Physiotherapists

Ben Farrelly

Whilst studying for his BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, Ben developed an interest for Physiotherapy. He pursued this interest, successfully completing his Masters Degree in Physiotherapy at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Throughout his training, Ben has involved himself in numerous extra-curricular activities such as working for local sports teams and volunteering for parent-support groups. He particularly enjoyed his elective placement in Hong Kong where he was fortunate to work with national sports teams and was involved with east vs west concepts of rehabilitation.

Upon completion of his physiotherapy degree, Ben undertook his first post working in a private hospital in Penang, Malaysia. He found this to be an enlightening experience and thoroughly enjoyed working with people from diverse cultures/backgrounds.
Prior to securing his post at Metro Physio, Ben gained further valuable experience working in a musculoskeletal clinic for Wirral PCT. Ben is always looking to professionally develop himself, completing a variety of postgraduate courses including Orthopaedic Medicine and Acupuncture. Recently he worked with the Scotland National Lacrosse team for the 2010 World Championships.
As well as being an avid sports fan, Ben plays competitive football, and is currently training for the New York Marathon.

Claire Judd

Claire was initially introduced to Metro Physio as a student on placement. They were so impressed with her abilities that on gaining her degree she was offered a full time position.

Claire also had placements with professional football teams Port Vale FC and Stoke FC academy, who like Metro Physio offered her a position where she provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Claire has more recently spent 3 years with the first team at Burnley FC where she has been involved in international pre-season trips in Austria and Italy.

Claire has attended many post graduate courses in a variety of topics giving her extensive knowledge in the whole spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries including a course in acupuncture. She has a keen interest in sport with extensive knowledge in sports injury prevention, strength conditioning and has been involved in making a TV documentary on cruciate ligament injuries in football, which was screened on ITV in 2007.

Emma Hind

Emma qualified from the University of Salford in 2006 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. Emma is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council. Emma began her career in private practice in the South Lake District and developed her skills in the musculoskeletal field. Alongside her private practice work Emma integrated a physiotherapy service into her local amateur rugby league club and helped to develop physiotherapy assessment workshops for horse riders.

Emma was keen to expand her understanding of the management of amateur and elite sports people and moved down to London in 2008 to commence an MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine at Queen Mary’s University London. During her time in London Emma continued to work in private practice and gained experience in teaching clinical Pilates. Emma also gained her qualification as an acupuncture practitioner and became a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Emma is in the final stages of completing her post graduate studies and has benefited enormously from the course. She has gained vast experience in the accurate assessment of a wide range of problems and is aware of the most current and effective treatment techniques and rehabilitation programmes for patients returning to function post operatively or following injury.

Emma moved back to the North West to join the team at Metro Physio. Emma enjoys treating all types of conditions and is committed to continuing with her professional development in order to best serve her patients.

Jo Fawcett

Jo Fawcett qualified with a First Class BSc Honours Degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Salford in 2002. On graduation she commenced Full time work within the NHS before joining the team at Metro Physio in 2004.

Jo is a state registered Physiotherapist, being a member of the Health Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. She has completed her Acupuncture training which is accredited by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, as well as achieving a Diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine. Jo is currently in the process of the Orthopaedic Injection therapy training and her MSc in Trauma and Orthopaedics at The University of Salford.

Jo plays an active role in her continuing professional development by being a member of ACPOM (Association for Chartered Physiotherapists with an interest in Orthopaedic Medicine), enabling her to keep her up to date with relevant advances. She also leads the in-service training programme within Metro Physio, and attends many external courses relevant to her musculoskeletal background.

Outside of work Jo has trained in most aspects of dance and over the years has taught, choreographed and performed in dance troops involved in sporting events!

John Fairclough

John’s interest in physiotherapy developed whilst studying for his BSc Honours degree in Sports and Exercise Science. He went on to gain his Masters degree in Physiotherapy from Leeds Metropolitan University.

As a physiotherapist, John has worked within a number of sporting environments, ranging from amateur football to professional rugby clubs. Since working for Metro Physio, John has found treating both sporting and occupational injuries alike to be highly rewarding. His knowledge of assessment, diagnosis and treatment ensures the best patient care for both sporting and non-sporting injuries.

As a proactive clinician, John is constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and treatment base within physiotherapy. Following extensive study and rigorous examination, John has successfully gained accreditation to the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine and he is a certified Acupuncturist. John regularly attends seminars and lectures on the best management of musculoskeletal injuries and he is currently completing Occupational Health and Ergonomic courses to specialise within this field for MetroPhysio. In the near future John also intends to develop his scope of practice to diagnostic ultrasound and injection therapy.
In his spare time, John enjoys playing cricket, football and snooker. He is a 2nd dan black belt in Shukokai Karate and is a keen guitarist.

Katie Hotchkiss

Katie Graduated from the University of Salford in 2007. She started her career with a Hospital NHS Trust where she has developed a wide range of clinical knowledge and experience. She has chosen to specialise within the musculoskeletal field in her role at Metro Physio.

Katie has a keen interest in health and fitness and previously worked within the health and leisure industry. As a registered physiotherapist with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Professions Council (HPC. Katie has a wide range of skills and experience working with people of all ages with simple and complex conditions.

Katie has recently completed her Orthopaedic Medicine Spinal and Peripheral MSc Modules. Katie has completed all three units of APPI modified Pilates of which she widely uses in patient treatment as well as teaching Pilates classes. Katie is currently working towards her Pilate’s qualification and hopes to complete further Postgraduate studies including her Acupuncture qualification within the near future.

Katie is passionate about her Physiotherapy career, and is aspiring to progress within the musculoskeletal field.

Neal Wilkinson

Neal has a BSc in Physiotherapy from Manchester Metropolitan University. He is keen to advance his studies and has been accepted onto the MSc in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Manchester Metropolitan University.

He joined Metro Health & Wellbeing after his training with the NHS. He is a Chartered Physiotherapist and is registered with the Health Professions Council. Throughout his degree Neal was enthusiastic about gaining experience of a wide variety of rehabilitation methods. He has trained as a level 4 Sports Massage Association (SMA) therapist and has worked with Paralympics and able bodied athletes. He is also currently studying to gain his qualification in acupuncture.

Neal has a keen interest in sport and exercise. He plays football and golf and likes to keep fit running and cycling. He has recently completed the Great North Run and is looking for the next challenge.

Nicola Broome

Nicola qualified from the University of Salford in 2004 with a First Class BSc Honours Degree in Physiotherapy. She started her career as a Physiotherapist working in the NHS; initially as a community based Physiotherapist  at Ashton, Wigan and Leigh Primary Care Trust before moving to the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital Trust, where she gained invaluable experience working alongside other health professionals in a variety of setting including Acute Trauma and Orthopedics, Post-operative Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Outpatients.

Nicola joined the team at Metro Health & Wellbeing in 2007 where she specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of neuro musculoskeletal injuries and is the Clinic Area Manager for the Merseyside region. She has a sports background and has a keen interest in Athletics as a qualified field events coach and ex-athlete. She provided the Physiotherapy service on behalf of Metro Physio for the Merseyside team at the English Schools to assist the athletes in competing at their optimum level. She also has worked in various rugby and football clubs providing Physiotherapy and Pitch Side Assistance.

Nicola is a state registered Physiotherapist as a member of the Health Professions Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. She is also qualified to practice Acupuncture and is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.  She has undertaken an extensive amount of postgraduate training including a Diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine, Pilates Instructor Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training and Spinal Master Classes amongst other courses. She is currently doing her Masters Degree in Advancing Physiotherapy at the University of Salford and is involved in a research project in conjunction with Salford University and Salford Royal Foundation Trust.

Patrick Keeling

Patrick graduated from the University of Huddersfield and began his physiotherapy career with Metro Physio after a short spell with the NHS. During his time studying and since graduating Patrick has developed a keen desire to continually progress as a therapist in order to provide his patients with the best treatment possible.

Patrick is very passionate about his physiotherapy career. Patrick is currently completing modules towards a diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine. He is a qualified acupuncture practitioner and is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Patrick is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Professions Council (HPC). He has experience of  musculoskeletal therapy in the NHS which has helped him to realise the need for evidence based practice.

In his spare time Patrick is a keen scuba diver and is currently furthering qualifications as a diver. Keeping fit at the gym, swimming and football are favourite forms of exercise.

Shelley Woodward

Shelley graduated with a Masters degree in Physiotherapy from Manchester Metropolitan University and started her physiotherapy career at Metro Physio shortly after. Shelley had previously studied Psychology & Neuroscience at The University of Liverpool, but had always had a keen interest in physiotherapy & anatomy, and decided to pursue this after a variety jobs did not meet the more challenging, hands-on profession she desired.

As a registered physiotherapist with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health Professions Council (HPC), Shelley has had clinical experience across a wide variety of NHS settings within the Northwest region.

Shelley is dedicated to her physiotherapy career and strives to continually broaden her knowledge and skills, especially within the musculoskeletal and neurological fields, so as to continue to develop as an effective & experienced clinical practitioner.