Chris Pinches:  Clinical Lead and Advanced Spinal Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

You can find Chris at our St. John’s Wood, Clinic.

I help patients of all ages with persistent non-specific mechanical spinal pain who have become confused, concerned, and disenchanted by failure to respond to conventional approaches to managing their problems. I do this by listening to them about the problem, what it means to them and their life and how it makes them feel. I help them understand their problem using simple explanations, metaphors and anecdotes to allow them to understand sometimes complex and multi-factorial issues involved with their problem. And then by demonstrating how they can use simple practical, functional exercises to get control over their pain and improve their confidence and function.

Specialisation

Chris sees a wide range of musculoskeletal problems but has a special interest in spinal problems, especially persistent Low Back Pain.
He has links with consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeons throughout North West London.

Other Experience

NHS and private sector
Academy of football at West Ham United FC
Part- time lecturer and examiner at Oxford Brooks University
Clinically supervised undergraduate and graduate students

Education

BSc Physiotherapy, University of Bath, 1997
MSc, School of Health and Human Performance, University College London

Customer Reviews

I’m so glad I chose Central Health Physiotherapy! I’d been struggling with coccyx pain for a while, and after just a few sessions, I felt so much better. Chris Pinches really took the time to understand what was going on and created a treatment plan that worked for me. The pain is nearly gone now, and my mobility has improved. Super friendly, professional, and really good at what they do. Highly recommend if you’re dealing with any pain!

Surabhi Agrawal

Chris Pinches is a fabulous physiotherapist whose advice and treatment has transformed my mobility. I have recently had knee revision and a knee replacement and my sessions with Chris have greatly aided my recovery. I would highly recommend him as a physiotherapist to anyone suffering from arthritis or injury,

Susan Breau

After travelling to London from Australia I had several sessions with Chris Pinches to rehabilitate my broken foot. The improvement was remarkable, increasing mobility, strength and finally getting me walking again. Chris is absolutely lovely, very clear and brilliant with chronic injuries and pain management. I can’t recommend Chris and Central Health Physiotherapy highly enough. The service and practical solutions given are exceptional, I am honestly so grateful and happy to be on a much faster road to full recovery again thanks to Chris. I had wasted so much time and money on other physios prior to my trip here in Australia, with very little improvement, they don’t compare. Thank you so much again. So relieved to be able to continue consults as needed to reinforce my treatment via Zoom now that I’m back home, it is such peace of mind.

Fiona CK

Chris Pinches is the man to see if you are struggling with a spine injury

Karim Al-Haddadin

A fantastic and speedy booking service to a date and time suitable to me.Friendly staff top marks.

Chris Smith

I am writing this review on behalf of my mother Fouzia who received excellent treatment, care and support from Chris Pincher. My mother was suffering from severe heel pain for several months which has significantly improved since seeing Chris. She has also benefited from the specific exercises that Chris recommended and we cannot thank him enough. Highly recommend to anyone who is suffering in pain. It is definitely worth visiting Central Physiotherapy!

Noor R

After having a 'failed' spinal fusion at 21, and further spinal surgery, I have had chronic back pain, and physio intermittently for 33 years. Although a years pain management course has helped me feel more in control of my back for 12 years, I have never been free of it dictating what I do - until I was referred to Chris! After my first appointment, I was very sceptical as no muscle had been eased yet I had arrived with neck spasms and shoulder pain, and sent home being told that my nervous system had to be reset. Four months later, after doing a variety of specific exercises and being told how to use my back biomechanically, rather than continually guarding it, I am stronger and more active, not fearing some gardening, travelling or participating in sport. Chris listened to the pain and issues I was experiencing and, whilst assessing the whole body and its movement, rather than the isolated parts, has slowly retrained my thought process and I know that I will continue to become stronger and reach other goals that were previously definitely out of reach! Thank you Chris, it is worth the 4 hour round trip!

Sally Fordy

I couldn't recommend Chris highly enough. He was patient, listened and answered all of my questions. He gave me answers and solutions for the future, and eased a lot of my worries. He helped me understand my back and how to manage it holistically for the future. He gave me confidence in my back again after a severe disc bulge. Thank you Chris!

Donna Gibbs

I am extremely happy with the treatment provided by Chris. He's very knowledgeable and patient. Took the time to explain in depth the cause of the issue and the best way to overcome it. I would highly recommend to anyone in the future! Thank you Chris!

Dimitar Stoyanov

Chris Pinches at Central Health’s St John’s Wood clinic really made a difference for me! After years of back and neck problems and countless hours spent with various chiropractors and physios, I was finally able to improve my daily well-being. Chris’ highly competent and holistic approach based on listening first and then proposing a customized plan of action ensured I was feeling better within weeks. With Chris’ help and guidance, I was able to take control over my pain and develop a feeling of confidence. The only caveat is that this is not a passive treatment plan. But for anyone willing to take self-initiative and do a few simple exercises on a regular basis, I would highly recommend an introductory session with Chris to find out more about his differentiated and very successful philosophy and approach.

Oliver M.

Chris is really great and understanding, he helped me relieve some pain whilst I was there. He really listened and cared.

Kelli Blanchett

Chris Pinches gave me a completely different perspective on my issues. Very enlightening approach to dealing with ailments. He talks about neurological and psychological factors as much as physical and aims to marry them up. Would definitely recommend anyone else. Very knowledgeable and a nice guy to boot.

Rahul Sumarria

Was referred to Chris Pinches for sudden excruciating pain I was having in my back; potential disc tear and lack of flexibility.Chris was excellent for the duration of our sessions together. I really appreciated how he created an open platform for dialogue, explaining his thoughts and actively listening to tailor his approach. He never rushed me out of the room, was always keen to answer questions I had and never took a judgmental attitude to mistakes I was potentially doing.Chris gave me a great sense of positivity and reaffirmed my confidence in my back, which has resulted in a speedy recovery and a loss of anxiety surrounding the severity of my injury.I couldn't recommend Chris highly enough, thank you so much for the support you've given me over the last couple months.

Adam Tzimas