PHYSICAL BALANCE - Key Persons
Alex gained his Masters of Osteopathy Degree in 2015 from the British School of Osteopathy and is a trained medical acupuncturist from the British Medical Acupuncture Society. Growing up in Overton he is well known in the community. He is a keen sportsman and through his rugby discovered osteopathy when he ended up in the consulting room. He now strives to keep people active and doing what they love from the other side of the treatment table.
Using a skilled structural approach, Alex firmly believes that the pain is not always the problem and taking a wide-angled view considers the whole lifestyle of the patient rather than the isolated symptom: 'why' rather than 'what' the issue is. He is convinced that education is key to enabling people to understand their condition and equips them with the best tools for their recovery, helping them to help themselves.
After clinic hours Alex still enjoys playing rugby at Newbury RFC at National 3 level along with other sports. If he is not on the rugby field, you will probably find him with his wife Ellie and their puppy Stanley walking around Overton.
Alison joined us in March 2022, having previously worked for M&S as a Deputy Supervisor until 1999 when she left to raise her family.
A long career with M&S has meant she has a wealth of customer service knowledge and we're delighted she's joined the team.
Andrew Johnson Osteopath MOst - Osteopathy & Medical Acupuncture Registered with the General Osteopathic Council and the Institute of Osteopathy. Qualified with a Masters degree from the British School of Osteopathy in 2016. Prior to his Osteopathy degree he studied sport and exercise science, fitness instruction, sports massage, and medical acupuncture. Andy believes this puts him in a good place when managing people's sporting injuries. Andy also has experience teaching osteopathic manipulation and was a published contributor for a book released in 2017. Additionally he has taken time in specialist clinics to develop his skills for expectant mothers, children, and sport specific injuries. Andy focuses his treatment on the individual and seeks to address the symptoms whilst looking at the bigger picture, not just the bit that hurts. The time and care delivered by Andy during his treatment reflects his patient centred approach. Andy has a particular interest in runners and has worked closely with running coaches and personal trainers, helping patients overcome their related injuries and increasing their performance. When Andy's not working, he likes to spend his free time outdoors, dog walking, mountain biking, hiking, and finding a good country pub.
Bridget joined Physical Balance in 2021 with a wealth of experience within the Sports Therapy and rehabilitation world. Having qualified as a Sport and Exercise scientist in 2005 she furthered her studies and completed an Msc in Sports Therapy in 2008. Her career to date has seen her work both with recreational sports people and members of the public alongside elite athletes. Having worked in a busy Chiropractic clinic in Guilford for the last 10 years she is the perfect fit within our team. As a Sports Therapist with Chelsea FC Foundation and Watford FC Academy as well as England Touch Rugby teams, her experiences have given valuable insight into the treatment and management of a wide range of injuries.
She enjoys working with a wide scope of people from the weekend golfer to the experienced runner, getting them to the performance level they require. In addition, having gained vast experience with children she also specialises in adolescent injuries and since having children of her own she has taken a keen interest in ante/post natal care. Bridget helps expectant mothers continue exercise throughout pregnancy and also safely return them back into exercise post partum through a mixture of mobility and ante/post natal Pilates exercises.
Bridget has a whole body approach and likes to treat you as a person rather than a specific injured limb. Therefore, she provides posture and running analysis alongside flexibility and strength assessments. She also provides a hands on approach using treatments such as taping, massage and mobilisations and compliments this with exercise programmes which if you are performing a certain sport will be tailored towards that sport. She also believes in preventative treatment to stop you becoming injured rather than waiting for an injury to happen.
Outside of work although over the years Bridget was a keen horse rider, skier and netball player she is now a frequent parkrun goer and even completed the London marathon in 2017. You will normally find her spending time with her young family (including Bailey the dog) outdoors in the woods or parks. She also enjoys spending time in her craft shed or baking up a treat in the kitchen.
Caroline joined Physical Balance in 2005 after graduating from the British School of Osteopathy with the Bachelor of Osteopathy degree. She returned to full time education in 2001 as a mature student following a successful 12-year career in the television industry. Her decision to change her career path came following an interest in sports massage, which led to her assisting the massage team at the Finchley Rugby Club in London. Caroline's approach to Musculo-skeletal ailments such as shoulder pain, mechanical low back pain, sports injuries and neck pain is primarily through the traditional structural approach. Not only does she address the problem with hands on treatment, she also believes in postural education and the prescription of exercises. This allows the individuals to better understand and manage their own health and wellbeing.
Carolyn is an Acupuncturist and Meditation Coach with a special interest in treating menopause.
Carolyn studied Acupuncture at degree level at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) 2012 -2015. The integrated approach includes traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture which has a strong emphasis on emotional factors contributing to disease. She offers a range of treatments which focus on helping you achieve a sense of inner calm, and increased life-force energy.
Carolyn has been on a path of wellbeing and evolution which began more than 20 years ago. A lifelong student, she has been mentored by Chinese energy master Jason Chan, the late Barefoot Doctor (Stephen Russell) and Ishaya monk Sandy Newbigging to name just a few of her teachers.
When Carolyn is not treating, studying, teaching or writing, she is enjoying spending as much quality time as possible with her beautiful young son.
Job Titles:
- Practice & Marketing Manager
Elaine joined the team at Physical Balance in August 2021, after 18 years in the travel industry as Marketing Director for a cruise line.
Job Titles:
- Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist
Hannah King Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist LSSM(Dip) MISRM - Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy Qualifications include; Level 5 BTEC Professional Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy. Member of The Institute of Sports & Remedial Massage (ISRM). Kinesio taping. After working in a variety of office roles, Hannah sought the help of a Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist to help with neck and shoulder pain. This teamed with an increasing yoga practice taught her about what it means to be well and the time came for a career rethink. After completing the London School of Sports Massage's Introductory weekend course, she knew this was an avenue to pursue. She completed her Soft Tissue Therapy qualification in LSSM's Southampton centre and has worked within the Health and Wellbeing realm ever since managing a yoga studio & therapy rooms in Farnham and working with a variety of other therapists and clinics. She has worked at events such as Bournemouth Rugby 7s and Basingstoke, Fleet, Swindon & Farnborough Half Marathons and has worked for two seasons with Badshot Lea FC helping to keep everyone match ready. For Hannah, massage is something for everyone and can provide physical relief from pain and discomfort but can also provide some time just to check in with how you are doing.
Jo originally joined our team in 2014 and returned to us in 2022, bringing many years of customer service experience along with empathy, discretion, and maybe a giggle or two.
Joe joined Physical Balance in 2004 having qualified as a Sports Therapist at the University of Chichester. Born and bred in Basingstoke, Joe initially combined his passion for sport and his career working both in the clinic and for several professional teams. These valuable experiences included the Australian Olympic team and closer to home with Hampshire cricket and the Basingstoke Bison ice hockey team. It was during these early years that Joe grew an interest for a more clinical approach to treatment. In 2011 he returned to university as a mature student to study a Masters in Osteopathy. Whilst at the London School of Osteopathy Joe built on his strong structural approach to therapy and as an Osteopath, he believes that ensuring the patient has an understanding of their condition and more importantly how they can help themselves is vital to his approach. He specialises in lower back pain, headaches, neck pain and all sports injuries. Supporting his Osteopathy and Sports Therapy degrees Joe has added Medical Acupuncture to his treatment techniques via the British Medical Acupuncture Society and also has a Certificate in Education, which he uses when guest lecturing at The University of Chichester as well as co-leading development events for local therapists at Physical Balance.
Natasha Eagle Osteopath and Naturopath MOst - Osteopathy and Medical Acupuncture ND - Naturopathic diploma Registered with the General Osteopathic Council and the Institute of Osteopathy. Tasha graduated with a master's degree in Osteopathy and a Diploma in Naturopathy from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020 and has undertaken professional training in medical acupuncture and sports taping. Prior to becoming an Osteopath, Tasha worked for a private ambulance and first aid company, alongside being a shift leader caring for the disabled, focusing on the long-term physical demands of the residents she cared for. As an osteopath Tasha retains a keen interest in working with those with physical disabilities. Patient-focus is always at the core of her treatments, using different approaches for every individual Tasha looks at the whole body, not only the injured or painful area, going in depth to find the cause as well as treating the symptoms. Tasha grew up in a rural area just outside of Basingstoke, loves being outdoors and has always enjoyed various sports including judo, rugby, swimming. Horse riding is Tasha's main love, having ridden since the age of 4! When Tasha isn't working, she can normally be found at the gym or at the stables spending time her pony Rolo or out and about with her golden retriever, Tia.
Job Titles:
- Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist
Robyn is a BTEC Level 5 Clinical Sport and Remedial Massage Therapist. a YMCA Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor and a qualified CoreAlign instructor.
In 2016, she worked full time for Southampton Football Club as a soft tissue therapist for the Men's First Team. Working in the Premier League gave her a unique insight into elite sports and athletes, learning first-hand how to deal with different injuries, and adapting treatments to suit. During her time at Southampton FC, she was introduced to the world of Pilates which was and still is used for rehabilitation of the players, along with general maintenance and functional movement, to make sure they stay ‘match-fit'. Her passion in life is to get people moving again, either through massage or Pilates. She likes to offer a hands-on solution to rehabilitation, injury prevention, and functional movement.
She loves strength and conditioning training. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, completed the National Three Peak Challenge, taken part in the London to Brighton bike ride, and competed in numerous running events. She is always on the lookout for the next challenge that will test the ability of her mind and body.
Job Titles:
- Reflexologist & Skin Specialist
Samantha Joyce Reflexologist & Skin Specialist Level 3 Diploma - Holistic Therapies Sam graduated from Basingstoke College of Technology in 2006 with a Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Therapies including reflexology, aromatherapy, and Swedish Massage. After finishing her qualification, she started work at The Hampshire Court Hotel where she continued her development and trained with ESPA & Phytomer, achieving some of the highest treatment standards in the industry. Sam then moved into the beauty industry and over the next 16 years, enjoyed providing many different treatments for her clients. Treating clients holistically is extremely important to Sam and she will always take the whole person approach and your lifestyle into account when treating you, performing each and every treatment to the highest possible standard. Reflexology & Massage have always been one of Sam's passions and she thoroughly enjoys seeing the benefits her clients see from her treatments.
Sarah joined Physical Balance in 2019 after a long career in the retail sector as a visual merchandising area manager.
Sarah qualified as a Foot Health Practitioner in 2014 after a long career in the NHS. She had been working in the local NHS hospital for over 12 years when she decided to give something back to the community. She realised that foot care was inaccessible for people with limited mobility or a support network, so she decided to bring the foot care to them. Passionate about helping people Sarah retrained and started with home and care home visits.
Job Titles:
- Massage Therapist & Skin Specialist
Stephanie's expertise and passion lies in face and body therapy with experienced, safe hands. Recognising that everyone has unique needs, this is important, as this time is for you. Offering a menu of wellbeing massages at the clinic to treat mind and body and helping patients to their individual optimum health. At the beginning of 2022 Stephanie continued her training in the latest advances in skin health and will now be offering clinical skin services including microneedling, chemical peeling and LED light therapy. Her aim is to ensure that patients feel their best in their own skin, helping and educating you towards achieving your skin goals! The benefit of receiving treatment from a skin specialist is that you will have tangible results and genuine advice.
Originally following her graduation from Basingstoke College of Technology in 2009, Stephanie started her career working for Celebrity X Cruises, followed by four years at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Here she gained expertise at some of the world's most prestigious spas and learned the highest treatment standards in the industry.
In 2014, Stephanie steered her career towards teaching the skills and knowledge she'd gathered over her career. In her role as a Qualified Educator, she travelled across the UK, Asia and Europe training therapists housed in the world's most luxurious resorts to the highest standards in face and body therapy.
Following this, Stephanie transitioned into the medical skincare industry where she trained doctors and nurses in advanced facial therapy. Having worked with some of the industry's top brands to co-create their signature treatments, including iS Clinical, La Sultane de Saba, Codage and Russie Blanche, she is now thriving in treating new and existing clients at the clinic.