MobiliserKate Gibbons trials the Mobiliser for Horse Magazine

Kate used the Mobiliser as part of a magazine trial. She had previously fractured her spine in a horse accident. She found the Mobiliser life changing and her husband bought her one for a "special" birthday. Two years later Kate wrote to us: "Hope you are well. You should rename the Mobiliser the Miracle Worker. It's like having a physio at your beck and call any time of day. Brilliant!"

Kate's initial application for the trial

"I'm more than happy to use the unit twice a day, and report back weekly. I'm also perfectly happy for my name and photo to be used.

Six years ago I fell off a horse, fracturing my spine at L1 and breaking my right foot. I have recovered, but still do not have full mobility. If I bend down for any length of time (e.g. gardening) it's really painful getting straight again. If I don't go to the chiropractor regularly, I become very lopsided, which I am at the moment, as my chiropractor has been off having a baby ! Yes, I've been to other chiropractors but they are not as good. Now my right shoulder aches regularly and I sometimes feel as if I've pulled a muscle inside my left thigh when I dismount. I have to sleep on my side with a Tempur mattress pad - if I sleep on my back I get stuck !!

I can come to Amersham by car whenever required, as long as I have some notice so I can rearrange work, and taking/fetching children from school. I think I've outlined my current flexibility above - perhaps you could let me know when and if this trial is likely to go ahead. If I go to the chiropractor my flexibility will improve, but I'll put that on hold if you like !" (Kate started the trial without visiting her chiropractor)

Kate's Daily diary

(Starts the evening after being trained in the Amersham Centre to use the mobiliser...)

Thursday 22nd September 2005 p.m. – first problem is where to put the mobiliser. I want to put it in the spare room downstairs but can't as the outlaws are arriving from S.A. this weekend.... So I have to lug it upstairs and rearrange the furniture so it fits in our bedroom. Temporary measure, as I will have to fold it away each time I use it. Probably didn't do my back much good moving all the stuff around. Pick kids up. Tamara (5) announces she has a bad back too. David (8) says does this mean I'll play more games with him – astute guy.

I pointed out that it didn't work miracles, and I would still be crap at cricket.

Thursday evening, use mobiliser before going to bed, as instructed. The first pass isn't too bad, but it gets more uncomfortable as the program progresses to localize on my lower back /pelvis area. Bloody agonizing doesn't even cover it. It's the white knuckle, grit your teeth, sweating sort of pain. Not for the faint hearted. Maybe it was too soon after my first treatment, maybe it's just something you have to go through – can you remember? The mobiliser, as far as I can see, seems to do a really good physio's massage, which you would normally get two or three times a week at most, not twice a day, perhaps that should be kept in mind when dealing with us lesser mortals rather than top sportsmen. The places that are really sore correspond exactly to those which Ruth (the chiro) puts her sharpened elbows into when I see her. She demonstrates the pressure she's applying on another part of my body, but it certainly doesn't feel the same. Despite having the tv on for distraction, I ended up counting down from 1000 and chanting 'no pain, no gain' in my head until the program had finished. I lay on the mobiliser for another ten minutes before getting up ! Having the mobiliser on the floor is a disadvantage – hadn't thought of that before.

Friday morning I got up and on the mobiliser with some trepidation. Much easier this morning. Still uncomfortable, but nothing like the agony of last night. I even watched the news!

Tamara had her riding lesson, I ran round with the children who can't ride, and my back didn't complain.

Friday evening, bottom of back still tender, but improving. I slept really well, best for a long time. I think it's because I'm more comfortable, but it could be because Chris (my husband) is away, so there's no one fidgeting beside me!

Saturday – getting the hang of this mobiliser. Walked the dogs on the common with the kids, I walk the dogs every day, and I have to say it's getting easier, and more fun. I've got more energy. Wondering if low grade pain was subconsciously getting me down?

I'm still tender in the lower back/buttocks area, but the increased mobility more than makes up for it. Had a headache this afternoon after running around with the dogs, but that could also have been from the kids!

Sunday – Slept really well again last night, and woke up really refreshed, no staggering around either. The bottom of my back/buttock muscles, are still tender when using the mobiliser, and now my right shoulder has come out in sympathy. The benefits so far definitely outweigh the discomfort whilst using the mobiliser. Rode out in the rain this morning with a couple of other people – I can now TURN ROUND to the right to talk to them whilst riding, (i.e. without moving my pelvis) but still can't turn much to the left. I was really surprised when I had trouble straightening up after picking out Oz's feet, as I'd forgotten I had a problem with my back!

Monday – walked the dogs, rode for an hour and a half, weed killed two paddocks, and my back is still not complaining! Now considering what activities I can do this afternoon, instead of thinking it's time to take a break.

Tuesday 27 September Went to work this morning to my Tuesday job. They said how happy & relaxed I looked, and how bouncy I was – and I hadn't told them about the marvelous mobiliser. No worries – I have now ! When I picked up the kids from school, I was talking to another mum who's husband has had back problems for a while. She said there's a really good physio in Dursley – the Courtyard Clinic. Must remember this for future reference – when I get more confident with this I could always go and tout for business for you if you like. I could always send in my rugby crippled husband undercover first. (Note – he's really keen on trying it when he gets home on Friday – but now I'm feeling a bit possessive of MY mobiliser!!)

Wednesday – I'm now looking forward to my evening sessions. The mornings are still quite tough, and I have much more trouble getting straight afterwards than I do at night. Perhaps I should walk around a bit more before using it. Trouble is it's always a rush in the mornings so I use the mobiliser before Bicker and Squabble (the kids) are allowed in ! Once I've opened the bedroom door I've had it. Had a bad day today with things not going to plan, which would normally make my back hurt (tension) – no pain today – and a good brisk walk over the common in the rain with the dogs to get rid of my frustrations!

Thursday - A week into the experiment and I'm feeling great. Loads more movement. I've had to promise to take the mobiliser into my Thursday job next week, for Alex to try as she's so impressed with my ranting about it. I'm getting so comfortable using the mobiliser now that the sandbags have ceased to look intimidating, they're almost interesting! Might have to investigate using them soon. Went for a ride with my reins the same length without having to think about it.

Friday – things are improving in the mornings. Didn't sleep well last night for the first time in a week. Must be because Chris arrived home last night ! Still didn't have back ache in the morning though. It's only 2.15 now, and Chris has just read the mobiliser book, and is on his way to try it out ! I remember you saying that you imported enough mobilisers to keep you into old age. I hope you've got enough for me too as I'm getting to be a bit of a mobiliser junkie!

Friday 30 September cont. – Chris's first impressions. He had backache due to sleeping in hotel beds (or at least that's what he tells me!) Liked the mobiliser experience, and felt he could almost go to sleep whilst using it. Was impressed with how well such a simple idea worked, and the fact that you're using your own bodyweight to perform the massage. Afterwards he didn't feel light headed. He said his back felt 'freer' but the muscles felt as if they were complaining a bit at the disruption in their lives. Three hours later he said he felt as if he'd had a really thorough physio session. Looks suspiciously as if I might have to share MY mobiliser.........

Saturday Chris battled with his session this morning, much as I did last week – I told him to persevere – it does get easier! All this while grinning away sadistically! Had backache badly today for the first time since using the mobiliser. I'm trying to sell one of the ponies, and it involves standing around a lot (from 9.45 to 1.15) which I've always found really difficult. Took about 45 minutes to an hour sitting down for my back to recover – MUCH quicker recovery time to normal. Still feeling a bit tender this evening, but looking forward to my treatment tonight as I think it'll fix it.

Sunday Lie in until 7 am this morning – wow. Really getting the hang of this now. Will soon be doing a Bridget Jones whilst using it, with a glass of chardonnay in hand. Might need a straw though. David and Tamara both insisted on having a try. Tamara only got half the benefit as she's so small she only takes up half the bed.........both of them enjoyed it and stayed on for the full 15 minutes – amazing! Ross – 6'4 rugby player with broken collarbone had a trial last night, out of interest. Can report no trouble with the collarbone, enjoyed the massage, and fitted on the bed. He did say it was a shame it didn't massage his feet as well. I pointed out that it does if you're my size!

Monday Could get up straight away after this morning's session. Think it's time to get brave and start using the sandbags this evening !

Monday 3 October cont Went to work for Wednesday man today so I can take pony to Leicester on Wednesday. He was complaining of back pain under his right shoulder (Wednesday man, not pony). As he spends his weekends shooting,lamping etc it's hardly surprising! I bounced around saying how much better I felt having used the mobiliser, but Steve will never stay still long enough to use it.......

You suggested 20 treatments before using the sandbags etc. This was the right time span for me, as I started feeling capable of more at the weekend – I started using the mobiliser on Thursday last week, so 20 sessions were up on Saturday! Used the sandbag on lower legs this evening, and crossed my arms on my chest for deeper shoulder massage. No problems!

Tuesday Cheated this morning and used the bag on my lower legs again, as my lower back gives me more gip in the mornings. Used it on my thighs this evening, and can feel the difference – when being used on both upper and lower legs.

Wednesday Had to take pony which I sold at the weekend to Leicestershire. Got up before I went to bed so I could use mobiliser before embarking on journey in bumpy uncomfortable lorry.

Still dark at that time of morning. Not a morning person. Deliver pony, and have woken up enough to remember to collect money. Home by 2pm woken up by this time – but back not complaining !!

Thursday Still using sandbag (singular) Tried moving softening pad down this morning to the bottom of my shoulder blades. Wow –feel the difference! That's far enough for me at the moment. I can now run over the common with Tamara & the dogs with no sharp stabbing pains in my knees which I used to get. Amazing !!!

Friday Go out for a ride for the first time since Monday. This is brilliant. I'm now so much 'straighter' that not only are my reins the same length, but my left leg works too, as Oz found out when he tried to 'exit stage left' out on a hack today!! My body was obviously twisted to the right quite badly previously. I'm so chuffed !!

Saturday 8 October Still using mobiliser with softening pad moved down, and alternating sandbags between calves and thighs. Quite hard work, as in painful, so will persevere at this level for a while before going on. Chris has used it without the softening pad – wouldn't admit it hurt, but took about five minutes to lever himself up afterwards!

Sunday Family time. Queue for mobiliser this morning. Tamara likes having her own program, David says he feels better for using it. Back feels stiff after being pummeled without the softening pad and with my legs being pinned down! Definitely need to persevere before going further.

Monday Went out for a hack this morning – beautiful sunshine. Found a lone hound, then met a huntsman trying to retrieve lost hounds, so thought we'd help. Oz launched into some type of aerobatic display, as he hasn't been 'out with the boys' since last season, but instead of clinging on helplessly, I just 'went with the flow' now my back has so much more movement in it. Felt really good, until the whip kept referring to me as 'madam' – just to remind me how old I am !

Tuesday Breezed into work and bounced through the whole day. Still finding it tough going with the sandbag/moved down softening pad routine, so persevering at this level.

Wednesday Still sleeping really well, especially since Chris is away again this week! Mother in law arrived this afternoon. Comes from SA so used to having servants (me!). Never mind – it was good to retire to the mobiliser tonight!

Thursday Had two clients to visit today (amazing how having your M.I.L. around ensures you're v. busy! ) had a headache for the first time in ages this morning – probably the first since the one I had going home from your shop. Thought it was a hangover at first, but I hadn't had enough to drink to warrant one! Eventually got fed up with it by 2pm and took some ibuprofen to sort it. Waved goodbye to M.I.L. as she's gone back to SA. Enjoyed my 15 mins on the mobiliser this evening for probably the first time since I started the new regime.

Friday Continued with the mobiliser as usual this morning, but definitely find it harder in the mornings, and more difficult to get up afterwards! Visited a new client this morning which involved standing around for an hour or so, but the back held up. Must ring the chiro and make an appointment in the next couple of weeks, as I think she might be quite surprised!

Saturday 15 October Chris came back from Turkey at about 1am this morning. I've got a low grade headache still. Chris refereed a rugby match this afternoon, lots of running around for unfit person! Came home knackered and sore, so he had a hot bath followed by a session on the mobiliser which he said helped a lot.

Sunday Queue for mobiliser this morning – Tamara first, then David, me and finally Chris. Note: he's back to using the softening pad – knew he couldn't last without it !! I've still got nagging headache, took ibuprofen when I got fed up with it. Persuaded Chris to use mobiliser again after a bath tonight, he says he's feeling much better and doesn't need to, but uses it to pacify me. He uses it in a 'cure' capacity, rather than prevention, I think!

Monday Realised last night that where I've been moving the softening pad down, I've also been slipping down the table, so my head has not been on the pillow properly. Ensured my head stayed on the pillow last night and voila! No headache this morning. Obviously not as tough as I thought I was.

Tuesday Back to normal, no headaches, loads of energy. Also noticed my shoulders are becoming more level, used to get much harder massage on right shoulder, so I'm obviously becoming less lopsided. BUT also realized that by moving the softening pad DOWN, the cellulite on my bum and the top of my legs is not getting the pounding it deserves......so, what to do ? Pain by turning the pad round, or no workout for the flabby bits? No contest. Goodbye cellulite, hello pain!

Wednesday The top half of my back, from the bottom of my shoulder blades upwards is v.happy without softening pad. Now it's turned round it only protects the bottom half of my back, which is actually fine. Still hurts sacrum area in the mornings, particularly now I'm using the sandbag. I took the mobiliser in for my Thursday boss (yes, I know it's Wednesday) to try this morning. Alex apparently has a nerve problem in her hip, and went to an osteopath a couple of weeks ago. He apparently made it worse, and told her to walk more, which she did, and then tripped over and ended up in bed for a few days with a bad back. She's been up and around again for over a week, and was keen to try the mobiliser. It didn't suit her at all, she felt it was really hard and painful, but I think that's just the way some people are!

Thursday Still fine with only lower back protected. Finding the sandbag routine a bit tedious though – partly because in the mornings I'm still asleep when I roll out of bed onto the mobiliser which is strategically placed for me to almost fall onto, so I forget to use the sandbag for the first few minutes, and also because it does exert more pressure on my lower back!! First day of half term, lots of activity with children, dogs and horses, but plenty of energy to cope with it.

Friday 21st October Tried to have a lie in again this morning as don't have to take the kids to school, but they're not up for it. Feeling increasingly attached to my bed as winter approaches and it's dark in the mornings! Ponder on the fact that I now take a good night's sleep for granted - long may it last!

Friday 16th November 2007: Just to let you know that I still thank my lucky stars that I've got my Mobiliser...I'd been so busy lately that I'd got out of the way of using it regularly, needless to say my range of movement reduced drastically over a period of time without me realising.

I took up polo, (daft, you may say!) and persevered wondering why I couldn't turn properly to hit the ball. Next not so good idea - Take Revenge hunting. He got so excited that he was pulling the reins out of my hands, jumping up and down, going in reverse - in fact every which way instead of where I wanted to go - unless I went at full speed past everyone else yelling 'Sorry!' as we barged past.

When we eventually got home (having left before being deposited on the ground, or even worse, ASKED to leave), I eventually remembered to use the Mobiliser!!!

Nearly back to normal now, after two sessions a day for ten days! What should I try next, I wonder?

Hope you are well, you should rename the Mobiliser the Miracle Worker. It's like having a physio at your beck and call any time of day. Brilliant!