Physio Vineyards

Qualification: 

B.Sc. (physio) 1989 at UOFS in South Africa

Field of practice: 

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy

Memberships: 

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport and Exercise Medicine (ACPSEM), Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapy (AACP), Physio First

I am passionately committed to working with clients to achieve their goals: I listen, I have a “hands-on” approach and I have a firm, evidence-based belief that exercise forms a vital part of recovery. I do, however, understand that not everyone enjoys exercise!

My professional journey began in a state hospital in South Africa, after which I established a practice in a large university town. Relocating to the UK to work in the NHS for a few years came next, transitioning from there into private practice.  I have worked in various clinics in London as well as at Physio Vineyards.

In my 30+ years of experience, I have honed my skills and continuously improved my knowledge. (Every day continues to be a learning day!) University rowing and rugby teams, a Dance and Physical Theatre Company, elite athletes, musicians, active professionals, teenagers, and retirees have all been part of my journey.

An active lifestyle is integral to my personal life. I enjoy playing the piano, cycling, swimming, weight training and camping with my husband and our dog.

Qualification: 

B.Sc. (hons) degree in Physiotherapy from the Royal London Hospital

Field of practice:

 Musculoskeletal physiotherapy,  Vestibular Rehabilitation

Memberships: 

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP),  Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Vestibular Rehabilitation

I qualified in 1986 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy from the Royal London Hospital. My career started in the NHS in London, after which I relocated to Vancouver Island, British Colombia.

On return to the UK, I worked in various London Hospitals as an MSK physio, then on a hand injury unit and also in Hydrotherapy.

Four years in Munich followed, working initially in a hospital and then a private practice where skiing injuries formed a large part of the patient base. (My German language skills also came in handy!)

Back in the UK I brought all my previous experience to Physio Vineyards where I enjoy seeing a mixture of MSK patients as well as patients in need of vestibular rehab. As a complement to physiotherapy I also use acupuncture and Shockwave Therapy.

I feel strongly that everyone should have access to physiotherapy, which is why, if you have a condition that prevents you from travelling, I undertake home visits for the clinic..

My leisure time is filled with playing bridge, cycling, yoga, swimming (sometimes open water), camping, gardening and rescuing guinea pigs.

Qualification: 

Honours degree in Physiotherapy in Sheffield in 2001

Field of practice:

 Musculoskeletal physiotherapy

 Memberships:

  Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapy (AACP)

I worked at the Luton and Dunstable NHS Trust where I covered all aspects of physiotherapy before specialising in musculoskeletal injuries. I later became a senior physiotherapist in the Outpatient Department, and worked at a GP’s practice in Leighton Buzzard before joining Physio Vineyards in 2004.

I use acupuncture where necessary, to aid in recovery of injuries. I’m also trained in the use of Shockwave Therapy which is widely used in the successful management of tendinopathies and other conditions.

I train regularly at the gym and have developed a keen interest in Strength and Conditioning by working closely with the coaches and through my own journey with fitness.

Qualification:

 Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Cum Laude) 2011 at University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa

Field of practice:

 Musculoskeletal physiotherapy

Memberships:

 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

I strive to see my patients as more than just their injuries.  Empathy, keeping an open mind and a passion for learning are key parts of my professional approach, helping to identify the root cause of pain and dysfunction, deliver an effective rehabilitation pathway, and provide the tools to help prevent future injuries.

After qualifying, I spent a year doing community service before moving into private practice.  Sport has always been a central part of my life, and during this early part of my career, I thrived on the challenges associated with sports injuries and rehabilitation, and orthopaedic physio.  Professional guidance and further learning allowed me to build a solid foundation of experience, helping me to secure a senior role at Barnes Physiotherapy Practice in Hertford where I worked for 7 years, before joining Physio Vineyards.

Training continues to be a key part of my professional life. Some specific courses that I have completed are dry needling, shockwave therapy, hypermobility, TMD (jaw pain), and running gait analysis. As well as courses covering rheumatology, the neck, the hip and groin and muscle energy techniques. I further supplemented my experience as a mum with perinatal (pre-, intra- and post- natal) training. I am committed to staying abreast of current literature and implementing evidence-based best practices.

Away from the clinic, I enjoy time with my family and playing tennis, golf and hockey.

Qualification:

 BTEC Diploma (level 5) Soft Tissue Therapy including Sports Massage – 2012

at London School of Soft Tissue Therapy, Regents Park

Soft Tissue Therapy is for everyone! I enjoy the variety of clients I see, ranging from any level sports person to the more sedentary folk simply struggling with stresses of everyday life. Age is also not a factor; my clients range from the age of eight to 93!

I firmly believe that everyone is individual, with differing lifestyles, problems and needs. Every treatment I provide is unique to my client, using a range of techniques to assess, treat, manage and prevent soft tissue injury, pain and dysfunction.

Soft Tissue therapy is more than just sports massage. There are various techniques that are used, with the aim to identify underlying issues, thereby offering long-term improvements in physical wellbeing and injury prevention.

I have always loved the outdoors and have been horse riding since the age of seven. In 2021 I managed to marry my love for my job and my love of horses, by training as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist in 2021.