Alison Bain: The Empowering Physiotherapist at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital
Alison Bain, the lead paediatric physiotherapist at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH), believes that children should have the chance to shake loose and have fun, especially in today’s world dominated by screen time. Every Friday at 11 am, Alison hosts ‘Fit Friday,’ a one-hour session at the hospital’s gymnasium, where children can let go of their worries and enjoy themselves.
Fitness and Fun at Fit Friday
Despite being the lead physiotherapist at RACH, Alison welcomes all young patients to join in the Fit Friday activities, not just those under her direct care. The idea behind Fit Friday is to provide children with a break from the hospital environment and encourage them to engage in physical activities that are both beneficial and enjoyable. Through activities like tennis lessons with Judy Murray, agility ladders, balance-building wobble cushions, and exercise bikes, Alison and her team aim to make physiotherapy sessions fun and engaging for the young patients.
Empowering Children Through Movement
Alison emphasizes the importance of movement for children, particularly given the sedentary lifestyles many lead due to excessive screen time. By incorporating music playlists and interactive exercises, she aims to reduce anxiety associated with physiotherapy and help children recover more quickly. Alison believes that children respond positively to physiotherapy once they overcome their initial fears, often progressing faster than adults in their rehabilitation.
Supporting Families Through Expert Advice
In addition to her hands-on work with young patients, Alison played a key role in establishing a paediatric physiotherapy advice line at RACH. This resource allows parents, health professionals, GPs, and health visitors to seek expert guidance on children’s musculoskeletal issues. The success of the advice line reflects the dedication of the entire team at RACH, who treat over 18,500 children annually. Alison credits her dynamic and fun-loving team for making each day at the hospital rewarding and enjoyable.
Alison’s passion for empowering children through physiotherapy is evident in her commitment to helping young athletes recover from injuries and supporting children with serious conditions in regaining their mobility. Her positive impact on the lives of her patients and their families is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her work at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.