Physiotherapy and Fitness Centre

Physiotherapy (also Physical Therapy as referred to by the WCPT) is a health care profession concerned with human function and movement and maximising physical potential. It is concerned with identifying and maximising quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation.  It is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery.  The exercise of clinical judgement and informed interpretation is at its core.

Physiotherapy basically employs non-invasive/physical means to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, pain, illness or disability.  We are experts in developing and maintaining peoples’ ability to move and function throughout their lives.

In St. Marys Children and community hospital, physiotherapy department started in May 2015 with a room and little equipment but has now grown to a well equipped rehabilitation complex. The department aims to promote health and fitness in every patient’s life. It is managed by a team of highly qualified, skilled, experienced and MRTB Licensed physiotherapists who are grounded in manual therapy, electrotherapy, exercise therapy, manipulation, mobilization, strength training, K- taping, Bobath, balance training, fitness training, ergonomic advice and many other specialized techniques. We offer both in-patient and out-patient physiotherapy services; domiciliary services and follow up. The Units under the department are as follows:

Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

This Unit is concerned with the management of various kinds of musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as back pain, knee pains, sports injuries, shoulder pains, arthritis, muscle weakness, peripheral nerve injuries like crutch palsy, Bells palsy etc. we also deliver pre and post operative rehabilitation for surgical patients and see to their independence and optimal function.

Neuro Rehabilitation

Here we rehabilitate or treat patients with neurological injuries affecting their physical functions. Such cases include: stroke/ apoplexy, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, peripheral neuropathies as in diabetes and hypertension etc.

Paediatrics

In this unit, we deal with diseases or problems that lead to functional limitations in children. These include cerebral palsy, peripheral nerve injuries like Erb’s palsy, injection palsy, birth defects like spina bifida, club foot, scoliosis etc. we also train the mothers of these children on how to take care of their children.

Obstetrics and gynaecology

Here we are concerned about physical issues peculiar to pregnancy and after giving birth. Problems like back pain in pregnancy, cramps, oedema, carpal tunnel syndrome, prolapse, diastases, sagged abdomen after birth etc. we also have group antenatal and Post natal exercise classes for their general well-being and return to shape.

Cardiorespiratory

Physiotherapist here sees to the optimal function of the circulatory and respiratory organs of those being threatened by diseases or in coma. Chest physiotherapy techniques clear secretions off the chest and enables good air entry and adequate chest compliance. Passive mobilization techniques enable adequate circulation. Chest clearance techniques are also available for patients with COPD and cystic fibrosis.

General Exercise Classes for the Prevention of Diseases and Health maintenance

We organise fitness exercise classes to suit various needs ranging from weight maintenance/ reduction, muscle building/ strengthening, tummy training, flexibility, skill related fitness training, yoga etc. Some of these exercises are for leisure or recreation and for prevention of various kinds of non communicable diseases.

Asklepios Children Hospital St. Augustin Germany

We are thrilled to report that our Physiotherapy Unit has been collaborating with one of our benefactors , and a renowned physiotherapist, Karin Huenteler, from the University of Bonn Germany. As a continuation of our successful 2023 medical missions, we have been hosting a 6-weekly audio-visual online exchanges focused on the treatment of children with physiotherapy needs.
Here’s a summary:

Paediatric physiotherapy practice involves assessing and treating children with various conditions, including:

– Developmental delays
– Neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, brain injuries)
– Musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., scoliosis, clubfoot)
– Respiratory issues (e.g, asthma)
– Pain management
– Orthotics and assistive devices
– Family-centered care and education

The head of St Mary’s Physiotherapy, Pt Uche Ojobo said “ Paediatric physiotherapy empowers children to reach their full potential, unlocking possibilities and fostering independence, making a lasting impact on their future.”

This partnership aims to enhance our expertise and provide the best possible care for our young patients. Stay tuned for updates on this innovative initiative!
We always look forward to this enriching experience and the opportunity to elevate our services.

SERVICES / MODALITIES

Medical Mission Week 2025: Physiotherapie im St. Mary‘s Kinderkrankenhaus Nigeria

Anfang Juli 2025 fand die Medical  Mission Week 2025 im St. Mary‘s Children Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu  inNigeria statt. Die Veranstaltung stand unter dem Zeichen der Physiotherapie für Kinder und wurde von K. Hünteler, einer erfahrenen, deutschen Physiotherapeutin aus der Kinderklinik St. Augustin  und dem nigerianischen Physiotherapeut U. Ojobosamson aus dem St. Mary’s Children Hospital geleitet.

Die großartige Gastfreundschaft und Dankbarkeit der nigerianischen Gastgeber waren bemerkenswert. Ein Begrüssungskomitee mit der Überreichung von einem Blumenstrauß  durch ein  nigerianisches  Kind und verschiedenen Krankenschwestern und eine Begrüßungsrede durch den Chefarzt Dr. O. Onukogu und dem Präsidenten des Projektes Dr. S. Duru standen mit auf dem Programm. 

Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Beteiligten war sehr herzlich, konstruktiv und engagiert. Der große Wissensstand in der Kindertherapie  von K. Hünteler wurde in direkter Zusammenarbeit mit den nigerianischen, Physiotherapeutischen  Kolleg*innen  indie gezielte praktische Arbeit mit Kindern aktiv umgesetzt.

Dies war die 5. Reise von K. Hünteler nach Nigeria, die sie in ihrem Jahresurlaub unternahm, um Kindern mit Bewegungsstörungen und ihren Eltern zu helfen. Drei nigerianische Physiotherapeutinnen und Helfer*innen wurden intensiv im Handling nach Bobath und in die Hilfsmittelversorgung eingearbeitet.

K.Hünteler leitete außerdem eine Schwangerengruppe  und zwei Yogastunden für das Personal. 

Während der Mission wurden etwa 70 Kinder intensiv mit ihren Eltern und den nigerianischen Kolleg*innen mit unterschiedlichen Bewegungsstörungen gemeinsam behandelt und mit Hilfsmitteln versorgt.

Den Abschluss der Mission bildete ein großes Abschiedsfest mit vielen würdigen Ansprachen, Tänzen und Gesängen. Bei dieser Gelegenheit wurden zwei Awards an K. Hünteler und die Asklepios Kinderklinik St. Augustin für ihr humanitäres und gesundheitsförderndes Engagement überreicht. Diese Anerkennung ist ein Zeichen für die hervorragende Arbeit, die große Hilfsbereitschaft und die engagierte Klinikkooperation.

In diesem Jahr findet zudem  erstmalig ein 5- wöchiges soziales Schülerpraktikum 

in dem nigerianischen Hospital statt, wobei sich 2 Schüler* innen, 18- und 19- jährig,  gerade auf die weite Reise gemacht haben und bereits Vorort sind. Sie lernen zur Zeit die Krankenhausabläufe und medizinische Versorgung  in Nigeria kennen, sowie das Leben und die Kultur. Das ist ein sehr positiver Beitrag, dass junge Menschen das Leben und gemeinsame Arbeiten in Nigeria als Brücke in der Entwicklungsarbeit  erlernenkönnen. 

Da das vorhandene Röntgengerät mittlerweile in die Jahre gekommen ist, sodass Reparaturmassnahmenweitestgehend ausgeschöpft sind,  werden  für die Anschaffung eines möglichst neuen Röntgengerätes dringend Hilfe und Spenden benötigt.

Bitte nehmen Sie Kontakt zu uns auf:

stmaryshospitalumuowa.com

Dr.O.Onukogu, Chefarzt

oder:

k. huenteler@ gmx.de

K.Hünteler, Physiotherapeutin

[English]

Medical Mission Week 2025: Physiotherapy at St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital Nigeria

Medical Mission Week 2025 took place at St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital, Umuowa, Orlu, Nigeria, at the beginning of July 2025. The event focused on pediatric physiotherapy and was led by K. Hünteler, an experienced German physiotherapist from St. Augustin Children’s Hospital, and U. Ojobosamson, a Nigerian physiotherapist from St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital.

The outstanding hospitality and gratitude of the Nigerian hosts were remarkable. A welcoming committee, including the presentation of a bouquet of flowers by a Nigerian child and several nurses, and a welcoming speech by Chief Physician Dr. O. Onukogu and the project president Dr. S. Duru were also part of the program.

The collaboration between the participants was very warm, constructive, and committed. K. Hünteler’s extensive knowledge of child therapy was actively implemented in targeted practical work with children, working directly with her Nigerian physiotherapist colleagues.

This was K. Hünteler’s fifth trip to Nigeria, which she undertook during her annual vacation to help children with movement disorders and their parents. Three Nigerian physiotherapists and assistants received intensive training in Bobath treatment and the provision of assistive devices.

K. Hünteler also led a prenatal group and two yoga classes for the staff.

During the mission, approximately 70 children with various movement disorders were intensively treated and provided with assistive devices, together with their parents and Nigerian colleagues.

The mission concluded with a large farewell celebration with many dignified speeches, dances, and songs. On this occasion, two awards were presented to K. Hünteler and the Asklepios Children’s Hospital St. Augustin for their humanitarian and health-promoting commitment. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding work, the great willingness to help, and the dedicated hospital cooperation.

This year, for the first time, a five-week student social work internship is taking place

at the Nigerian hospital. Two students, 18 and 19 years old, have just embarked on the long journey and are already on site. They are currently learning about hospital procedures and medical care in Nigeria, as well as the life and culture. This is a very positive contribution that young people can make to living and working together in Nigeria as a bridge in development work.

Since the existing X-ray machine is now getting on in years, and repair options have largely been exhausted, support and donations are urgently needed to purchase a new X-ray machine, if possible.

Please contact us:

stmaryshospitalumuowa.com

Dr. O. Onukogu, Chief Physician

or:

k. huenteler@gmx.de

K. Hünteler, Physiotherapist