Team
Sports and Spinal Physio provides specialist assessment and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sports-related injuries.
Our approach combines hands-on therapy with targeted exercise rehabilitation, supported by an integrated range of clinical services. This allows us to not only reduce pain, but address the underlying cause of the problem and support long-term recovery.
By taking a structured and personalised approach, we help our patients return to work, sport, and everyday activities with greater confidence—whether that’s getting back to high-level performance or simply enjoying life without ongoing pain.
Our team at Sports and Spinal Physio are experienced Musculoskeletal (MSK) clinicians, supporting a wide range of patients—from elite athletes and active individuals to those dealing with long-standing or complex pain.
Each clinician completes a structured 12-month induction programme, ensuring they consistently deliver high standards of assessment and treatment in line with our clinic’s approach. This provides patients with a clear diagnosis, structured treatment plan, and continuity of care throughout their recovery.
Our approach places a strong emphasis on identifying and correcting movement-related issues, which are often key drivers of pain, recurrence, and reduced performance. By addressing the underlying cause—not just the symptoms—we aim to deliver long-term results and reduce the likelihood of problems returning.
All clinicians are trained in and continue to develop their skills through internationally recognised systems, including Kinetic Control and The Performance Matrix (TPM™). This ensures a consistent, evidence-informed approach across the team, combining hands-on treatment with structured rehabilitation.
Ongoing development is a core part of our culture. Our clinicians complete a minimum of 8 hours of internal training each month, alongside regular external courses, ensuring they remain up to date with the latest clinical thinking and best practice.
We also work closely with local GPs and hospital consultants, both referring and receiving patients, allowing us to provide a joined-up and effective approach to patient care.
Dan Smith
Clinic Director / Physiotherapist BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
Dan Smith – Specialist MSK Physiotherapist & Clinic Director
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy | Specialist MSK Physiotherapist (Spine & Complex Cases) | Clinic Director
HCPC Registration: PH52679
Experience: 25+ years
Location: Sports and Spinal Physio, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex
What Dan Specialises In
- Complex and persistent pain
- Failed physiotherapy / unresolved cases
- Back pain and sciatica
- Disc injuries and spinal conditions
- Headaches, migraines, and neck pain
- Sports rehabilitation
Who Dan Helps
- Adults (40–60) with persistent pain
- Patients who have not improved elsewhere
- Active individuals
- Athletes and endurance performers
- Patients looking to avoid surgery
How Dan Helps
- Clear diagnosis and root cause analysis
- Structured rehabilitation programmes
- Hands-on treatment
- IDD Therapy (non-surgical spinal decompression)
- Performance and return-to-sport rehab
Common Problems Dan Treats
- Ongoing back pain
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Disc injuries
- Neck pain and headaches
- Recurrent injuries
Why Choose Dan
- 25+ years experience
- 10,000+ patients treated
- Specialist in complex cases
- Works with high-level athletes
About Dan
Dan specialises in helping patients who feel they have “tried everything” without success, providing clear diagnosis and structured recovery plans.
Professional Qualifications & Training
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy – University of Liverpool
- Kinetic Control Practitioner
- TPM Pro License Holder
- Watson Headache Institute Level 1 & 2
- APPI Pilates Level 1
- IDD Therapy
Professional Registration
HCPC Registered Physiotherapist (PH52679)
Amirtha Raman
Physiotherapist MSc MCSP HCPC
Amirtha Varshini Baskar Raman – MSK Physiotherapist
MSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy | Senior Physiotherapist
HCPC Registration: PH128245
Experience: 5+ years
Location: Sports and Spinal Physio, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex
What Amirtha Specialises In
- Knee pain and lower limb injuries
- Tendon injuries (Achilles, patellar, hamstring)
- Running injuries
- Back pain and sciatica
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
Who Amirtha Helps
- Runners and active adults
- Patients with knee or tendon pain
- Post-operative patients
- Patients with chronic or complex problems
How Amirtha Helps
- Strength and conditioning rehabilitation
- Running gait analysis
- Movement and postural rehab
- Hands-on therapy and acupuncture
- IDD Therapy
Common Problems Amirtha Treats
- ACL / meniscal injuries (post-op or sport)
- Tendon pain and overload injuries
- Chronic knee pain
- Running injuries
- Persistent back pain
Why Choose Amirtha
- Specialist in tendon rehabilitation
- Strong experience with post-op knee injuries
- Senior Physiotherapist
- Excellent at solving chronic problems
About Amirtha
Amirtha focuses on lower limb injuries and tendon rehabilitation, helping patients return to sport and activity with long-term confidence.
Professional Qualifications & Training
- MSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Mulligan Concept Level 1 & 2
- Running analysis & rehab
- IDD Therapy
Professional Registration
HCPC Registered Physiotherapist (PH128245)
Angela Long
Physiotherapist BSc MCSP HCPC
Angela Long – Senior Paediatric MSK Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy | Senior Paediatric MSK Physiotherapist
HCPC Registration: PH55101
Experience: 25+ years
Location: Sports and Spinal Physio, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex
What Angela Specialises In
- Paediatric MSK physiotherapy
- Developmental delay
- Hypermobility / EDS
- Sports injuries in children
- Persistent pain
Who Angela Helps
- Children and adolescents
- Young athletes
- Complex paediatric cases
- Parents seeking reassurance
How Angela Helps
- Play-based rehabilitation
- Pilates-based therapy
- Return-to-sport programmes
- Hands-on treatment
Common Problems Angela Treats
- Osgood-Schlatter’s
- Sever’s disease
- Back pain in adolescents
- Hypermobility pain
- Persistent pain
Why Choose Angela
- 25+ years experience
- NHS Paediatric MSK Lead
- Great Ormond Street Hospital experience
- Specialist in complex paediatric cases
About Angela
Angela is known for helping children with complex or long-standing issues, providing reassurance and structured recovery plans for both child and parent.
Professional Qualifications & Training
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
- APPI Pilates (including paediatrics)
- Hypermobility / EDS training
- Pain management (Masters level)
- Advanced Paediatric MSK training
Professional Registration
HCPC Registered Physiotherapist (PH55101)
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 Fordham – Podiatrist
BSc Podiatric Medicine | PGCert Podiatric Sports Medicine
HCPC Registration: CH31847
Experience: 16+ years
Location: Sports and Spinal Physio, Hutton & Ongar, Brentwood, Essex
What Hannah Specialises In
- Foot and ankle pain
- Plantar fasciopathy
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Running injuries
- Biomechanics
Who Hannah Helps
- Patients with foot pain
- Runners
- Patients with gait issues
How Hannah Helps
- Gait analysis
- Orthoses
- Injection therapy
- Swift verruca treatment
Common Problems Hannah Treats
- Heel pain
- Achilles injuries
- Stress fractures
- Flat feet / high arches
Why Choose Hannah
- 16+ years experience
- Specialist in biomechanics
- Advanced gait analysis
About Hannah
Hannah helps patients stay active and pain-free on their feet through targeted biomechanical treatment.
Professional Qualifications & Training
- BSc Podiatric Medicine
- PGCert Podiatric Sports Medicine
- Gait Analysis
- Orthotic Design
- Injection Therapy
Professional Registration
HCPC Registered Podiatrist (CH31847)
Heenal Desai
Physiotherapist MSc MCSP HCPC
Heenal Desai – MSK Physiotherapist
BSc Physiotherapy | MSc Advancing Physiotherapy
HCPC Registration: PH133456
Experience: 5+ years
Location: Sports and Spinal Physio, Hutton, Brentwood, Essex
What Heenal Specialises In
- Back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain and headaches
- Shoulder injuries
- Postural pain
- Injury prevention
Who Heenal Helps
- Adults with spinal pain
- Recreational athletes
- Patients with posture-related pain
How Heenal Helps
- Rehabilitation and S&C
- Manual therapy
- Pilates-based rehab
- IDD Therapy
Common Problems Heenal Treats
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches
- Rotator cuff injuries
- ACL/MCL rehab
Why Choose Heenal
- MSc qualified
- Education-led approach
- Strong prevention focus
About Heenal
Heenal combines rehab, education, and Pilates to help patients achieve long-term results and confidence in movement.
Professional Qualifications & Training
- MSc Advancing Physiotherapy
- Pilates Level 1
- Dry Needling
- Mulligan Level 1 & 2
- IDD Therapy
Professional Registration
HCPC Registered Physiotherapist (PH133456)
Pav Cichecki
Physiotherapist BSc MCSP HCPC
Pav Cichecki – MSK Physiotherapist
BSc Physiotherapy | Acupuncture & Massage Therapist
HCPC Registration: PH1445522
Experience: 10+ years
Location: Sports and Spinal Physio, Hutton, Brentwood and Ongar, Essex
What Pav Specialises In
- Postural and desk-related pain
- Back pain and sciatica
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Chronic pain
- Sports injuries
Who Pav Helps
- Office workers
- Patients with postural pain
- Athletes
- Older adults
How Pav Helps
- Hands-on therapy
- Massage and acupuncture
- Rehabilitation programmes
- IDD Therapy
Common Problems Pav Treats
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Lower back pain from sitting
- Postural injuries
- Gym-related pain
Why Choose Pav
- 10+ years hands-on experience
- Background in massage therapy
- Specialist in desk-related pain
About Pav
Pav specialises in treating work-related aches and pains, helping patients reduce discomfort and improve movement.
Professional Qualifications & Training
- BSc Physiotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Mulligan Concept
- FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
- Soft tissue therapy techniques
- IDD Therapy
Professional Registration
HCPC Registered Physiotherapist (PH1445522)
Bernadette Curtis
Administration Manager
Bernadette Curtis – The organised Heart of Our Clinic
If you’ve called the clinic, booked an appointment, chased an insurance query or simply needed a friendly voice to help untangle something admin-related – chances are, you’ve already met Bernadette.
Mum to two grown sons and proud Granny to one gorgeous grandson, Bernadette brings a wealth of experience and a whole lot of heart to her role. With over 30 years of experience managing healthcare facilities, she ensures the clinic runs like clockwork – juggling everything from accounts and insurance to appointments and referrals, all while making sure patients (and staff!) feel supported and cared for.
Her mission? To make your experience with us as smooth and stress-free as possible. Have a question? Bernadette’s your go-to.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find her skiing down a mountain, exploring new destinations, or lost in the pages of a Peter James novel. She lives by the words of Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
And lucky for us, she started with us!
Erin Phippin
Apprentice Administrator
Erin Phippin – Apprentice Administrator
I am an apprentice administrator and began my career in 2025. I am eager to build a strong foundation in administration and have my sight set on a role in London once my apprenticeship is concluded . In my role I am developing a wide range of skills including organisation, team work and effective communication. I am known for being friendly, approachable and enthusiastic, and I enjoy engaging with my colleagues and clients to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere in the workspace.
I am grateful for this opportunity to expand and learn new things.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, whether it is dinner out or a nice night in. I also work in my local pub where I like meeting new people and using my great communication skills.
One of my dreams is to travel the world and explore new places I have never been before, and to create long lasting
memories I can share with loved ones.
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