Fit Friday and other initiatives enhance children's rehabilitation experience
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At the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH), a unique initiative known as Fit Friday is transforming the way young patients engage with their rehabilitation. Every Friday at 11 am, Alison Bain, the lead pediatric physiotherapist, opens the gymnasium doors to children eager to break free from the confines of their hospital rooms.
This one-hour session is not limited to her patients; it welcomes any young individual seeking a fun and active outlet.
Creating a fun environment for rehabilitation
Alison, who has dedicated 25 years to RACH, emphasizes the importance of making physiotherapy enjoyable.
“They’re in hospital and they’re stuck in their rooms,” she explains. “This is just a way we’ve brought in to try to change that.” Launched two years ago with a tennis lesson from Judy Murray, Fit Friday has evolved into a vibrant session filled with agility ladders, balance-building wobble cushions, and exercise bikes, all designed to promote mobility and fun.
Alison’s approach to physiotherapy is rooted in the belief that children can experience significant anxiety when facing rehabilitation. By incorporating music into the sessions, she has found a way to alleviate this anxiety. “Instead of giving someone 10 of these exercises, I’ve found myself over the last few years, making a 10-minute or 20-minute Spotify playlist,” she shares. This innovative method not only keeps the children engaged but also encourages them to complete their exercises in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Addressing modern health challenges
In today’s digital age, children are increasingly sedentary, leading to health issues such as back pain and poor posture. Alison notes, “We see a lot of adolescents with back pain, for example, because they’re inactive and they’ve got poor posture.” One of the goals of the physiotherapy team is to reduce screen time and promote more active lifestyles among young patients. Fit Friday is just one of the many initiatives aimed at addressing these modern health challenges.
Expanding access to pediatric physiotherapy
Beyond Fit Friday, Alison has been instrumental in establishing a pediatric physiotherapy advice line, which provides parents and health professionals with expert guidance on various concerns. “A parent can phone and say, ‘Oh, I’m really worried because my child’s got this sore knee,’” she explains. This service has proven invaluable, allowing families to receive timely advice and support.
With a dedicated team that treats over 18,500 children annually, Alison believes that the success of these initiatives is a testament to their collective commitment. “We have a great team. They are dynamic, they are fun. I don’t think there’s a day that goes past that they don’t make me smile,” she says, highlighting the positive environment fostered at RACH.
A lasting impact on young lives
Alison’s passion for working with children is evident in her approach to rehabilitation. Whether helping young athletes recover from injuries or assisting children in learning to walk again after serious accidents, her dedication shines through. “I’ll get a really great young athlete who’s not able to do whatever they want to do because they’ve had an injury, and I’ll be able to support them through their diagnosis and their journey back to sport,” she reflects.
As she continues her work at RACH, Alison is beginning to see the next generation of patients—those who were once her own charges. “It’s going to happen,” she laughs. “I’m not going anywhere else; I’m going to be here now for the long haul.” With her unwavering commitment and innovative programs, Alison Bain is making a significant difference in the lives of children at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
