A former student of Newcastle College University Centre is aiming to help people with common back problem, as she becomes the first UK practitioner to use the BALLance tools and exercises in her work.
Sophie Hastings, who studied Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation, learnt about the BALLance concept and did one of her assignments on it. Dr Tanja Kuhne, the person who developed the concept, was impressed with Sophie's work, so she has allowed her to start using it with people in the North East who are suffering from back pain.
The Office for National Statistics have found that over 62,000 people left the workforce in last year due to back pain, so this kind of treatment could not come at a better time.
Sophie is also using the skills she learnt during her time at Newcastle College University Centre to support people with Multiple Sclerosis. This is done via the MS Research and Relief Fund based in Morpeth.
She also does work for the Elderberries program that has been set up by The Alnwick Garden Trust, the aim of which is to combat the impact of loneliness and isolation for people in Northumberland aged 55 and over.
Sophie has first-hand experience of how much of an impact debilitating health problems can have on someone's life, and she wants to show the value of exercise in fighting this. On a personal level, Sophie manages chronic fatigue and epilepsy, and she has spoken about why she decided to study exercise rehabilitation.
"I decided to study exercise rehabilitation because it was exercise that helped me get back on my feet after I became unwell, so when I found the course at NCUC, it seemed a perfect fit.
"It also offered things other universities didn’t, such as work-ready qualifications in personal training and gym instructing. It meant I was employable straight away, doing something I’m passionate about.
"Alongside this, the student support team were amazing as supporting me and making adjustments throughout my studies", she said.
The Deputy Principal of Newcastle College and University Centre, Jon Ridley, has also talked about his delight at the success that Sophie is having so early on in her career.
“We are delighted that Sophie is thriving in the early stage of her career, and that she is putting the skills she developed as an NCUC student to great use helping others through exercise.
"Newcastle College University Centre is all about providing an environment to nurture the talent of people like Sophie. We take great pride that our graduates go on to make a positive difference in the places they choose to live and work.
"Sophie is now working in the community and having a real impact on the region – she is a true inspiration to our students of the future.”
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