Our People at St John's Wood Central Health Clinic, Central London
Education:
Trained at St Mary's Hospital, London. W2 London BSc
Qualified 1988
Area of specialisation:
Sports injury (particularly at the shoulder), foot and ankle injuries, shin pain. Simon has worked with Middlesex CCC since 1991 and has been involved in providing physiotherapy to elite basketball and badminton players. He has been in charge of the medical team for television shows such as Superstars and World's Strongest man.
Did you know:
Simon has gold level accreditation form The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport. He is also on the executive committee of Middlesex CCC. He allegedly smiled in 1997!
Education:
The Middlesex Hospital London. Qualified 1990
Area of Specialisation: Shoulders, elbows, sports injuries, spinal and Ergonomics
Bio:
Natasha is one of the directors and has been managing Central Health for the last 8 years. She also does some clinics at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth. She has specialised in the assessment and management of all shoulder and elbow problems for the last 10 years. She works closely with London shoulder surgeons and is a member of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society. She also has a strong interest and comprehensive experience in the management and rehabilitation of spinal pain as well as Ergonomics and Occupational Health. She has worked in the NHS as an extended scope practitioner and for both London Irish and London Scottish Rugby teams.
Did you know:
Natasha is a keen sports woman but can also be seen singing with a London choir in big London venues as well as in the bar on a Friday night!
Education:
Carolyn qualified with a Honours degree from University of Manchester in 2002.
Area of specialisation:
Carolyn specializes in musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries, but also has a particular interest in acupuncture, and is a member of the AACP.
Bio:
Carolyn started working for the NHS at St.Mary's Hospital in Paddington before joining the English Institute of Sport at the Olympic Medical Institute (OMI) in London. At the OMI she was involved in working with wide range of elite athletes as part of the multi-disciplinary sports medical team. Carolyn joined the outpatient St. John's Wood team in December 06, while maintaining some part-time work with Chelsea Football Academy, England Athletics, GB Wheelchair Tennis Squad, GB Softball and the Amateur Rowing Association.
Did you know:
Carolyn played tennis for Great Britain, and once played against Anna Kournikova!
Education:
Qualified 2002 University of Manchester BSc (Hons)
Area of specialisation:
Musculoskeletal problems
Bio:
Elaine worked in the NHS at St.George's Hospital for four years where she treated a broad range of conditions. Here she specialised in treating musculoskeletal problems before moving into the private sector. She has gone on to develop a particular interest in hydrotherapy and treats hydro patients at our Springdene Clinic in Totteridge.
Did you know:
Elaine has worked with London Wasps RFC youth teams and the London Marathon.
Education:
Sarah Graduated from Birmingham University in 1992 and worked in the NHS before starting work at The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth in October 1995.
Area of Specialisation:
She now works on a part time basis, predominantly with musculo-skeletal outpatients and provides some assistance on the orthopaedic wards.
Bio:
She also teaches Manual Handling Training. Courses over recent years have been predominantly in the manual handling field. She has also completed the MACP weekends and Kinetic Control Courses. She is a member of the National Back exchange (MH special interest group).
Education:
Hema graduated BHSc (Physiotherapy) from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand after completing her BSc (Physiology) at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Area of specialisation:
Neurological Rehabilitation, Joint replacement surgery and Elderly care
Bio:
Hema graduated in 2002 then worked in acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Wellington, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia. Currently she is working at St Johns and Elizabeth Hospital with patients after a neurological event such as a stroke.
Did you know:
Hema played provincial hockey in New Zealand up to a senior level and enjoys coaching junior hockey.
Education:
Masters of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
Bachelors of Fine Arts, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
Area of Specialisation:
Physiotherapy assessment & treatment of patients with dementia
Physiotherapy interventions to reduce the risk of falling among older patients
Bio:
After qualifying as a physical therapist and working a few months in North Carolina, Diane travelled for a few weeks throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland with her husband Jim. She absolutely loved London, so she moved here! And after nearly 4 years, she still loves it.
Did you know:
At the age of 9 Diane was on a swimming relay team, 4 x 50 meters, and they were ranked number 1 in the USA.
Education:
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy St Georges Hospital Medical School 1998 – 2001
Area of Specialisation:
Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation, Biomechanics and is a practising member of the Acupuncture Association for Chartered Physiotherapist.
Bio:
Caroline worked in the NHS for 4 years in large London based teaching Hospitals before embarking upon a round-the-world trip for 1 year visiting South America, Australasia, China and SE Asia. On returning she worked in a private practise for over 1 year before joining the team.
She has worked for amateur and professional rugby clubs and is currently a team physiotherapist at Rosslyn Park Rugby Club.
Did you know:
Caroline represented her County and Region at Hockey. She loves all sports and can chat all day about them if you let her.
A mad rugby fan, she has followed England and the Lions around the world and can be seen regularly on match days attempting to drain the Twickenham Bars of their stock.
Education:
Birmingham University. Graduated 1999 with 1st Class Honours
Area of Specialisation:
Sports Injuries
Bio:
Isobel worked in the NHS for 5 years before moving on to private practice in New Zealand. She has experience with an extensive variety of sports including Fencing, Badminton and Running. Isobel has been a Rugby Club Physiotherapist for both London Welsh RFC and Moseley RFC. She worked for the indoor Volleyball at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Isobel is currently a physiotherapist with England Hockey.
Did you know:
When abroad Isobel trained as a river surfing guide in New Zealand, and was a lasoo instructor on a Jackaroo and Jillaroo School in Australia. While in London she particularly enjoys Ceroc dancing.
Education:
Graduated from the University of Cape Town, SA, in 2000 -Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Occupational Therapy.
Qualified as a Leduc Lymphoedema Therapist in 2006, UK.
Area of specialisation:
Palliative Care (i.e. Cancer, HIV, MND, End stage heart failure, end stage renal failure, COPD)
Lymphoedema (i.e. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Multi-layer bandaging)
Bio:
After qualifying as an OT Clarissa wanted to combine work and travel, so decided to head for the UK. Initially worked as a Locum in various fields (i.e. acute medical, old age psychiatry and care of the elderly), and then settled in the NHS at The North Middlesex Hospital for 2 years working on the Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Cardiac wards. Clarissa has been based at St John's Hospice since 2004 where she provides input for the in-patient unit, community clients and day centre. Cover is also provided when required for the Orthopaedic and medical wards at The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth.
Did you know:
In her younger days, Clarissa used to row for the first crew at University, and used to run half marathons for the UCT team. Now days, she enjoys doing a bit of running and rollerblading (quite badly though).
Education:
Qualified with an Honours Degree in Physiotherapy from UEA in 2003
Has a BTEC Diploma in Sports Massage
Area of specialisation:
Jennifer specialises in all areas of women's health and regularly treats and advises women with musculoskeletal pains throughout and after their pregnancy, using acupuncture to complement her treatment techniques. She has trained in the assessment and treatment of continence dysfunction and treats women with pelvic floor weakness.
She is an affiliate member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health and is APPI trained in Pilates with additional skills in the management of ante and post natal conditions.
Did you know:
Jennifer would love to run the marathon one day and enjoys running and dancing in her spare time.
Education:
Glasgow Caledonian University BSc ( Hons Physiotherapy)
Area of Specialisation:
Joint replacement surgery, orthopaedic rehabilitation
Bio:
Lauren qualified in 2000 and spent the next 2 years learning the tools of the trade in sunny Dumfries. Since then Lauren has traveled extensively and worked in New Zealand and Australia in a variety of clinical fields. She currently works on the in-patient wards at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth treating a varied caseload from Birth Unit to Elderly Rehab.
Did you know:
Lauren worked as a physiotherapist on the set of the recently released (and oscar-nominated!) British film Venus.
Education:
Diploma in Body Therapies
New Zealand College Of Massage
Area of specialisation:
Therapeutic & Sports Massage
Biography:
Before Heather joined Central Health she had been running her own Clinic in New Zealand, while also being the Secretary for her Local Sports & Rugby Club.
She has worked with Secondary Schools, Club & National & International Rugby Teams, as well as other Elite Sportsmen.
Did you know:
Heather has massaged the All Blacks over the past 4 years & travelled with the Tongan Rugby Sevens team to Hong Kong & Adelaide in 2007.
Education:
Claire qualified at the University of Nottingham in 2000.
Area of specialisation:
Sports Injuries (especially tennis related), foot and ankle conditions, acupuncture and Pilates. Before joining the team she worked in the NHS for 6 years, specialising in musculoskeletal outpatients for 4 years.
Did you know:
Claire played county tennis for Yorkshire for 12 years. She is a licensed LTA (lawn tennis association) coach, a Pilates instructor (member APPI), recognised acupuncturist (member AACP) and an aloe Vera product distributor.
Education:
Master of manipulative therapy, Curtin University, Perth Australia 2004
BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy, Birmingaham University 1998
Area of specialisation:
Spinal pain and injury, knee injuries
Biography:
Clare has published work and lectured on sitting postures and its effect on the musculoskeletal system. Whilst in Australia worked alongside world renowned experts in treatment of low back pain and re-education of core control. Extensive experience in assessment and rehabilitation of the spinal pain. Works on a part-time basis with British specialists in non-specific arm pain and RSI mainly in the seated working population. Acts as clinical tutor for Masters students from the local Universities.
Did you know:
A serious netball injury to Clare's knee in 2000 ended her hopes for a place in the national squad, but she still manages to star for The Central Health Lakers when competing in one of the corporate netball leagues!
Education:
Master of Manipulation, Curtin University, Perth Australia 2008
Bsc (Hons) Physiotherapy – Manchester University 2002.
Area of specialisation:
Spinal, Sport injuries and lower limb conditions. Trained in acupuncture and manipulation.
Biography:
Qualified from Manchester University in 2002 before working in two large teaching hospitals in London for 5 years along side a private evening clinic. This was followed by a full time 1 year Masters course in Australia before returning to London and full time private work here at Central Health at both our Chancery Lane and St John and Elizabeth Clinics. She has contributed to the publication of a couple of research articles and is currently awaiting the acceptance of her masters research into shoulder characteristics in elite Waterpolo players.
Did you know:
Gemma has played county tennis, hockey and netball so is always keen to challenge anyone to a game of any sport or as a qualified tennis coach occasionally will volunteer a few tips!
She has worked at Wimbledon collecting match statistics live on the BBC. She used to work for Wasps RFC youth teams and the London marathon. The department is usually a lot quieter when she's not working!
Education
University of Bath, school of physiotherapy. Qualified 1997
University College London, MSc School of Health and Human Performance
Area of specialisation:
spinal, sports injuries, shoulders.
Bio:
Chris is the out- patient lead physiotherapist at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth. He has a wealth of experience in the management of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and has a special interest in spinal pain and through this works closely with a consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeon.
He has worked in the NHS and private sector as well as with the academy of football at West Ham United FC and as a part- time lecturer and examiner at Oxford Brooks University. He has also clinically supervised undergraduate and post- graduate students.
Did you know:
He has undertaken extensive post- graduate education, including a masters course at the University College London.
Education
Andy originally graduated from University of Southampton and then has more recently completed a Post Graduate Masters in Neuromusculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy at UCL in 2007. In which he completed a dissertation that looked at the effect of footwear on Rugby Union injuries within the Premiership.
Area of specialisation:
Sports injuries and a special interest in Foot and Ankle pain
Bio:
Andy has worked within the NHS and private sector since he graduated. At present he is part of the medical cover for Harlequins RFC, treating both 1XV and Academy players. He has also worked within premiership football and cricket while recently been the physiotherapist to the 2008 TV show 'Gladiators'. He is fully trained in Acupunture, Pilates and manipulation and is a member of the MACP.
Did you know:
Andy ran the London marathon with 6 days notice in 3 hours 43 minutes (He couldn't walk for 5 days after-its not recommended!)
Education:
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy from the University of Teesside
Area of specialisation:
Manual handling and Ergonomics
Bio:
After graduating in 1998 Jenny worked throughout the UK in the Midlands, Newcastle and London, fine tuning her skills particularly within the musculoskeletal setting. In 2002 she took 6 months out to travel the world and on her return she entered into the world of ergonomics and manual handling.
Prior to joining Central Health Jenny managed HCA's ‘Back Care Unit' providing manual handling training and ergonomic risk assessments and advice. Jenny is Chair of the South London National Back Exchange Group.
Did you know:
At the age of 14 Jenny came 4th in the British National Intermediate Gymnastics Championships and she still holds her schools high jump record that she set in 1991!
Education:
Masters in Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY, USA
Masters in Dance/ Movement Therapy, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
BA in Political Science, Haifa University, Israel
Area of specialisation:
Falls management among older adults, including education and home modifications.
Bio:
After qualifying as an OT in the US in 2005, Daphna moved with her familty to London. She currently works in St. John and Elizabeth Hospital as well as in St. John's Hospice and the Butterworth Centre (a facility for older adults who suffer from Dementia and other Mental health problems). Daphna also co-runs a falls management group together with a physiotherapist.
Did you know:
During her BA studies Daphna worked as an academic assistant to an injured soldier who had suffered a head injury and helped him to complete his BA degree.
Education:
Jane Simmonds completed undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in Sport, Human Movement and Physiotherapy in Western Australia.
Bio:
Jane has worked extensively as a clinician and teacher in the fields of neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Her interests include; Hypermobility Syndrome, sports and performing arts injury management, osteoporosis, occupational health, hydrotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and medical ethics. Jane combines her clinical work with research and teaching at the University of Hertfordshire where she is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy.
Did You Know:
Jane is a highly accomplished artist who has exhibited at The Royal Academy.
Education:
Brunel University Bsc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Swansea University Bsc (Hons) Psychology
Area of Specialisation:
Respiratory, with an interest in COPD care, from acute exacerbations and respiratory failure to pulmonary rehabilitation.
Bio:
Amanda's first degree was in psychology, following which she travelled for several years then completed her physiotherapy degree. She specialised quickly in to Respiratory care, with an interest in COPD and non-invasive ventilation, working at the London Chest hospital for 3 years. She now works with all areas of respiratory medicine both as in and outpatients.
Did You Know:
Amanda is currently doing a Masters in Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy at UCL, and is part of a Cochrane review looking at the long term maintenance of benefits following pulmonary rehabilitation.
Education:
Qualified from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, in 1975.
Area of Specialisation:
Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy/Neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapy, mainly for patients with spinal (back and neck) problems. She was involved in undergraduate, post-graduate and continuing education programmes for several years in South Africa. She also worked in a large tertiary care hospital in the orthopaedic outpatient physiotherapy department.
Did you know:
Marietta is registered and has worked as a physiotherapist in 3 countries: South Africa, America (California) and now in England (London).
Education:
University of Pretoria B.Sc.
Area of Specialisation:
Special interests lie in orthopaedic rehabilitation, musculoskeletal out patients and hydrotherapy. He has undertaken post-graduate studies in musculoskeletal therapy.
Did you know:
Martin was a figure skater in his younger days but now enjoys running, swimming, squash and would love to say he can play golf.
Peter graduated from Bath School of Physiotherapy in 1997 and more recently completed a Masters in Advanced Physiotherapy at University College London in 2003. He worked for many years in the outpatient departments and clinics within Harringey Teaching primary Care Trust as well as at the North London Nuffield Hospital and ealing Rugby Club. He currently works at both our clinic on Chancery Lane and our clinic at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. During the cricket season he works full time with Marylebone Cricket Club and Middlesex County Cricket Club, working with the teams at matches and at training sessions.
Education:
Graduated from Christ Church College part of Canterbury University in 1998
Area of specialisation:
Neurological Rehabilitation
Elderly Care
Seating and Wheelchair Assessments
Risk Assessments
Advice on Home Modifications
Advice on and prescription of adaptive equipment
Bio:
Louise started her career working in various neuro-rehabilitation hospitals, The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, The National Hospital for Neuro-surgery and Neurology and a small neuro-unit called Harrowlands based in Dorking.
Louise then worked in an acute hospital, North Middlesex Hospital, working with a range of different departments from A & E, Orthopaedics, Oncology, Medical and Surgical wards to Care of the Elderly with keen interest in stroke and parkinsons patients.
Louise joined the St. Johns team in Nov 2007 to assist with the development of the occupational therapy department and to work with patients following a neurological event.
Did you know:
Louise has recently passed AMPS (assessment of motor and processing skills) and is now qualified to carry out an AMPS assessment.
Education:
Qualified 1970 Otago Physiotherapy School, Dunedin, New Zealand
Also BA (History) and MSc (Health Promotion)
Area of specialisation:
All areas of women's health, from pregnancy through to the post menopausal period, with particular interest in the treatment of bladder and bowel problems (men and women) and organ prolapse. Full and current member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Womens' Health and the Association of Continence Advisors.
Did you know:
Barbara has written a book on post natal exercises which sold over 100,000 copies in 26 languages.