Testimonials

'"While filming 'Small Island' in Belfast I received four massage sessions from Petra Erving. Petra is a very experienced, knowledgeable and skilled massage therapist and I would definitely feel confident and comfortable in recommending her"
Naomie Harris, Actress
(Selena, 28 Days Later, Tia Dalma/Calypso, Pirates of The Caribbean 2&3)

Lipoedema

It's very difficult to find a good therapist who specialises in lipedema and lymphedema treatment. I was very fortunate to find Petra. Not only is she skilled in massage and bandaging techniques but she takes her work seriously and cares about it, taking time to make sure that its done correctly.

She measured me before and after a series of therapies and bandaging and the reduction in swelling in my legs was good. She then measured and ordered tights that have maintained the improvement in my legs.

She visited my home to do the treatments and never rushed her work. She showed that her work was important to her and that she cared about her patients' well being. I would recommend her as being an excellent therapist.

Liz Hughes-Toner

I was diagnosed with primary lymphoedema 3 years ago and issued with compression tights from the hospital. My GP confirmed that it is hereditary and both my mother and grandmother had lived with the condition. Unfortunately little seems to be known about how to manage the problem apart from exercise and then sit with your feet up when the swelling becomes worse! I must also say that I did feel rather embarrassed when I couldn’t lose weight no matter how hard I tried and people would assume that I overate and did absolutely no exercise! So, at last I decided to research my symptoms to see how other people coped.

I subsequently discovered that my symptoms seemed closer to lipoedema than lymphoedema and that lymphatic drainage and bandaging was the best way to manage the condition. I also discovered that Petra was the therapist practising closest to my home and am I glad that I found her.

At the initial consultation I felt that for the first time in about 9 years I was at last being listened to and taken seriously. Petra actually spent time asking about my condition and like myself, felt that my symptoms indicated lipoedema and I came away from that session feeling that I could in some way manage to control my symptoms.

Petra came to my home and after a few sessions of manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging, I lost 9cms from my waistline, 7cms from each of my thighs, 5cms from my legs and 3cms from each of my ankles. This meant that I could move much more comfortably and psychologically I felt so much better about myself!

During this course of treatment Petra was extremely professional and simply so encouraging. I will continue to have treatment from Petra, especially the gently massage because it will be my little treat and it has proven to be so beneficial.

I only wish that this treatment would be more widely recognised and that more people could be referred to Petra instead of left feeling that there was nothing that they could do about their condition but suffer that awful discomfort of swollen limbs.

Margaret Johnston

Lymphoedema

My name is Patrinne Irvine and I live in Banbridge. For as long as I can remember I suffered from swollen ankes and knees and had been on fluid tablets for approx 20 years. In June of this year I heard of the word 'lymphoedema' to describe my condition I looked it up on the internet, found the 'medi-therapy' website, and left a message for Petra.

After an initial consultation, I began my treatment and each time the bandages were changed, I marvelled at the new shape of my legs and ankles. I was elated when I got my compression hose I showed them to everyone. I no longer take fluid tablets and walking is much easier. I could now buy shoes that were fashionable and I did not need to change as my ankles ballooned out.

In September I was able to fly to England without pain in my legs and swelling, it was so good. I cannot thank Petra enough, she is such a kind and caring person, I enjoyed my visits to her and I wish her every success in her work.

I wish every healthcare professional could recommend patients to her that they also may experience the feeling of 'normality'.

Patrinne Irvine

Postoperative Scar Massage

My name is Lorraine White and I am senior care assistant looking after Mrs Elspeth Nicholson. Elspeth contracted Meningococcal Meningitis in February 2006 and was brought to Intensive Care in the Royal Victoria Hospital where she was seriously ill. It was thought that Elspeth wouldn't survive due to septicaemia and the need to have both arms and both legs amputated. The septicaemia ravaged her entire body and therefore a huge amount of skin grafting was also required.

After 8 months Elspeth was transferred to Musgrave Park Hospital for rehabilitation and I was working on her ward. I worked with Elspeth for approx 8 months and when she was discharged and returned home, I continued working for Elspeth privately.

Due to a massive amount of scar tissue, Elspeth found it very difficult and uncomfortable sitting in her wheelchair for any length of time. The scar tissue on the back of her legs was very tight and tethered and restricted the time Elspeth spent sitting. She had heard about Petra who had gone to America to train in treating post-operative scar tissue and decided to contact her to see if her techniques would help. So in June 2007 Petra began twice weekly sessions and within 6 weeks we noticed a marked improvement. Elspeth was able to sit for much longer periods of time and the scar tissue was softer and flatter to touch.

Since then Petra has seen Elspeth most weeks and the improvement has been remarkable. Elspeth is able now to sit all day in her chair without any discomfort and thanks to Petra she can now go on long journeys in the car.

Most recently Petra has done some Manual Lymph Drainage on one of Elspeth's swollen arms. She has only done a few sessions but already we have noticed a slight change. However if this therapy is as good as the scar therapy, then we look forward to more improvements.

Lorraine (on behalf of Elspeth Nicholson)

"Our 6-year-old daughter Josephine had significant scarring on the sole of her foot following surgery. She had sustained damage to the tendons and nerves in her foot and needed intensive physiotherapy to restore full movement.

As a result of the surgery there was a build up of scar tissue on the arch of her foot, which was painful and prevented her from walking normally with shoes. We had assumed that the scarring was an inevitable consequence of surgery and was probably untreatable. However, over a short period of time, Petra was able to successfully reduce the scar tissue, which dramatically improved Josephine's walking and allowed her to wear her shoes as normal.

Our experience of working with Petra was extremely positive.  The effect that simple massage treatment can have on scars is remarkable and should be part of all post-operative treatment. Importantly, Petra also has a good bedside manner and quickly gains the trust of her patients - particularly, in our experience, children."

David and Emma Allen

"On 15th May 2007 my third baby daughter was born by caesarean section.  Recovery from my surgery went well; until around early Aug ’07 I noticed that my lower abdomen was very tender to touch.  This was especially noticeable when I would lean against my sink.  In addition I had to stop wearing my jeans and resorted to wearing loosely fitting clothes.

It was recommended to me that I should try a session of Scar Tissue Therapy.  I was open to any idea, which may ease my tenderness.

I was truly amazed that after the first session with Petra that my symptoms had lessened.  Four sessions later I was so happy with the final result.  No pain or tenderness and back into my jeans!!

I would have no hesitation in recommending session to anyone post-op who is experiencing unexplained tenderness well after the initial healing process."

Judith Boyle

Lymphatic Drainage

"Petra was recommended to me initially for Lymphatic Drainage Therapy after I had been diagnosed with lymphoedema following Breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy last March ’08.  After only a few sessions I noticed a marked improvement in both skin tone and colour and a major reduction in swelling.
In addition, she was able to get an excellent result on the surgery scar tissue, (using the techniques she studies in America).  This resulted in a reduction in pain, swelling and hardness.
I would recommend her friendly and professional service to anyone in a similar position; I am so glad she was recommended to me so I am happy to pass it on.

I would urge anyone affected in the same way not to suffer in silence when help is available!"

Lorna F.

"Having suffered from a bad pregnancy one of the conditions I was left with was a sluggish lymphatic system that left my body with the appearance of cellulite deposits under my skin.  I tried numerous treatments and alternative medicines in the search of a remedy.  I then discovered lymphatic drainage therapy at Physio Works and have not looked back since.  Carried out by a qualified practitioner I was given immediate confidence that this would work.

After the first couple of treatments I started to notice excellent beneficial effects as the appearance of the cellulite deposits started to diminish and then disappear.  I have gained many other benefits from this treatment, which have included the elimination of water retention, deep relaxation and more energy gained from the corrective treatment which re-circulated my lymphatic system."

Nicola Powderley

Myofascial Release

I had been complaining for 3 months of an ache in my upper arm which restricted my movement. I went to see Petra and, within 2 one-hour sessions, she had loosened the muscle that was caught.

The cause of the pain was not initially obvious but Petra was determined to provide me with relief. With good analysis of the problem and, being aware that the cause may not be muscle-related, Petra worked to identify the root of the pain. She took me through different exercises to eliminate the different muscles and to locate the true culprit.

Despite the seemingly slow process, I never felt that my problem was imaginary or incredulous. Petra remained resolute in identifying the cause and her patient care is both sincere and informative. At the end of the 2nd session, movement was still quite restricted and the muscle was still sore. But within a week, it became clear that she had resolved the problem.

Using the exercises she had showed me, I could see daily improvement in my condition. By the end of 3 weeks, I had once again regained full movement of my arm with no pain.

I had been quite depressed when I made my 1st one-hour appointment with Petra. I had tried normal massage sessions which had only produced temporary relief. I was beginning to believe that I might have to learn to live with both the restriction and the pain.

Due to Petra 's efforts, I can once again "forget" that I have a left arm and go about life normally.

Thank-you, Petra , for your patience, your expertise and your skill in restoring my health. I very much appreciate your efforts

Colette Rogers.

My name is Katie Kirk. I am an 800m runner. I am 15 and have been suffering from Compartment Syndrome which causes painful calves.

Without Petra I don’t know how I could have achieved all I have this indoor track season, winning the British indoor championships in Birmingham, bronze medallist in the senior Irish indoors, competing for Ireland in the Celtic indoors U20 and beating my PB by 3 seconds.

By Christmas I was feeling awful and had lost a lot of my drive and ambition due to a disappointing cross country season, and I couldn’t see a way out of my injury. I felt trapped and had tried many methods and had been offered so much advice that it was hard to choose which one would be right for me. I had first heard about Petra through Debbie and it seemed that she specialised in the sort of massage that was right for my injury.

At first, as usual I was very pessimistic but the treatment really helped. My first real triumph came when I was able to run 20 minutes without any pain, which had been my struggle throughout the winter months.

Finally my injury seemed curable and I was able to train harder and set goals for my indoor season and the track season ahead of me, I hope to get the qualifying time for the European Youth Olympics, which is being held in Finland this August.

I would recommend Petra’s treatments to anyone I know and over the past few months I feel secure and know that Petra will sort out any niggles or pain I am having.

Katie Kirk