Plus Health Company (previously known as Physiotherapy Plus) in Halifax West Yorkshire, was set up and established by Jen Redfern in 2007. We are incredibly proud to have grown, primarily through recommendation, and of our reputation for providing clinical excellence and delivering outstanding customer satisfaction across all our services.
We offer specialised physiotherapy to people with musculoskeletal issues (such as back pain, upper limb disorders, rehabilitation following surgery), those with neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis or after stroke) and for ladies with women’s health issues (such as continence problems or prolapse).
We also deliver our hugely popular Plus Pilates classes in Halifax and training programmes to private clients, the NHS and within the private sector. Our retention rate is exemplary and we still have some of the same clients attending today as we did 10 years ago when we set up!
In addition to this, we also offer tailored occupational physiotherapy and ergonomic service which benefits both employee and employer simultaneously. We can arrange on-site ergonomic assessments for you as well as functional assessments and restoration/rehabilitation programs. Working with a number of companies since we opened, we have a proven track record for delivering great outcomes and ultimately, getting people back to work, feeling more comfortable at work, and reducing the likelihood of future sickness absence.
Lead Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Lead Plus Pilates Teacher & Company Owner
What was it that initially made you want to be a physio?
I literally stumbled into the profession! When I was a teen (oh so long ago!), I was dancing in a production when – unfortunately, my partner dropped me (not on purpose!). I injured my hamstrings and needed treatment to help me get through performances. Soon after this, my grandma had a fall which led to a broken leg and again, had physiotherapy to help her get back on her feet within a hospital setting. I started thinking about how wonderful it would be to help people feel better and continue to do the activities they love. Soon after these experiences, I decided I would pursue physiotherapy as a profession and loved the diversity of opportunities it would offer. And I still do.
What do you most enjoy about working for PHC and how are we different to other practices?
When I established the company in 2007, I was keen to develop physiotherapy and pilates services which offered something different to current provision. And we still do.
In my view, being assessed by an experienced physiotherapist who has the time to properly listen and treat with a ‘hands on’ approach in combination with exercise therapy is essential. Getting people better using a ‘head to toe’ approach (as opposed to treating a part in isolation) has to be one of our main differences too. It always used to make me laugh when I heard physios say: ‘I’ve got a foot coming in next’, as if it would hop in all on its own!
Here at PHC, we pride ourselves on delivering an excellent customer experience. We have largely grown through word of mouth recommendations and we never take this for granted. Our clients are important to us and make our work such a pleasure. Some of the clients who started in my very first Plus Pilates class still attend. What a compliment that is!
We are also hugely committed to continuous professional development and have a strong team ethos. We are a family here at PHC. When we speak to others, it reminds us how special PHC is and for this, we are very grateful. Hopefully this is evident when you come to see us!
What gives you the biggest buzz at work?
Some of our clients have seen a range of practitioners before accessing our services and often feel confused, disempowered and remain in pain/discomfort. Being able to surprise them by making sense of their problem(s) and to then get them better is what gives me my biggest buzz at work. We relish a challenge!
In regard to our Plus Pilates classes, seeing the same smiley faces week in week out and becoming a part of their weekly routine is also a huge compliment.
What gives you the biggest buzz outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my hubby, little children and Franklin-dog! We like going for long walks, absorbing new experiences and catching up with family and friends. Running, ‘the arts’ and languages also give me a big buzz.
How would you describe your professional approach?
Using the term ‘holistic’ may invoke an image of candles and essential oils to some! For me, it means I consider the whole person. I recognise the impact of the body on the mind and vice versa. I also recognise the connection between our various body parts. For instance, shoulder pain may be linked to a neck problem and knee problems can be linked to reduced stability and control around the hips and pelvis. I aim to resolve the cause, not just to treat the symptom(s).
When I’m treating, I draw upon my clinical experience and ‘hands on’ skills alongside my exercise knowledge.
I also always consider your work role and regular activities. The way you use your body day to day will have a big impact on how it will move and feel.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Interested. Reflective. Creative.
How do you wish to further develop your practice/work?
In my view, we are never the ‘finished article’. There is always something new to learn. In 2020, the team and I are developing our clinical expertise within the field of cancer support and rehabilitation. We are also enhancing our understanding and knowledge of cognitive behavioural therapy so we can further apply this in our clinical practice.
What chocolate bar would you be and why? (an inevitable PHC question!)
Snickers bar. A little bit nutty, full of energy, soft and squidgy!
Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist & Plus Pilates Teacher
What was it that initially made you want to be a physio?
I have wanted to be a physio since around the age of 15. At school I enjoyed science, particularly biology. I have always wanted to do a job where I worked with people. My dad hurt his back when I was younger and it was physiotherapy that got him back on his feet again. This inspired me to pursue a career in physiotherapy and from that point on I developed a keen interest in anatomy and its rehabilitation.
What do you most enjoy about working for PHC and how are we different to other practices?
I feel privileged to be part of the team at PHC. I think what makes us different to other practices is the level of care that we deliver and our holistic approach to treatment. I particularly enjoy being part of such a compassionate team who are committed to delivering this high level and unique nature of care. I enjoy working with our clients in clinic as well as teaching in classes and love the challenge of delivering a variety of classes appropriate for the clientele which also maintains their interest. The focus PHC puts on its relationships with clients and between staff members creates a supportive network and enables an effective and unique service to be provided.
What gives you the biggest buzz at work?
Working at PHC has reinforced the very reason I became interested in physiotherapy. Being able to establish a relationship with a client and work with them to achieve their goal is extremely fulfilling.
What gives you the biggest buzz outside of work?
Outside work, it is my family that give me the biggest buzz. Whether it is walking in the woods or day trips to the coast or just lazy Sunday mornings, I love spending time with my husband Rob and our two children. And, when time and energy levels allow it, my second main love is exercise. I am a keen runner and play regularly in a local netball league.
How would you describe your professional approach?
I take a ‘whole’ person approach to treatment and work with the client to set achievable goals. Throughout my assessment, I use clinical reasoning and problem solving skills to identify pathology and recognise altered patterns of movement. I use education, exercise and manual therapy to help restore the client’s normal movement so they can return to the activities they love.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Caring. Motivated. Compassionate.
How do you wish to further develop your practice/work?
I am passionate about our Plus Pilates classes and will continue to develop my Pilates exercise repertoire to keep classes interesting and challenging. As a team we have been supporting some clients through their cancer diagnosis and treatment so I am keen to enhance my professional development within this area.
What chocolate bar would you be and why? (an inevitable PHC question!)
A Crunchie because I love that Friday feeling!
Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist & Senior Plus Pilates Teacher
What was it that initially made you want to be a physio?
My interest in becoming a physiotherapist was first sparked when my disabled brother had physio to help him to walk. He later had frequent need for respiratory physio treatment. I always had an interest in sport and moved into the fitness industry. I then moved on to fulfil my ambition and complete a Physiotherapy degree which resulted in a career in the NHS for 13 years. I started working at Plus Health Company in 2015 after attending and loving Jen’s Pilates classes.
What do you most enjoy about working for PHC and how are we different to other practices?
At Plus health company we often treat people firstly one to one then see them progress into our Pilates classes. We can see people progress throughout their journey of rehabilitation. We all work to a similar ethos seeing the person as a whole and not just treating ‘a back or knee pain’.
What gives you the biggest buzz at work?
We often see people exceed their expectations. This may range from being able to climb a flight of stairs or achieve a personal best in a marathon. Seeing people achieve their goals and regain confidence in themselves gives me the biggest buzz. It is also a great testament that we often treat many members of the same family and their friends.
What gives you the biggest buzz outside of work?
Outside of work I have three children ranging in age from 6 to 25 years old. I love spending time with them and my husband. I am also a member of a local church and volunteer on various projects to help in the community.
How would you describe your professional approach?
When I work with a client, it’s important to me they feel listened to. This is key in setting goals based on what they want to achieve. I aim for them to always feel a difference after a treatment session or are in knowledge of what to expect in the coming days. If I assess that they have further needs on top of physiotherapy I will refer or work in conjunction with the relevant medical or health professional.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Patient. Kind. Determined.
How do you wish to further develop your practice/work?
In my opinion, good physios never get to the stage where they know it all. We are lucky enough at Plus health company to have excellent ongoing inhouse training. In the coming year, we are doing some training with McMillan to improve our care and awareness of treating patients with or who have had cancer.
What chocolate bar would you be and why? (an inevitable PHC question!)
Instead of a chocolate bar, I’d be a cup of hot chocolate. People tell me I’m warm and comforting!