THE SMITHY CLINIC - Key Persons

Ella qualified in 2001. Since then, after gaining certificates in local anaesthesia and pharmacology/prescription medicines she has been working for the NHS. She specialises in Musculoskeletal Podiatry and Podopaediatrics. In 2010 she gained a Masters degree (MSc) in Musculoskeletal Studies (Lower Limb) and regularly participates in continual professional development including educational courses, conferences and updating knowledge using recent research. She has worked in private practice alongside her NHS work since 2006, and receives referrals from local GPs, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Chiropractors as well as self referrals from patients. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (reg. number CH15101) and is a member of the College of Podiatrists. Her approach is holistic and multidisciplinary. She includes exercise and stretching or strengthening programmes as well as prescribing orthoses, considering footwear types/styles, advising regarding sport specific footwear and is able to use and advise regarding strapping/taping techniques for the foot and ankle. She is able to arrange further diagnostic tests and imaging if necessary. Ella is experienced with both adults and children and her particular interests lie in gait analysis, the mechanical causes of soft tissue injuries and children's gait development from first steps to adolescence.

Helen has extensive experience of Private Practice in Yatton Keynell. She gained even more expertise as one of the dedicated team of physiotherapists at the new, state of the art Private Hospital ‘The Circle' at Peasedown St John near Bath. She also has a qualification teaching Pilates.

Linda recently relocated to the UK from South Africa. She has many years of physiotherapy experience in a multitude of work environments, including public hospitals, private practice, academia (lecturing and clinical teaching/supervision), mining hospitals and private physical rehabilitation hospitals. Her most recent work included patients with complex orthopaedic, spinal and head injury problems, and stroke survivors. Linda has worked extensively addressing various ergonomic and musculoskeletal issues. She has a passion for the holistic approach in helping patients to return to their work/previous lifestyles

After qualifying and working in various inpatient and outpatient posts Rebecca became one of two physiotherapists tasked with treating the professional rugby players of Bath Rugby Club. She has also worked with international and national runners. This led to her embarking on her Masters Degree in Sports Medicine, which she has completed. Her knowledge and experience in sports injuries with elite athletes is always in demand. She is also a member of the AACP which qualifies her to use Acupuncture as part of her practice.

Robert qualified as a McTimoney chiropractor in 1996 and practised as a chiropractor for over 25 years. He is trained and fully insured to treat people and animals. He now works as a McTimoney practitioner having chosen not to remain on the GCC chiropractic register because he works part time. Robert's other techniques include Afferent Input Muscle Testing, Bowen Therapy, Neurostructural Integration Technique (Advanced Bowen) and Neuromuscular Re-education (NMR) which is an intense form of massage. All joints are stabilised by muscles and any weakness in these muscles can result in injury. Robert specialises in identifying and removing the causes of such weakness which allows the injury to heal.

As a Sports therapist, having graduated from the University of Bath with a first class Honours degree in 2014, Suzanne has rehabilitated many cases of complex injury back to full fitness in various settings. As one of the musculoskeletal specialists at the Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts (Swindon), she has worked with dancers for over five years, treating a multitude of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders within the field of performing Arts medicine. Suzanne has continued her professional development by extending her knowledge of nutrition and lifestyle interventions through becoming involved with medically controlled weight loss, further exploring her interest in diet and exercise. She is also a qualified phlebotomist. Suzanne has joined the team at the Smithy Clinic to provide Sports and Remedial Massage.

Teri qualified in Zimbabwe in 1991. During the next ten years she worked extensively with several of the National Zimbabwean Sports Teams as well as concurrently working in a well established Private Practice. She completed the Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy training in South Africa. She came to the UK 9 years ago and as well as working at the Clinic she works part time for the NHS as a Specialist Orthopaedic physiotherapist (known as an Extended Scope Physiotherapist) working closely with the Orthopaedic Surgeons in her clinics and performing triage for them. She has done extra training to equip her for this role, including joint injection therapy and has completed a Masters Degree in Orthopaedic Medicine. Her drive and enthusiasm for her work is evident to her patients. She lectures all over the UK on the topic ‘Thoracic Outlet Syndrome' which is a particular interest of hers.