MEET the team from The Physiotherapy Practice who have just joined forces with Essex Junior Squash.
The Essex-based company, who have surgeries in Colchester, West Bergholt and Great Bentley, have agreed to be our official advisors and consultants and will roll out programmes in injury prevention and early diagnosis of problems seen in young and adolescent squash players.
Physiotherapy Practice boss Nicola Betts and other members of her team attended our recent Essex Junior Closed and were joint sponsors of the event, alongside EC3-Legal, our long-term partners.
Nicola was hugely impressed by the athleticism of our players and explained a little about the benefits of joining forces with EJS.
Nicola presents a trophy to Ellie Hewes at the Essex Junior Closed
She said this week: “A lot of people believe that a Physiotherapy Practice is there simply to fix a problem once it has occured, but that is only half of the story. Early diagnosis of potential problem areas, recognising recurring stresses and strains on young players and advising on training methods and strengthening programmes are all areas that we have experience of.
“Squash is high-powered, high-impact sport that works the whole body. Watching the action at the Junior Closed event gave us great insight into that. Maintaining fitness and signposting potential problem areas is where we could help.”
Nicola qualified in 1984 and has 30 years’ experience of treating musculoskeletal conditions. Her specialist areas of interest are spinal conditions and the management and prevention of Dance related injuries. Her previous work at The Royal Ballet School and with Essex County Cricket Club provided valuable experience in the management of high performance sporting individuals and acute injuries
As part of the Physiotherapy Practice involvement, Nikki Priestley, of the Senior MSK Physiotherapists, presented a talk to EJS committee members and coaches on Sunday September 4th at the Marconi Sports and Social Club in Chelmsford.
It was a hugely enjoyable and productive meeting for all and covered topics such as sports injuries seen in young and adolescent squash players, injury prevention and specific training.
We are hugely grateful to Nicola and her team for their involvement and support with Essex Junior Squash. If you need to contact them, all their details are on their website thephysiotherapypractice.co.uk
Below is a run down of the Clinical team at The Physiotheraphy Practice.
Nicola Betts Director Grad Dip Phys HCPC MCSP AACP
Nicola qualified in 1984 and has 30 years’ experience of treating musculoskeletal conditions. She established the practice in 1994 and monitors, mentors and develops the practice team whilst continuing to work clinically 4 days a week. Her specialist areas of interest are spinal conditions and the management and prevention of Dance related injuries. Her previous work at The Royal Ballet School and with Essex County Cricket Club provided valuable experience in the management of high performance sporting individuals and acute injuries. Nicola has also worked with NHS commissioners and colleagues to develop local NHS spinal services.
Karen Ricks (nee Frampton) Senior Clinical Lead MSc HCPC MCSP MACP AACP
Karen qualified in 2001 and completed her MSc in Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2013, leading to membership of the MACP (Musculoskeletal Association of Physiotherapists). She has expertise and experience in a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions having worked in both the NHS and private sector. Her specialist interests include Women’s Health, in particular either antenatal or postnatal Pregnancy-related back and/or pelvic girdle pain, Joint Hypermobility Syndromes and the management of hand dysfunction.
Alison Dufficy Grad Dip Phys HCPC MCSP AACP
Alison qualified in 1988 and has broad experience in musculoskeletal medicine with specialist interests in spinal conditions and rehabilitation. She has particular knowledge of the requirements of elite level sports having herself competed for the British Diving Team including representing Great Britain at the 1994 Olympics.
Fiona Gosling Grad Dip Phys HCPC MCSP SOM AACP
Fiona qualified in 1978 and has extensive experience. She has worked at the Physiotherapy Practice since 1995 whilst continuing to work part-time at Colchester Hospital, which includes working with the Upper Limb Orthopaedic Consultants. Through further study she has attained membership of the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine and has special interests in the management of pain, Shoulder and Spinal conditions and injury rehabilitation.
Jo Goswell Grad Dip Phys HCPC MCSP
Jo qualified in 1992 and initially working in an NHS neurology department, she concentrated on stroke rehabilitation before moving to New Zealand where she focused on musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. Subsequently returning to the UK, Jo moved into private practice, developing her particular general outpatient interests in postural correction, restoration of normal movement and ergonomics.
Nikki Priestley BSc HCPC MCSP AACP
Nikki qualified in 2007 and has since gained wide experience of both the NHS and private sector. She has a sporting background, previously working as a personal trainer, and has combined this passion with physiotherapy, which has led to her specialising in musculoskeletal injuries. She is currently studying towards her MSc in Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy, has a particular interest in lower quadrant dysfunctions and extensive experience of rehabilitation following joint replacement surgery.
Clare Elliott Dip SRMT – Visit Facebook Page
Clare has a very holistic and hands on approach to the treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunction. Her sports massage helps relieve tension in overworked muscles, maintains flexibility & reduces injuries and so keeps you in training. Her aim is to help you achieve your goals efficiently and as pain free as possible. Appointments to see Clare at our main site at 78 North Station Road CO1 1SE can be booked directly with her by calling 07799 777034