As I started playing more senior rugby my interests in sport and injuries deepened. I started to question the importance of nutrition and the types of training we were doing. Initially, these interests lead me into Sports Therapy. I completed my BSc in Sports Therapy at the University of Bedfordshire in 2013. This course provided me with extensive teaching on anatomy, sports rehabilitation, physiology and nutrition. I then spent the next year as a physiotherapy assistant working in neurological rehabilitation and orthopaedics in Central London. I decided to return to university in 2014 where I completed my MSc Physiotherapy at the University of Essex.
My physio career started at a busy central London teaching hospital, Guys’ & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, where I completed my junior rotations. My rotations included: care of the elderly, community rehabilitation, musculoskeletal, respiratory including intensive care and finally stroke and neurology. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a junior therapist and thrived in the fast-paced work life of a busy hospital. No day was the same and there was also something new to see and learn. In 2018, I moved to a new role, specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. I started completing specific training sessions for my role including dizziness & headaches, spinal pathologies and understanding pain. In addition to my National Health Service role, I started working part-time as a Physiotherapist in a GP practice, which allowed patients more direct access to physiotherapy. If this wasn’t enough, I also started working for a school, covering pitch side physiotherapy for their weekend fixtures in rugby, football, netball etc. Throughout my various roles in healthcare, my physiotherapy skills have developed. My treatment approach has a strong exercise element and educational components on the condition/pathology and the lifestyle changes needed to improve it. Hands-on treatments are also used when appropriate.
Then came COVID. With COVID restrictions in place in the UK, work changed. With sporting events reduced and limited face to face appointments via GPs, I started working privately. With an altered work pattern and restrictions on social activities, I utilised my time to expand my knowledge. I completed a module on radiology as part of an Advance Physiotherapy MSc programme and completed my western acupuncture/dry needling training.
But let’s not focus all on physiotherapy. Outside of physio I still enjoy regular exercise and training. I enjoy weight lifting in the gym and a weekend run and/or cycle. Two other important features in my life are food and travelling – two things that go hand in hand. I love to see the world and sample whatever food they have on offer. Sadly, these activities were put on hold during COVID due to travel restrictions and I suppose this is where my Dubai journey starts. As travel restrictions started to ease and the new normal became ‘normal’, I wanted to make up for the time lost due to COVID...and here we are, July 2021, having made the big jump to a new life working abroad. I said goodbye to the UK and here I am now in Dubai.
