About SPRING

SPRING is an exercise and information or education group developed to help patients going through cancer treatment to improve their physical fitness and confidence.

The group is aimed at helping patients adopt an active lifestyle to maximise the health benefits that can be achieved during and after their cancer treatment.

SPRING is held in the Physiotherapy department at Yeovil Hospital and supported by highly skilled Physiotherapists and volunteers. It is a chance to meet others, learn more about healthy living and take your first steps towards creating and maintaining an active lifestyle. It is a very relaxed and friendly group to help you improve your abilities.

Programme details

Sessions are held at the Physiotherapy Department at Yeovil Hospital on Tuesday mornings, 10:15 am to 11:15am or midday to 1pm. Education sessions take place from 11:15am to midday. The course is 8 sessions, held once a week and sessions are an hour long.

Anyone with a diagnosis of cancer at any stage of their cancer journey can join in.

Benefits of keeping active during and after cancer

Research has shown that exercising during and after treatment for cancer can have the following benefits:

  • improve the health of your bones and heart
  • make your muscles stronger
  • help you keep a healthy weight
  • improve your wellbeing
  • convert body fat to muscle mass
  • opportunity to socialise
  • improve your mood
  • help you cope with stress
  • help you feel less tired
  • provide empowerment

Being active can also reduce your chance of getting other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease and
stroke.

Many people are concerned that increasing their activity levels with increase their fatigue. Evidence has shown that a gradual, graded exercise program can actually reduce fatigue levels.

Is SPRING right for me?

What topics are covered in the Information sessions?

Topics that are covered in the talks include:

  • nutrition
  • fatigue
  • finances
  • emotional wellbeing
  • exercise
  • travel
  • exercise schemes in the community and many more.

I have never been to a gym and don't know how to use the equipment

You are closely inducted and supervised by a specialist Physiotherapist at all times to ensure you work effectively and safely whatever level of fitness you are.

What activity do we do in the session?

We have a range of equipment and weights as well as core exercises.

What do I do after the programme has finished?

We will discuss ways of you continuing your exercise independently in the education and discussion sessions to ensure you are confident to keep active after the programme has finished.

What happens now?

Your Health Professional will send your referral to the SPRING team. The SPRING team will then contact you to book an initial assessment where we will set goals, introduce you to the gym environment and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

You can try SPRING for one week and if you wish to continue you can then join the class for a total of 8 sessions. Alternatively, please contact us directly if you wish to self-refer.

If you require hospital transport, we can arrange this for you and please let the SPRING team know when they contact you. If you drive, you are entitled to free car parking at the hospital during SPRING.

The SPRING team

Akhila Balakrishna Pillai – Senior MSK Physiotherapist

Marta Kosner-Kolasa – Senior MSK physiotherapist

Abbey Hunter – Senior Rehab Assistant

Sarah Frost – Assistant Practitioner in Rehabilitation