The Village Physios

Rob graduated from Bradford University in 1998 with a first class honours degree in Physiotherapy. He then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University. He had six seasons with the first team at Otley RUFC before working with the English Amateur boxing association, travelling to Azerbaijan and beyond with boxers wuch as Amir Khan and George Groves. “I believe in a “hands-on” approach to treatment with a strong emphasis on manual techniques including manipulation and soft tissue work followed by a dedicated programme of rehabilitation and exercise. I enjoy meeting and treating patients with all levels of ability, from the less able, recovering from surgery or disability, to the top performing runners and sports people. I am committed to doing my best for everyone regardless of their fitness levels. I am a keen (but distinctly average) runner and recent member of the Abbey Running Club in Adel. I’m a slightly better tennis player (Roundhay Tennis Club) a reasonable footballer and a half decent surfer. I am married to Jane (also my business partner) and have two amazing/infuriating children in Alice (four and a half) and Oliver (two).

Jane qualified as a physiotherapist some 14 years ago from The University of Bradford working extensively in the NHS as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist before being persuaded by partner Rob to join the Village Physios team full time. After 3 seasons working with professional Rugby players Jane gave herself the challenge of completing a post-graduate certificate in Spinal Manipulative Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University. This experience confirmed and consolidated the skills and belief that ‘hands-on’ manual therapy is the key to successful physiotherapy outcomes for her patients. She combines this with an interest in the rehabilitation of long term injuries (Cruciate repairs and Achilles tendon injuries etc) and is often to be found ‘encouraging’ her patients in the The Village gym. Outside of work Jane has her hands full with 2 young children (Alice & Oliver) but manages to fit in some running and gym classes in between – in the last 6 months she has completed the ‘Chevin Chase’ and ‘Meanwood Valley Trail’ races and is determined to improve her times … watch this space!

We have been lucky to have Claire with us over the past 3 years sharing her with the RAF where she is Station Physiotherapist at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Here as in her other role she specialises in the treatment of acute sports injuries and the rehabilitation of patients after Orthopaedic surgery. Working with frontline RAF pilots and aircrew Claire has a particular interest in the rehabilitation of athletes after injury promoting core stability training and strength and conditioning/weight management programmes. Complementing her skills in rehabilitation Claire has developed an interest in Clinical Pilates and is currently completing her instructor registration with the prestigious Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute (APPI). She is happy to offer 1 to 1 Pilates sessions or as part of a small specialised group (maximum 1:4 ratio). Pilates is a highly beneficial and validated means of re-educating the ‘core’ or postural muscles of the body and is particularly useful in the treatment and reduction of low back and neck pain – please contact us for details of classes or to discuss your needs. Outside of work Claire is passionate about climbing, cycling & surfing and has a young daughter called Amelie who is attempting to teach her to ice-skate(!).

Duncan has been a qualified physiotherapist for over 17 years. After specialising as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in the NHS he now dedicates himself to the treatment and rehabilitation of British Army soldiers at the RAF Dishforth base in North Yorkshire. Getting the troops ready for frontline action in Afghanistan and elsewhere requires the highly skilled treatment and rehabilitation skills which Duncan shares with us here at The Village Physios. Duncan developed his treatment skills working with professional rugby players from The Leeds Tykes & The Leeds Rhinos. Now the rehabilitation of injured patients is Duncan’s speciality – he excels at taking his patient (whether a sports person or someone less physically active) from the acute injury stage all the way through a guided rehabilitation programme to get back to their pre-injury level. Duncan has a special interest in Core Stability and Core Strength Training programmes to maximise effective recovery and prevent the return of niggling injuries.

In addition to his treatment and rehabilitation skills Duncan has a clinical interest in the use of Acupuncture to treat nerve pain, muscle spasm and other musculoskeletal disorders. In his spare time Duncan is a keen runner and cyclist. However his more recent passion is for mountaineering and climbing with a trip to the Andes to climb in the mountains made (in)famous by the legendary Joe Simpson (‘touching the void’) in the offing!

Sports Massage Therapist

Gio has been practising as a Sports Massage Therapist with The Village Physios for the last 8 years delivering high quality treatments to prevent and rehabilitate injuries throughout this period. Gio brings with him a wealth of experience in his field not least of which is his 7 seasons working with The Leeds Rhino’s 1st team both on and off the pitch. He also acts as fitness coach to World Champion Freestyle Kayaker Claire O’Hara. As a former semi-professional footballer himself Gio knows the importance of keeping up to date with developments in his profession through continued training in new Sports Specific Soft Tissue Techniques beneficial to both the fully fit patient as well as during the injury/rehabilitation phase. Having been on the receiving end of treatment during his playing career Gio is fully aware of the importance of injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Sports Massage Therapist

Iain has been practising Sports Massage Therapy as part of the Village Physios since 2005. He is VTCT qualified in Sports & Swedish body massage along with similar level qualifications in Anatomy & Physiology – this gives Iain the clinical experience backed up by sound scientific knowledge to be an expert Sports Massage Therapist. Ian says: ‘’Whether you are a keen sportsman, a more mature gym user or a stressed out, desk bound office worker; the treatment is designed around your specific needs. You can expect a tailor-made session every time.” As an ex rugby League player with Dewsbury RLFC Iain has a particular interest and value of ‘Deep Tissue Massage’ having benefited first hand from its benefits. He specialises in the treatment and rehabilitation after injury of runners, cyclists, golfers & squash players. Iain is passionate about Castleford Tigers RLFC – nobody’s perfect.