Q: What made you choose Physiotherapy / Osteopathy as a career?

A: Cheesy as it sounds I loved the thought of being able to get out of bed every morning knowing I am going to spend all day helping people by doing something I’m really passionate about! Supporting my patients along their journey from pain and injury to happy and healthy feels really special. As for where it all began… well, I loved horse riding and sport growing up and I really wanted a job where I could be active and dynamic. I also have such a keen interest in health and wellbeing, from nutrition and fitness to emotional wellbeing and good mental health, and I’m fascinated by the positive impact it has on people’s lives.

Q: Where did you study?

A: I did the undergrad BSc in Physiotherapy at The University of Liverpool and qualified in 2005. I then did a Post Grad Diploma at Coventry University in 2011 in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy as it was an area I really wanted to expand my knowledge in and eventually use in my work. This extra degree achieves entrance to the MACP, an elite group of less than 1000 Physiotherapists who have undergone extensive training in the most evidence based and effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain.

Q: How did you start your career?

A: I was hugely fortunate to start my career as a Physiotherapist working in professional sport. I started working with the Sale Sharks rugby team immediately after I left University; working with the Academy and the senior teams. I then took an opportunity to be Head of Physiotherapy at Widnes Vickings Rugby League. This was fantastic experience, not only from a physio point of view, but also because I gained great experience on how to manage a team. I then followed some of the coaches I worked with at Sale Sharks to Northampton Saints. This was another fantastic experience as it is one of the best performance departments in the country. I felt ready for more formal learning in 2010 so I commenced on a Post Graduate diploma, which is where I met Richard. We bonded over our mutual passion for helping people via the physio route straightaway! It wasn’t long before we started talking about setting up the clinic.

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

A: Richard and I met on the first day at University for our post grad. We instantly bounced off each other and started talking about how we could create the best clinic, with the most amazing team! We shared the same vision and refined that dream on forecast spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations before eventually starting the clinic. It has grown so quickly…something we never predicted yet, I feel this growth reflects the pure passion we put into the clinic. It’s been an amazing journey so far and we are so excited about growing from within with our fantastic team and with the services we offer.

Q: What do you love most about your job?

A: I love the team and the family feel of the clinic. Rich and I take great care to welcome our team to our ‘family’ and we always find the best people – we are so very proud of every single person within our team.

Q: What has been your favourite patient journey and why?

A: There have been so many amazing, emotional journeys over the years, but one that really springs to mind is a young girl who had really severe back pain that rendered her bed-bound. She had recently lost her father and was in a really bad place. She was unable to go to school and missed out on her A-levels. We instantly clicked and build up a great relationship; she followed all of my advice and had an amazing recovery getting back to the bubbly fun girl she was. I am hugely proud to say she went off to university in Manchester and completed a three-year degree, before getting a job in London! Thinking of her still makes me smile.

Q: Favourite rehab exercise?

A: Glutes, I love all glute exercises- they don't call me the glute queen for nothing! I love a reverse lunge, half side plank with a leg lift and a feet-elevated glute bridge! Practicing what I preach, I also possibly have the strongest glutes in the clinic!

Q: Top pastimes?

A: I’m never happier that when enjoying the beautiful countryside on my horse Coco. We also enjoy dressage and a bit of jumping when I am feeling brave! I also enjoy morning yoga, HITT training, jogging and obviously doing my glutes rehab!

Q: Most proud achievement?

A: It has to be winning employer of the year at the National Business Awards. I cannot tell you how happy this made me as the clinic really is all about the team and making sure they love what they do, that feel like they are continually progressing and having fun at the same time and that they are valued and looked after. I really felt this award reflected all these.

Q: The most relaxing thing in the world is?

A: A foot massage… bliss!

Q: Favourite food?

A: I am a bit of a foody; I love cooking and eating healthy. The team will laugh at my daily snack options of whole beetroot (a beetroot a day keeps the colds away!), or eating a pepper like an apple!

Q: One item to take to a desert island?

A: My husband… corny I know, but he is very practical and good at building things (he has his uses!) and I think we would have a lovely time on a desert island together!