Team
Sports and Spinal Physio provides specialist assessment and treatment of head, neck and back conditions and sports related injuries. Our philosophy is based on a combined approach of hands on therapy and specific exercise rehabilitation with integration of our clinical services. It is this approach that has enabled many of our patients to recover from their problems and return to work, the sport they love or just back to living their life again.
Our Staff are experienced clinicians having helped elite sports people as well as many members of the general population. They undergo a rigorous induction programme over a 12 month period, this ensures that they are able to assess and treat patients in accordance to our own strict Sports and Spinal Physio guidelines ensuring high quality evidenced based clinical service with continuity of care.
Assessment and treatment at Sports and Spinal Physio has a very strong bias towards correcting and controlling movement impairments which current science shows underpins pain, recurrence of pain and poor athletic or sporting performance. All staff have undertaken and continue to undergo external training with the internationally recognised organisation Kinetic Control and The Performance Matrix (TPM™). This ensures that all staff are working to the same philosophy and offers our patients and clients the very best that current science has to offer.
All staff participate in a minimum 8 hours of internal training and development per month and attend relevant external training courses that reflect the clinics treatment philosophy and guidelines enhancing their own learning as well as the clinic group as a whole. Sports and Spinal Physio has close connections with local and London based hospital consultants, receiving and referring patients from or to them on a weekly basis.
Dan Smith
Clinic Director / Physiotherapist BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Dan is passionate about achieving great results with patients and has a particular interest in getting to what ‘underlies or drives’ the problem.
He is a Dad to two great children and enjoys family time. Dan qualified in 1997 and has worked in the private sector since 2000.
Position: Clinical Director of Sports and Spinal Physio 2010.
Certification: Kinetic Control Practitioner, TPM Pro License Holder, Watson Headache Institute – Level 1 & 2.
Education: BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy (Liverpool 1997).
Interests: Snowboarding, Travel, Swimming.
Favourite Books: I am Pilgrim, Sapiens, Jack Reacher books.
Favourtie Quote: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln.
Further Interests/Experience
Dan has a specific interest in movement and his practice reflects this “the way we move shapes our functioning and when we move in limited ways or with limited choice (that we are often unaware of) it leads to pain and pathology.”
Dan has completed the entire Kinetic Control Course and went on to complete a master’s module in this subject at Keele University in 2010. He has also completed the APPI Clinical Pilates matwork level 1 training. Outside of Physiotherapy Dan is also a swimming coach for Hoddesdon Swimming Club.
Amirtha Raman
Physiotherapist MSc MCSP HCPC
Amirtha is an energetic young professional with keen interest in handling musculoskeletal and sport-related injuries. As a dancer and a recreational runner, she had sustained injuries and had overcome them with good quality rehabilitation. Therefore, she preaches what she follows – “Exercise is medicine”. Her interest in treating running related injuries led her to do a Masters in UCL and her project focused on analyzing the effect of two strengthening exercises for injury prevention in the elite athletic population.
Position: Physiotherapist
Certification: Mulligan manual therapy, Kinesio taping
Education: MSc musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation, University College London
Interests: Dancing and any activity in the lush green areas such as running and hiking
Favourite Books: ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life – by F Miralles and H Garcia
Favourite Quote:I go by the saying “change is the only constant in life.” -Heraclitus
Further Interests/Experience: Amirtha is a qualified physiotherapist with experience working overseas dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions most common being spinal problems, knee and shoulder injuries. She had worked in tertiary care hospitals and completed 6-monthly placements in different wards, community settings before venturing into private clinical set up.
Angela Long
Physiotherapist BSc MCSP HCPC
Angela is mother to two children, who keep her very busy! She works with all age groups but particularly enjoys the challenge of working with clients at either end of the age spectrum and those with long-term conditions. Angela qualified in 1998 and has previously worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Position: Senior Physiotherapist.
Certification: APPI Clinical Pilates I and II, Contemporary Concepts in Pain Management, Orthopaedics in the Care of the Young Adult & Child.
Education: Bsc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, (Kings College London 1998).
Interests: Walking and exploring with the family, Theatre/Dance, Photography and Craft.
Favourite Books: The Magic Faraway Tree, Goodnight Mister Tom and Crime Thrillers.
Favourtie Quote: “Don’t count the days; make the days count.” Muhammad Ali.
Further Interests/Experience
Angela specialises in treating musculoskeletal conditions in infants, children and adolescents. She is fascinated by how the musculoskeletal system develops and changes throughout life and how the human body can adapt and function despite any anomalies it may have.
Having grown up in France Angela really understands how important effective communication is including nonverbal aspects. She aims to put the patient’s voice and their understanding at the centre of their treatment and always strives to find a way to motivate and empower the client, no matter their age.
Katie Oswell
Sports Therapist BSc (Hons) MSST
Katie is a positive and driven sports therapist-alongside seeing patients for injuries and rehabilitation, Katie leads our Clinical Pilates, Massage service and the clinic’s social media. She has a special interest in sports injuries, especially knees after sustaining an injury herself.
Position: Sports Therapist
Certification: Level 3 Pitch side Trauma. APPI Level 1 Mat work Clinical Pilates
Education: BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, University of Worcester (2022) / MSc Physiotherapy, University of Anglia Ruskin (2024-25)
Interests: Being outdoors, Netball, paddle boarding, Cats
Favourite Books: The Hunger Games, The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Favourite Quote: Oh yes the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it- Rafiki.
Further Interests/Experience
Katie is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Physiotherapy (she hopes to finish this in 2025). She currently works with a local rugby team and has previously instructed at a local activity centre which spurred her love of being outdoors. As part of completing over 250 placement hours at University, Katie gained experience working a season with a super league academy netball team and a semi-professional football club and an amateur Rugby club. One of her aims over the next few years is to enhance her learning and become an even better clinician through internal CPD and her ongoing Masters degree.
Sev Sarnecki
Physiotherapist MSc MCSP HCPC
Sev is a passionate, task-orientated and constantly developing physiotherapist, who treats his clients holistically. In his work, he follows the rule of proper assessment being a key factor in therapy results. Sev will devote enough time to all of his clients, to make sure he is tackling the problem right.
Position: Physiotherapist
Certification:Acupuncture, Kinesiotaping, Manual Therapy FRSC, Osteopathy Modules (Still Techniques, Fascial mobilisation therapy, General Osteopathy Techniques, Visceral Therapy)
Education: MSc in Physiotherapy (Medical University of Lodz, Poland, 2017) Technician Masseur (Medical Collage in Lodz, Poland 2012)
Interests: He has a over 6 years experience in working with football, basketball and other contact-sport teams, treating injuries of the players, assisting in their rehabilitation and “back on pitch” training. In his spare time he enjoys Tennis, Football and Economics
Favourite Books: Brief History of Time by S. Hawking, AI 2041 by Kai-Fu Lee, Meeting the shadow by Carl Jung
Favourite Quote: “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.”
Further Interests/Experience
On the daily basis, Sev works as a First Contact Practioner leader in Havering area, where he diagnoses and treats patients with MSK problems. Sev is as well certified manual therapist and technician masseur. In his treatment apart from manual therapy and exercise program he use as well kinesiotaping and acupuncture to improve effects of rehabilitation. He has also a wide experience in neuro-rehabilitation and pain management. Sev regularly volunteers in sport events, recently in London Marathon and Commonwealth Games 2022.
Hannah Fordham
Podiatrist BSc (Hons) Pod Med MCPod PGCert PSM
Hannah is an ambitious professional, continuing studying and specialising in Sports Podiatry. Hannah values working as being part of a team to ensure the patient’s treatment plan is most effective.
With interests in strength and exercise to prevent injury, and additional skills to manage tissue stress, load and pain. Hannah qualified in 2010, however, started working within the field on Podiatry in 2007.
In 2016, Hannah was among the first cohort of Podiatrists to do the Post Graduate Certificate in Podiatric Sports medicine at Queen Mary University London.
Hannah has a love of animals, spending time at the stables on the weekend with the horses and her dog. Enjoys Yoga, and strength training the gym.
Position: General and Sports Podiatrist
Certification: Verrucae Needling, Swift Emblation, APOS, Run 3-D Gait Analysis, Foot Mobilisation, Hydrocortisone Steroid Injection Course.
Education: BSc (Hons) Podiatric Medicine (UEL 2010) PGCert Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL 2017)
Interests: Loves being outside in nature, horse riding, walking and exploring with her dog, spending time with family and friends.
Favourite Books: The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood, The Five – Halle Rubenhold
Favourite Quote: “We grow through what we go through” – Richard Rorh
Further Interests/Experience: Hannah has a real interest in therapeutic injections with ultrasound guidance to reduce pain, thus increase mobility and aid the rehabilitation process. She has studied gait analysis and issues orthoses (bespoke or custom) to aid tissue healing. Outside of her clinic hours Hannah enjoys volunteering at sporting events including 2010 London marathon, Brentwood Half Marathon 2019.
Heenal Desai
Physiotherapist MSc MCSP HCPC
Heenal is an optimistic, driven, cheerful and kind of person. Originally from Indian where she studied physiotherapy at undergraduate level she qualified and gained experience with rotations in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, medical and surgical wards, geriatrics, cardiorespiratory and post-covid rehabilitation.
Following her internship, she worked for a year at a private physiotherapy clinic that specialized in spinal conditions (Qi Spine Clinic Mumbai India)). Heenal also worked as a physio for the participants of Oxfam 100km walkathon – [Mumbai, 2019] & Pune Pinkathon (2019, women’s marathon for awareness of breast cancer).
Position: Physiotherapist
Certification: Dry needling, Mulligan Therapies (Module 1)
Education: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (Pune India) MSc in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice (University Coventry UK)
Interests: Dancing, reading, trekking/hiking.
Favourite Books: The Kite Runner & The Alchemist
Favourite Quote: “Be realistic and expect a miracle”
Further Interests/Experience: Heenal has a special interest in treating spines. Her goal is to help patients reach their own goals and optimum level of function while preventing further recurrences or pain and injury.
Pav Cichecki
Physiotherapist BSc MCSP HCPC
Pav is an ambitious, highly organized, and motivated individual with a passion for the musculoskeletal and sports subjects. He has six years of experience as a masseur in rehabilitation and sports facilities. His approach includes a range of holistic techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, acupressure, Kinesio taping, cupping, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Pav is continuously seeking to expand his knowledge and improve his practice, by enhancing his approach and qualifications to deliver therapy of the highest level.
Position: Physiotherapist
Certification: Kinesio taping, Sports, Deep, Holistic Massage, Manual Therapy, Cupping, Therapy, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Personal trainer, Swimming Instructor.
Education: BSc Physiotherapy (University of East London, 2024), Massage Therapist (Medical College Szczecin, Poland, 2017).
Interests: Reading, Traveling, Exploring world, Volleyball, Roller skates, Martial Arts, Swimming, Gym.
Favourite Books: Pav enjoys reading Science Magazines and Medical books!
Favourtie Quote: “If you can change your mind, you can change your life (William James)”.
Further Interests/Experience
Pav has been living in London since 2018 and has gained diplomas in both Poland and England. He graduated as a BSc physiotherapist from the University of East London. He is continuously developing new skills to improve specific therapy. Pav volunteers at the London Marathon every year, helping runners achieve their goals. With a background as a swimming instructor and personal trainer, Pav draws on his teaching and training skills when treating his patients to recover from injury or chronic pain.
Jenny Richardson
Administration Manager
Jenny commits herself to providing the highest level of service and care to all of our patients. She manages the administration side of the business dealing with numerous tasks such as; insurance, accounts, appointments and referrals. She also ensures the clinic runs as smoothly as possible.
Position: Administration Manager
Certification: Office Admin, Secretarial & PA Training.
Education: Diploma of Business Administration.
Interests: Dogs and Escape Rooms.
Favourite Books: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
Favourtie Quote: “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted”.
Further Interests/Experience
Jenny has been a long time member of the sports and spinal team. She is hugely popular amongst the staff and patients. She ensures we provide the highest level of care for our patients. For any queries related to the clinic, Jenny will be able to help you.
In her spare time, Jenny enjoys cooking, reading lots of books and taking her dog for long walks in the countryside.
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