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Stroke survivor hopes his kit bag idea will help others build confidence 

One of our patients, an ex-marine called Mark Bowra, had a severe stroke four years ago. He has made an incredible recovery and has competed in two Invictus Games. 

He has had to retire from the military and his rehab has been hampered by his communication difficulties. Despite this he has been travelling the country promoting his product ‘The Bowra Bag’.

This has a variety of essential kit to support recovery from day one post-stroke. It even includes a comfort blanket, as well as items to support communication/cognitive/physical recovery/boredom. 

He is still in the early stages and trying to find the best manufacturer, but I thought Frontline readers would be interested in his inspiring story. 

See here to find out more.  

• Elizabeth Hooks, clinical specialist physiotherapist, Community Brain Injury Service,  Poole, Dorset Health Care

Frontline article sparks interest in an often neglected condition 

A Frontline article last year by Louise Hunt (19 July 2017) generated enormous interest in thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), so much so that I developed it into a masterclass. 

The first took place last month and was a resounding success, with outstanding feedback and requests for more. Physiotherapists attended from across the country, the majority at senior clinician or manager level, and one person even travelled from Spain.

Since then I have spoken to surgeons at the South West Spinal Meeting and was a guest speaker at the British Elbow and Shoulder Society conference in Glasgow. 

As physiotherapists are crucial in the management of this disorder I am keen to continue raising awareness and, fortunately, this is being met with a great desire for more education and training. We plan to run more masterclasses next year. 

The broad range of symptoms means most physios working within orthopaedics, spinal and hand specialisms will have contact with a patient with TOS, probably without knowing it.

• Rob Patterson, Orthopaedic physiotherapy specialist 

Elderly swimmers gain a lot from specialist coaching

I’m a physio in the Bristol area. I work in a care home and I help our elderly residents to enjoy using the swimming pool. We have teamed up with local specialist swimming coaches to enable the residents (some in their late 90s) to build their confidence and skills in the water. Some residents have not been in a pool for decades and are thrilled to have the chance to enjoy the water again. It has been highly positive and a great example of older people getting into activity. swjones@live.co.uk

• Simon Jones