Meet Clare

Qualifications

BSc Hons Physiotherapy, Certified Pilates Instructor

Specialist Fields

Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor

Background

I have been working as a chartered physiotherapist for fourteen years since qualifying in 2003. Over that time I have been lucky enough to work in a variety of clinical settings which has given me excellent insight into a wide range of patients, conditions and rehabilitation techniques.

I started out in the NHS where I worked for five years, going on to specialise in musculoskeletal disorders, (problems with joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves and bones) and trauma and orthopaedics (surgery involving these same structures). I then spent time in private practice gaining experience in treating sports injuries before moving on to work for The Fire Fighters Charity, a residential rehab centre in Devon offering services to fire fighters and their families.

I have completed a large number of post graduate courses in manual therapy, functional movement, hydrotherapy, kinesiotaping, orthopaedic medicine, rheumatology, clinical education and Pilates.

 I am a certified matwork Pilates teacher, experienced in teaching all ages and abilities. Pilates is an amazing way of restoring normal movement and as a physiotherapist I use my knowledge to modify the exercises so it really does have something to offer everyone.

In 2015 I spent a fantastic year in Melbourne, Australia where I discovered Large Equipment Pilates. This involves performing the Pilates repertoire on pieces of equipment known as the reformer, the split pedal chair, the arc barrel and the trapeze, also known as the cadillac. In 2023 I became a certified Pilates reformer instructor and I offer this increasingly popular service at the Courtyard Clinic on a 1-1 basis. The reformer was originally named the ‘Universal Reformer’ as Joseph Pilates, (founder of the Pilates Method), believed that you could universally reform your body. Its unique moveable carriage, spring and pulley system was designed to both assist and challenge the body to better perform the matwork exercises. It also aides in correcting faulty movement patterns and in rehabilitating muscles and joints.

 In my spare time I love to keep fit and active. I am an ex-retained fire fighter for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and was a volunteer for the State Emergency Service in Australia. My future plans include further study and quailfications in Strength and Conditioning.