouble with an adequate walking amount but limping a lot.

Someone who is only doing 5000 steps a day, but with hardly any walking asymmetry (e.g. less than 5%) can be encouraged to gradually build up to higher step levels, as if walking is very steady, they probably should have the capacity to do higher levels if they have the patience to build up gradually.

If you would like more information on how useful is wearable technology, or you have concerns about a recent hip/knee replacements diagnosis, you can reach out to us for FREE advice at any time, using our “Ask A Physio” service.

This can be particularly prominent in young or athletic people due to the softness and tendency of their feet becoming moist/sweaty from exercise. This can make the skin around the toenails even softer and easier for a nail to pierce.

Some of us naturally just have nails that are more curved and press into the sides of our toes. This doesn’t necessarily mean we have ingrown toe nails. The general rule for concern is that if they are red, inflamed or painful, then there will likely be an issue.

What can I do to help prevent Ingrown Nails?

• Understand how to cut our nails properly! Straight across, making sure not to trim them too low at the edge or down the side. Leave the corner of the nail so it’s visible above the skin. Run a nail file across the sharp edges avoiding taking the nail too far down.
• Avoid moist feet by rotating your shoes and choosing well-fitting socks and shoes made from natural materials.
• If an ingrown toenail develops, you should apply a clean, dry dressing. Use salt water foot baths or antiseptic cream to prevent infection. A Podiatrist can treat the ingrown toenail including those that are swollen and infected. It is best to seek treatment sooner rather than later as delaying treatment can result in longer-term issues.

What can I do to help prevent Thickened Nails?

• You may find cutting them to be difficult, so instead, try filing your toenails once or twice a week to help keep the length down. You can use an emery board or a nail file made of metal or crystal. All are easily available.
• Avoid using home treatments, such as nail thinning products or electric machines to thin the surface of the nail, as this can lead to more damage and the nail becoming thicker and harder to manage. Seek the assistance of a Podiatrist to help reduce the thickness if you’re finding this hard to maintain on your own.

It may seem like such a easy thing to do – knowing how to cut our nails properly – and while it’s not necessarily rocket-science, it’s often the main cause of issues that we treat on a daily basis. Understanding your nail type and the best practice for cutting them shouldn’t be a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

You can use our FREE ask-an-expert service online to talk to our team of Podiatrists about any issues you are facing, here.