Every day is different for Harriet Johnston, Lead Physiotherapist, but her main focus is supporting students at Seashell to build strength, independence and confidence through tailored therapy support. We spent the day with Harriet to find out what life is like as part of the physiotherapy team!
What does a physiotherapist do?
Our physiotherapists work collaboratively with the wider therapy team, teachers, learning support assistants and residential support to achieve the best outcome for each individual. Our mission is to offer SEND support to every student, supporting them achieve their highest potential for independent and functional movement. Our physiotherapy team accomplish this through various fun, engaging and challenging activities tailored to suit the individual’s needs.
Our offering includes sessions in our hydrotherapy pool, rebound therapy, one-to-one sessions, group sessions, use of specialist equipment, and moving and handling support.
Harriet’s morning
Harriet begins her morning at 8am, checking her emails before heading over to Royal College Manchester for her first session of the day with student Any.
Together, they work on a series of arm exercises designed to support Any’s movement and physical wellbeing.
Into the Afternoon
Therapy sessions are only part of a physiotherapist’s day. After a busy morning, Harriet returns to the office to write up her notes, before heading to a team meeting with colleagues from the physiotherapy team.
Accurate documentation and collaborative planning helps to ensure every young person receives personalised support that meets their needs.
After lunch, Harriet works with Royal School Manchester student Imogen.
Using a hoist, Harriet supports her onto the Acheeva bed where Imogen can complete stretching exercises in preparation for her ankle-foot orthoses. Harriet then helps Imogen move to a therapy bench, where she works on her sitting balance.
“It was lovely to see her doing some beautiful sitting balance work,” said Harriet.
These sessions play an important role in helping students to develop mobility, comfort and independence.
The final session of the day sees Harriet work with again with Any, this time in Seashell’s state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool.
Hydrotherapy provides a warm, calm and supportive environment where young people can exercise, strengthen muscles and develop greater independence. In the water, Harriet helps Any improve her leg flexibility before finishing the session with one of her favourite activities, a game of chase!
Afterwards, Any is supported safely out of the pool using a specialist platform.
Ending the day
Harriet’s day demonstrates the wide-ranging role physiotherapists play at Seashell. Whether supporting students in the rebound suite, therapy rooms or hydrotherapy pool, the goal remains the same – helping every young person achieve their potential and enjoy greater independence.
Harriet wraps up her notes and heads home at 4pm, following a successful day making a real difference in the lives of disabled young people.
Physiotherapy at Seashell
Our mission is to offer SEND support to every student, supporting them achieve their highest potential for independent and functional movement.
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