Experience the difference.

Expect a thorough assessment, honesty and specialist knowledge of Musculoskeletal problems. I will help you understand your problem, drawing on my vast clinical experience. Having worked as a Physiotherapist in private clinics, A&E, rugby pitches, NHS wards, hydrotherapy pools and in clinics with consultants I have mostly seen it all before! Expect hands on treatment to relax tightness and get stiff areas moving again. Acupuncture can be used if appropriate to your problem. Expect a strong emphasis on exercise therapy to build your strength, mobility and confidence. Expect to work together on preventing future reoccurrences and make your body more resilient to injury.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is about restoring and optimising the movement and functional ability of the human body. Physiotherapists are movement specialists and have a variety of ways to help you achieve your goal whether it’s to return to sport, keep up with the grandchildren at the park or improve a chronic back pain problem, we can help you. Physiotherapists are experts in diagnosing and treating all joint, muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve problems, together known as your Musculoskeletal system. You do not need to see your GP first. Sometimes Physiotherapy might not be the best route, if so I can assist you with onward referral for MRIs, Xray’s or other tests. If you need to see a consultant, podiatrist or other healthcare professional we can guide you. Here at the Woodlands Physiotherapy we see sessions as a partnership and you will invariably leave with ‘homework’ to maintain and improve you between sessions. I am a Chartered Physiotherapist meaning I am registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) registration number 06885. I am also a registered healthcare professional with the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) registration number PH35386.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a range of specific exercises to improve your whole body strength, in particular around the “core” central area of the body, we find muscles you didn’t know existed! Pilates improves joint stiffness, muscle flexibility, co-ordination, balance and so much more! Pilates benefits both the mind and body, we use controlled movements to improve alignment and body awareness. It offers time to focus on you, to work to your specific goals with the variety that Pilates offers, whether on the mat or on the reformer, solo or in a group. I have taught classes for over 10 years and use a clinical style of Pilates from the APPI (Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute). As a Physiotherapist I am very happy with adjusting exercises for different abilities. As well as matwork and Reformer qualifications, I have extra qualifications in the use of Pilates in pregnancy, postnatally, osteoporosis, scoliosis, for runners and cyclists and more..

History of Pilates

Pilates was developed by the late Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) initially used for rehabilitation purposes in the early 20th Century. It was later adopted by dancers as it aligned with their focus on strength, flexibility and posture. Pilates continues to grow in its popularity as all levels can reap the benefits, from athletes looking to cross train, to desk workers who are looking to build more movement into their day. Pilates is for everyone!

  • Improve strength
  • Core strength
  • Reduce stiffness
  • Improve backpain
  • Aid recovery from injury
  • Improve Mood
  • Reduce Stress and tension
  • Aid sleep
  • Improve balance
  • Reduce falls risk
  • Ease symptoms related to Osteoarthritis
  • Exercise in a safe environment
  • Learn from an experienced Physiotherapist
  • Learn about your own body
  • Give you homework ideas between classes.

What is Accupunture?

Acupuncture involves the use of single use, sterile disposable needles that pierce the skin at the Acupuncture points. The Physiotherapist will determine the locations of the Acupuncture points, based upon the assessment of the cause of the imbalance. A number of needles may be used at each treatment and these are typically left in position for some 20-30 minutes before being removed. As a physiotherapist I use acupuncture to treat pain disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Trigger point Acupuncture may also be used to facilitate relaxation in specific muscles following trauma to the muscle such as whiplash injury; for longer term unresolving muscle pain or as a means to obtain increased muscle length in order to aid stretch and rehabilitation such as sports injuries . Here the needle is placed into the affected muscle until it is felt to relax under the needle and then removed. Trigger point needling is often much quicker and therefore does not require the 20-30 minute treatment time.
How does it work? 
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, its own pain- and stress- relieving chemicals. It promotes sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body and encourages a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin. Acupuncture also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and helps to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.