Absolute Physiotherapy

Absolute Physiotherapy www.absolutephysiotherapy.co.uk
www.bookwhen.com/absolutephysio Absolute Physiotherapy started in 2010 by Jemma Donald.

Jemma qualified as a chartered Physiotherapist in July 2004 from Birmingham University. She worked for the NHS at the Royal Preston Hospital for three years where she worked alongside leading spinal surgeons, lower limb and shoulder specialists gaining valuable experience in acute and chronic musculoskeletal and orthopaedic problems. During this time she also worked for a private sports injury cli

nic where she furthered her knowledge and skills in sports injury assessment, treatment and prevention. In 2007 she moved back to her hometown of Penrith where she continued to work as a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist for the NHS. Jemma took over a private clinic in Penrith in 2007 before taking a break to start a family. In 2013 she set up Absolute Physiotherapy and now works part-time private and part-time NHS. Since qualifying Jemma has undertaken extensive postgraduate study gaining a diploma in orthopaedic medicine, certificates in acupuncture, clinical pilates, biomechanics of the lower limb, orthotics, achilles tendinopathy treatment and dynamic taping. Currently she is studying towards a PGC in higher Education on a part-time basis and her diploma in Injection therapy allowing her the scope to inject steroid and viscosupplements into joints. She has a specialist interest in biomechanics and uses her skills in analysis of movement to underpin her assessment and diagnosis. Outside of work Jemma has a long history of running and competitive squash. More recently she has started competing in the popular sport of triathlons in between adding to the family. As the business has progressed Jemma has taken on two members of staff on a part time basis. These are Paul Hetherington and Helen Jackson, both of whom have brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the practice.

Not your usual physio post today… 👩‍💼💻At Absolute Physiotherapy Centre we’re really proud to offer occupational health a...
08/05/2026

Not your usual physio post today… 👩‍💼💻

At Absolute Physiotherapy Centre we’re really proud to offer occupational health and workplace assessment services alongside all of our clinical specialisms.

Emma spent today carrying out workplace assessments looking at desk set-up, posture, workstation ergonomics, movement patterns and helping people work more comfortably and efficiently. It’s actually an area Emma worked in extensively previously and holds specialist qualifications in, but something we’ve never fully promoted as a service before.

As our team continues to grow, it’s been brilliant to start utilising even more of the specialist skills we have within the clinic. From women’s health, paediatrics, balance and older adults, injections, diagnostic ultrasound and sports rehab, through to occupational health and workplace wellbeing it’s great to be able to support people in so many different ways. Happy weekend!

If your workplace, business or staff team would benefit from workplace assessments, occupational health input or ergonomic advice, it’s something we’d love to help with.

Huge congratulations to everyone who took part in the London Marathon today from elite winners to every single runner wh...
26/04/2026

Huge congratulations to everyone who took part in the London Marathon today from elite winners to every single runner who crossed that finish line 👏

Watching performances like this is a reminder of just how incredible the human body really is. The resilience, discipline, and sheer determination on display is nothing short of inspiring.

A special mention to the champions and to an unbelievable performance in the women’s and men’s race, pushing the limits once again and redefining what’s possible.

To our Absolute Physio clients who ran today we’re proud of you. What an achievement 💪

18/03/2026

Absolute Physiotherapy Centre Clinical Insights

Brilliant in-service training this week delivered by Alexis D***s (Physiotherapist), fresh from a Mulligan course and kindly sharing her knowledge with the team 🙌

A really practical session focused on applying these principles to help improve pain and range of movement in the upper limb — exactly the kind of hands-on learning we value.

We love building connections with physios in the area and coming together to share knowledge, not compete. No egos here — just a shared goal of doing the very best for our patients.

Already looking forward to the next session focusing on the cervical spine 👀

We’re also on the lookout for nutrition input for an upcoming in-service. If you’re a nutritionist who’d be interested in delivering some CPD with us, we’d love to hear from you — please get in touch!

rehabilitation teamlearning physioeducation

Collagen vs Protein Powder – what does the evidence actually say?We get asked this a lot in clinic — particularly by act...
01/03/2026

Collagen vs Protein Powder – what does the evidence actually say?

We get asked this a lot in clinic — particularly by active patients and athletes

Here’s the honest answer 👇

Both collagen and protein powder are broken down into amino acids in the body. You cannot “direct” collagen to your skin or tendons.

So why the debate?

🔬 Collagen is rich in glycine and proline — amino acids heavily used in connective tissue.
💪 Whey protein is higher in essential amino acids and superior for muscle protein synthesis.

🧴 What about skin?

Some studies suggest collagen peptides may:
• Improve skin hydration
• Slightly improve elasticity
• Reduce wrinkle depth

But…

Most trials are:
• Small sample sizes
• Short duration (8–12 weeks)
• Often industry-funded

Effect sizes are modest — not transformative.

Adequate total protein intake remains the priority.

🦵 What about tendinopathy? (More relevant to our athletes 👀)

There is emerging research suggesting:

Collagen + vitamin C taken 30–60 minutes before tendon loading exercise
may increase markers of collagen synthesis.

However:

• Small preliminary studies
• Limited clinical outcome data
• Mechanistic markers ≠ guaranteed symptom improvement
• Not yet supported by large high-quality RCTs

So this is interesting… but still early evidence.

💡 Bottom Line

✔️ Adequate total protein intake is essential.
✔️ Collagen is optional.
✔️ It may offer a small adjunct benefit for skin or tendon in certain cases.
❌ It is not magic.

As always in rehab:
Load management, progressive strengthening, sleep, and overall nutrition matter far more than a scoop of powder.

If you’re managing tendinopathy or training heavily and want to discuss whether this fits into your rehab plan, we’re always happy to talk evidence.


SportsNutrition

17/02/2026

Every Tuesday, Graham GD Health - Physiotherapy and Well-being Clinic mentors us through our PG Cert in ultrasound, watching us scan, challenging our thinking, refining our technique.

Today, he was on the couch.

Despite being highly experienced in ultrasound-guided injections himself, a problematic knee (that’s previously responded brilliantly to HA injections) meant he needed someone else to take the probe and needle.

He trusted me.

Ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection, with expert mentoring happening in real time , just from the patient’s perspective this time.

No wincing. Smooth procedure.
Now we wait for the results.

There’s something powerful about being trusted by someone who could easily do the job themselves.

Grateful.

KneeCare ClinicalConfidence

06/02/2026

🦶✨ Enhancing Balance Through Intrinsic Foot Strength ✨🦶

Just wanted to highlight the critical role that foot exercises play in improving balance and coordination. Craig demonstrates a series of effective exercises we often prescribe aimed at strengthening intrinsic foot muscles, which are vital for maintaining stability—particularly for our patients focusing on balance rehabilitation. Not everyone has feet as good as this and some might find toe spacers helpful during these exercises. ( I’ll send a link for toe spacers we recommend to anyone that wants it!)

Research indicates that intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) exercises significantly improve balance and strength, ultimately leading to decreased self-perceived disability and enhanced stability 1 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10784881/). Many individuals seeking therapy often require targeted interventions for their foot and ankle regions. By enhancing strength and coordination through these exercises, we can make substantial strides in overall balance.

Expect to see these type of exercises in our advanced balance classes with Hayley our specialist Physio in balance. . 🙌

For those interested in these cork cylinders I can send you a link to some sites that sell them. There’s a huge price difference and to be honest the cheaper ones are totally fine!

03/02/2026

🌟 Exciting Developments in Musculoskeletal Practice 🌟

Emma and I are currently enhancing our skills in point-of-care ultrasound scanning as part of our postgraduate studies in Musculoskeletal Practice. Under the guidance of our mentor, Graham Dawson from GD Health and Well-Being Physio, we are gaining invaluable hands-on experience every three weeks by scanning patients. This is part of us gaining our PgCert in MSK Ultrasound.

This service not only offers a more affordable option for patients but also allows us to refine our skills for their benefit. We invite anyone interested in this service to book an appointment as we aim to practice extensively and ensure our proficiency.

HealthAndWellbeing ClinicalPractice ContinuousLearning

31/01/2026

Enjoyed a great morning out with the Absolute Physio team! 🌤️ It’s moments like these that remind me how lucky we are to work together.

We had some delicious food at Granny Downkins, caught up, and took in the fresh air and views.

Looking forward to planning our next outing already!

09/01/2026

🌟 From Childhood to Now: A Journey in Motion 🌟

Captured a special moment tonight on the treadmill! 🏃‍♂️✨ Just reflecting on how my son’s running technique has developed over the years—from those adorable toddler steps to his effortless strides today. It’s amazing to see how each phase has its own charm and challenges!

Noticing the small things that make a big difference:
✅ 🦵 Cadence that flows naturally
✅ 🌬️ Soft knee landings for energy efficiency
✅ 🙌 Relaxed arms gliding almost effortlessly

His running might not be perfect, but it’s uniquely him. Each run is a reminder that with practice and passion, we create our own patterns of movement. There is no right way to run.

Barefoot adventures have been a game changer for his strong, mobile feet and those daily calf raises whilst teeth cleaning ( if you’ve been treated by me you won’t be surprised!)

Here’s to enjoying every step, whether in running shoes or barefoot! 🏃‍♂️❤️

30/12/2025

🎉✨ As we bid farewell to 2025, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing clients/patients. Your unwavering support has made this year truly special for our team at Absolute Physiotherapy Centre.

💪 We are so grateful to be a part of your journey towards health and happiness. We’ve loved sharing in your successes and helping you enjoy your favorite activities.

Here’s to a fabulous 2026 filled with new adventures, wellness, and joy! 🥳🥂

Sending you all our love and thanks! 💕

💚 With love,
The Absolute Physiotherapy team

Address

Penrith
CA110BJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

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