About the Patient
At the time of treatment, I was 17 years old, highly active, and studying Animal Management at college. My course involved a lot of physical work, including frequent heavy lifting as part of my daily routine.

The Problem Before Treatment
I developed severe upper back pain, particularly around my shoulders and shoulder blades. The pain lasted for several months and gradually became a constant issue. It affected my daily life, making even routine tasks difficult. The discomfort was so intense at times that it made me tearful, frustrated, and agitated because I couldn’t find any way to relieve it.

As the pain continued to worsen and began interfering with both my college duties and my general wellbeing, I went to my GP. They referred me to Surrey Physio for further assessment and treatment.

Treatment Received
From my first visit, the staff at Surrey Physio were friendly and welcoming, which made me feel comfortable and supported. My treatment included hands-on therapy, and we quickly discovered that the muscles in my upper back and shoulders were extremely tight. My physio used massage techniques to release that tension, which gave me noticeable relief.

I was also given exercises and strengthening workouts to do at home to support the progress made during sessions. I attended several appointments over a short period, and the combination of hands-on treatment and home exercises made a huge difference. After just a few sessions, the pain began to reduce significantly. Gradually, I regained normal movement, and my upper back felt much more relaxed and manageable.

Outcome
Once my symptoms had improved and I was confident with my home exercise routine, I was discharged from treatment. I was able to return to my college duties with ease, and the pain did not return.

Today, I’m able to carry out my normal activities without upper back pain. If I ever start to feel tightness in my shoulders, I go back to the exercises Surrey Physio gave me and occasionally have massages to keep the muscles relaxed. These strategies have prevented the pain from recurring.

Sophie’s Message
If you’re struggling with persistent pain, don’t hesitate to seek help. With the right support and guidance, things really can improve. Make sure you stick to your home exercises. Fifty percent of the work is you!

Thanks again,
Sophie Hayler