What are the opening hours?

Monday 7:30am - 5pm Tuesday 7:30am - 6:30pm Wednesday 7:30am - 6:30pm Thursday 7:30am - 6:30pm Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm

Piece by Piece Physiotherapy, D Mill, Dean Clough, Halifax (2026)

14/10/2021

Very proud to announce the award of Best Vestibular Rehabilitation & Concussion Management Clinic - UK, in the latest SME awards! (www.sme-news.co.uk/winners/dizziness-balance-concussion-centre/) Delighted to have been recognised after all the hard work! To see how an award-winning clinic can help y...

04/12/2020

Award-Winning Physiotherapy In Halifax! The results are in and Piece by Piece Physiotherapy Halifax won 'Best Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Clinic - West Yorkshire' in the Global Health and Pharma Private Healthcare Awards 2020! Woo-hoo! Must be doing something right and it’s always great to get a...

21/10/2020

A pain in the neck! With the pandemic leading to many people transforming the kitchen table into a work desk, or answering emails through the day from a laptop on their knee in the front room – many people are developing aches and pains in their backs and necks. If this is you – Piece by Piece p...

15/10/2020

Raking leaves It’s that time of year again where the trees put on their show and the leaves turn into gorgeous autumn colours. Unfortunately, when the show is over the leaves need to be raked up and tidied away. Although raking leaves seems like easy work, it’s not as easy as it looks – especi...

25/02/2020

What is proprioception and why is it important?

Many people have heard the term proprioception, especially if they have seen a physio after an ankle sprain.

But what is proprioception and why is it important? Does it only apply to ankle?

Simply put, proprioception is your body’s internal awareness as to where it is in space. An easy way to illustrate this is, if you close your eyes and point your index fingers on each hand. Then bring both your hands above your head and bring your fingers together so that they touch.

The fact you can bring both finger tips to the same point in space is your body’s proprioception ability. This is gained from signals from muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments etc. going to the brain and back to guide your hands.

The faster and more consistent you can do it, shows how well your proprioception in the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands is performing.

The same is for ankles – where standing on one foot with your eyes closed is a good measure.

In fact, it is the same is for all joints!

The better the proprioception the better the joint works and performs – having all the muscles working in sync and knowing how much they need to fire to get the arm, leg, head etc. into the position we want is always beneficial. Also, this should happen automatically and accurately – without the use of our eyes to guides the joints.

However, injury, pain or other dysfunctions inhibits this ‘joint sense’ and can lead to significant impairments in the joints – so the joints do not react as quickly or accurately and this can lead to further issues and injuries.

This is why after an ankle injury, retraining the proprioception / balance of the ankle is very important in preventing a second ankle injury. However, while the ankle proprioception is often addressed in rehabilitation, other joints such as the shoulder and neck do not get the same attention when really they should.

In fact, many patients with chronic neck pain often have issues with their neck proprioception on testing and can be a major cause of their prolonged symptoms and pain.

Unfortunately, the recovery from injury the focus is on pain and getting back to activity and the proprioception is often forgotten, even though research shows that poor proprioception increases the chances of future injuries and pain.

So, every rehabilitation programme should consider proprioception testing and treatment to aid recovery and limit further issues – with the ankles, knees, shoulders, neck being particularly important to proprioception testing.

If you, or anyone you know, has an injury or joint issue get in touch with Piece by Piece Physiotherapy to see how we can help.

13/02/2020

Should I sleep after a concussion? After suffering a concussion, many people feel tired and hope a good night’s sleep will help them feel better. But should you

10/02/2020

Rotator cuff tears

A common injury, which sounds scary – anytime a ‘tear’ is diagnosed it always leads us to thinking the worst! Thankfully, in the majority of cases, a rotator cuff tear can be treated quickly and conservatively with the right approach.

The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles which help to move the arm, but more importantly keep the humerus tightly in the socket of the scapula throughout the large range of movement the shoulder has.

Unfortunately, this large degree of movement coupled with the fact the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles have areas of very low blood supply make the area susceptible to injury and degeneration over time – making the risk of a tear more likely as we age.

Also, stresses we put through our shoulders from sports, training and occupations have a big impact, with repeated overhead movements – throwing, painting and decorating, weights – all increasing the risks of tears, especially if the mechanics of the whole shoulder are not working optimally.

The actual rotator cuff tears can come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from a mild partial-thickness tear (not all the way through the tendon) to a large full-thickness tear (all the way through the tendon) to a full rupture, where the tendon has been completely torn in two.

However, it is not all ‘doom and gloom’ with rotator cuff tears with research showing that many people having tears, but not having any symptoms – so no pain, weakness or dysfunction in the area, even though a tear is present.

Thankfully, the majority of tears, ranging from small to large and partial- to full-thickness, can be treated conservatively with physiotherapy. The key is to make sure the whole mechanics of the shoulder girdle are assessed for weaknesses and dysfunctions and any issues addressed. This takes pressure off the torn area, allowing any inflammation to subside and the pain and dysfunction to improve.

Although the majority respond positively to this approach, it does not work for everybody, with some people still requiring a surgical repair. However, it is still positive to have gone through an assessment and treatment programme as it allows for a stronger base for recovery after the surgery – a sort of ‘prehabilitation’ making the surgery and rehabilitation more successful.

For full ruptures, surgery is generally the first option to reattach the tendons – but this is not always possible, depending on the level of degeneration present and whether the remaining tissue would be capable of tolerating the reattachment.

In these cases, to keep people active and their shoulders functioning, it all comes down to getting other muscles to take over - which in some cases can be very successful. I once had a gentleman in his 70s with two full rotator cuff muscle ruptures alongside a long head of bi-ceps rupture, but thankfully was able to keep him playing badminton on a weekly basis - so plenty can still be achieved, even in these cases.

If you, or anyone you know, has shoulder pain or a rotator cuff tear get in touch with Piece by Piece Physiotherapy to see how we can help.

31/01/2020

Knee pain

Knee pain is one of the most common injuries out there –whether a weekend warrior or elite athlete, looking after your knees is central to your training and playing success.

Although the knee is the largest joint in the body and often regarded as the most complex, the vast majority of knee pain can be managed effectively with physiotherapy alone.

The key is balance!

Not just balance of the knee but balance of the whole lower limb. If this is not the case, the knee quite literally gets ‘caught in the middle’, becomes overloaded and pain strikes.

Ankle dysfunctions and hip issues put more force on the knee increasing the chances of a knee injury, even though the actual root cause is elsewhere.

As such, to truly address knee pain and prevent injuries, the whole lower limb plays an important part - in fact some studies have shown that by just treating the hip, knee pain can disappear!

Thankfully, we do not need to choose just one area to treat. A full assessment of the lower limb and central stability, alongside more specific tests of the knee, will guide us to getting someone pain free as quickly as possible – and keeping them that way.

So, if you have knee pain, expect to have more than just your knee assessed – and if that’s not the case, then they are only seeing a third of the picture.

If you, or anyone you know, is suffering from knee pain then Piece by Piece Physiotherapy can help – get in touch today!

15/01/2020

What can I do for jaw pain?

It is estimated 30% of people suffer from jaw pain or temporomandibular disorder (TMD) but only around 7% of these people actually get help to manage it.

For many, they mention it to their dentist and they may get a mouth guard - which can help, but doesn’t always stop the pain and other issues they are experiencing.

So they carry on, not knowing what else they can do. This is a scenario I hear time and time again.

Thankfully, if this sounds like you or someone you know - physiotherapy can help!

A full assessment of the jaw, neck and upper back will help to determine the contributing factors and then direct the treatment approach.

Treatment often includes some hands-o n techniques - which can make a difference straight away – combined with an exercise programme to help keep these improvements permanent.

Education is also a big aspect to help the patient understand what is happening and why – often there are other aspects at play which are contributing to the condition which need to be addressed.

Thankfully, the research alongside personal experience shows this approach leads to significant improvements, if not a full cure, for the majority of people.

If you or anybody you know is struggling with jaw pain or issues, get in touch today to see how Piece by Piece Physiotherapy can help.

07/01/2020

It’s the time of year to think BIG!

Many start to think about training for a marathon, to cycle a stage of Le Tour, climb the three peaks or just get in better shape.

Unfortunately, by the spring, many goals are an afterthought and left until next year.

Some common reasons are:

• Training too much too soon and the inevitable injury occurs. After the injury, the willpower and drive are replaced by frustration and the tailoring-off of training.
• Loss of motivation – this is why gyms across the country are full at present, with well-intentioned gym-goers who will hate the gym in a month or so.

To help the many who start off too quickly and burnout, or the ones who just get bored of the treadmill, here are some simple steps to try:

• Don’t exhaust yourself in the gym or push out that last set to failure – leave it for next time. To satisfy the itch, you’ll have to go back a ‘next time’, which will help you get into a consistent routine.

• Try cross-training to help you achieve your goals – cycling, swimming, circuit training can all help someone’s goal of running a marathon. Mixing it up helps the boredom and can make your specific training feel fresher.

These two tips combine to ease burnout and spread out the pressures on the body; helping to lower the risk of injury (which hinders everyone’s goals) and helps keep your goal alive.

If you need help keeping your ‘goal alive’ get in touch to see how Piece by Piece Physiotherapy can help.

18/12/2019

With the longer nights, colder weather and holiday season upon us, the extra food and drink can cause havoc with our waistlines and fitness levels – soon the regular rush to the gym starts in January to try and reverse the damage done.

Whatever goals we have for ourselves, getting injured is not one of them, so here are a few common mistakes and myths, followed by the facts to help keep you on track:

X - Machines are safer than free weight – research has shown gym goers still use poor technique with machines, raising the injury risk by not adjusting the height of seats etc.

Focus on technique and posture throughout, drop the weight to make sure the technique is right – although it feels like a step back, you’ll be grateful in the long term. Ask for help if you’re unsure; a second set of eyes can spot problems easily.
------------------------------------------
X - No pain no gain or exercise needs to be intense to work.

Research shows exercise such as Tai Chi and other mind-body exercises can have great benefits for flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, strength and stress management.
------------------------------------------
X - Going to the gym is the best way to get fit.

The biggest key to getting and staying fit is simply doing consistent exercise. If this means a home DVD program then great stuff! I recommend finding something you enjoy so you’ll be more likely to slot it into your busy lifestyle.
------------------------------------------
X - Crunches will get you a six-pack.

Although crunches will build the abs, to get the fêted ‘six-pack’ is all about the amount of body fat you have and where on your body you carry it. For men, body fat needs to be below 11% and for women, below 19%. However, it also depends where you carry your fat. This means that exercises designed to burn calories and fat are a lot better than crunches and sit-ups in achieving the ‘six-pack’! Oh, and a side note; there’s actually 8 visible abs muscles so it is possible to have an 8-pack!
------------------------------------------
X - Cardiovascular workouts are the best way to lose fat.

Studies have shown a combination of cardio and resistance training to be the best. Circuit training or resistance training followed by cardio (in this order) are both great ways to burn calories. But the best way to lose fat, is to cut the number of calories consumed – this is far more effective than relying upon any exercise programme.
------------------------------------------
X - Training through injuries helps you recovery quicker and get stronger.

Injuries need to be addressed as soon as possible, either through rest, modifying exercises or seeking help from a physiotherapist to stop the problem becoming chronic. If it’s already chronic, advice from a physiotherapist can help you recover or improve the management and symptoms.

If you need help getting your exercise on track get in touch today to see how Piece by Piece Physiotherapy can help!

15/12/2019

What can you do when you become dizzy?

Being dizzy is not a pleasant experience!

It is scary, frustrating, debilitating and affects all aspects of your life – talking or getting information about what is happening can be difficult, but that’s where the Dizziness, Balance & Concussion Centre comes in.

Thankfully, although the experience is an awful one, there is usually a benign reason behind it rather than a medical emergency (although, we need to rule the more serious things out).

But what can I do to help when dizziness strikes? What will make me be able to cope when my world is spinning?

For some advice and practical tips download the ‘What can I do when I feel dizzy?’ information booklet – or get in touch to talk about what you’re experiencing for some reassurance and advice – or do both!

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing dizziness, vertigo or issues with their balance – check out the information booklet by clicking on the button below – or get in touch to see how the Dizziness, Balance & Concussion Centre can help.

Piece by Piece Physiotherapy

14/10/2021

04/12/2020

21/10/2020

15/10/2020

25/02/2020

13/02/2020

10/02/2020

31/01/2020

15/01/2020

07/01/2020

18/12/2019

15/12/2019

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	7:30am - 6:30pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 6:30pm
Thursday	7:30am - 6:30pm
Friday	7:30am - 6:30pm