Collaborative Learning with Swan Physiotherapy: Enhancing Care Through Partnership
- tomtheorthotist
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
On 28 August 2025, our team at Woods Orthotics spent half a day at Swan Physiotherapy clinic in Keele for a special learning session. The goal? To share knowledge, learn from each other and find even better ways to help our patients feel and move better.
Purpose of the Day
• 🤝 To build strong working relationships between orthotists and physiotherapists
• 📚 To learn more about each other’s treatments and how they can work together
• 🦶 To show how orthotic devices (like insoles and braces) are made and used
• 🧘♂️ To understand how physiotherapy helps with recovery and movement
What We Covered
Orthotics in Practice
We started by showing the Swan team how we help people with foot, knee, back and gait (walking) issues. We brought along different types of orthoses (custom insoles and braces) and demonstrated our equipment, including:
• A 3D foot scanner that helps us to capture the shape of our clients foot to create custom insoles
• A pressure mat that shows the gait pattern (how someone walks) and high pressure areas
Interdisciplinary Exchange
The Swan team tried out some of our devices and we talked about when physiotherapy is recommended (for example after surgery or injury) and when orthotics can make a big difference (with long-term joint or walking issues). We also discussed how we can work together on complex cases.
Live Clinical Assessment
Tom Woods underwent a clinical assessment by Carys, Specialist Sports Physiotherapist, following a basketball-related ankle injury. TECNARtherapy was applied to the lateral ankle structures, resulting in:
15mm reduction in swelling
Significant pain and stiffness relief
Improved mobility and proprioception
Gait Analysis: Before and After
Using our pedobarograph (foot pressure mat), we measured gait (walking) changes pre- and post-treatment. The results showed:
Improved pressure distribution and symmetry (better balance and pressure on both feet)
Enhanced midstance stability and propulsion (smoother walking pattern)
Clear visual improvements in gait graphs, confirming therapeutic impact (less strain on the opposite leg, which had been compensating for the injury)
Reflections and Outcomes
This session reinforced the value of TECNARtherapy in acute injury recovery and highlighted the importance of gait analysis in tracking progress. Most importantly, it deepened our mutual understanding and respect across disciplines, laying the groundwork for future joint clinics and collaborative care.
What’s Next
We’re now planning:
• A shared guide to help decide when to refer between our teams
• A follow-up session to review joint cases
• Ways to include TECNARtherapy insights in our orthotic plans
• A community event to share tips on injury prevention and recovery
We loved the cosy and welcoming environment at Swan Physiotherapy, in particular the positive affirmations dotted around the place.
We hope this blog article offers our clients a clear window into how we collaborate with other healthcare disciplines to deliver the best possible care. At Woods Orthotics, we believe that learning never stops, whether it’s sharing clinical insights, exploring new technologies or refining referral pathways. By working closely with physiotherapists and other professionals, we continually develop our approach to orthotic treatment, ensuring it remains evidence-based, responsive, and tailored to each individual’s needs.
If you would like to find out more about TECNARtherapy or about Swan Physiotherapy and their services, you can find them at www.swanphysio.co.uk
If you're experiencing walking-related discomfort or would simply like to understand more about your movement patterns, we offer detailed gait assessments to help identify the root cause. Feel free to get in touch by emailing info@woodsorthotics, calling us on 01691 592156, or booking directly through our website. We're here to help you move with confidence.
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