Q: What made you choose Physio/ Osteo as a career?

A: I spent my childhood loving life, playing every sport under the sun all day every day. Then it hit me... the reality that I actually needed to consider a career... So, I decided to embark on a degree with the word “Sport” in it. During my Sport and Exercise Science Degree I absolutely loved learning about the human body; both the anatomy and physiology and also about injury. By the end of that degree, I could not enrol on a Physiotherapy Masters Degree quick enough. I was absolutely determined to not just be any physio, but to not stop working, learning and studying until I was a physio with the knowledge, skills and experience to make a major impact to my patients lives. I also wanted to be a team player and find a working environment where together with my peers, we could help each other be absolutely awesome... and so the journey began!

Q: University year qualified and work experience?

A: Having completed my first degree in Sheffield in 2004, I then went on to The Univerity of East Anglia in 2005 to complete my first Masters Degree and to Coventry in 2011 for my second Masters Degree achieving distinctions in both. The second Masters specifically focused on expert knowledge and handling in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and enabled me to become a member of The Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP). This is a group of approximately 1000 Physiotherapists nationwide who have undertaken extensive postgraduate study and reached a recognised standard of excellence. I continued my studies, and in 2012 completed my Injection Therapy training and then in 2016 subsequently became one of the first Independent Prescribing physiotherapists in the country. In conjunction with my ‘hands on’ manual therapy and my strength and conditioning knowledge, I can also inject all peripheral joints and have administered over 2000 Cortisone (steroid) or Hyaluronic Acid injections over the last 8 years. I have now been fortunate enough to have completed approximately 30,000 physiotherapy appointments and now split my time to enable me to continue to see and treat patients, deliver the occasional Masters and Undergraduate lecture, and also help manage and grow the fantastic Back and Body Clinic team.

Q: Why did you start The Back and Body Clinic?

A: I was incredibly motivated to work within an amazing team, in an awesome clinic with fantastic patients where everyone could work with a big smile on their face... and so The Back and Body Clinic began with my incredible business partner and bestie; Samantha Golden. And what a journey it’s been so far!

Q: Top pastimes?

A: I have three energetic and wonderful children that I absolutely adore, and love to spend as much time as I can with. I enjoy combining this with squeezing in as much sport as possible!! Still massively in denial that I am now nearing ‘veteran’ territory I still tear around a hockey pitch having played many years of National League hockey. I still play for Bedford Town Mens 1’s. I also love squash, golf and a very strong Back and Body team social diary including Tough Mudder's, Water Parks and lots of yummy restaurants!

Q: Most proud achievement?

A: Family aside, being awarded ‘Employer of the Year’ at the National Business Awards was pretty special!! Being recognised for something you are hugely passionate about definitely puts a lump in the throat! Helping to get my hockey team promoted to the National League after 125 years of trying was also a pretty special feeling!! ...and finally, making sure my 4 year old boy is not able to beat me at any sport until he is 15 ha ha!!!

Q: One item to take to a desert island?

A: A ball!! Any ball... football, rugby, hockey, golf, crickey, volleyball, table tennis, squash... you name it... If I have a ball to throw or kick or hit I will genuinely be happy all day every day... I know what your thinking... easy to please hey?!!

Q: What to expect from me?

A: I like to think that I am very welcoming and will put you at ease immediately. I am experienced, knowledgeable and super passionate about getting you better... and having fun on the journey!! Suffering is no fun for anyone and I love nothing more than using the skills I have honed over the years to great use!! My favourite thing is watching my patients walk out of the door feeling MUCH better and with a big smile on their face!!