I qualified with an BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy in 1996 from the University of Hertfordshire and moved to the North West in 1998. I moved into physiotherapy for my love of all small animals and to qualify to handle them doing the human degree was the most appropriate route. While training for my degree an interest in all musculoskeletal conditions in 4 legged and 2 legged animals grew. I qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist and became member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (MCSP) and Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) in 1996. I developed my manual handling and communication skills with humans within the NHS.

With local veterinary surgeons I continued to explore the role of working with animals while developing my skills. I completed a City & Guilds Level II in Canine Studies in 2000 and upgraded to full category (A) member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT) in 2003 after completing further courses and training within ACPAT. Further training has been completed to gain a MSc degree in Research and Development from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and also a Post graduate certificate in injection therapy. I have continued to develop my skills within the musculoskeletal field of physiotherapy and continue to work within the NHS for the last 19 years and now as a Specialist Orthopaedic Practitioner.

I have worked with local veterinary surgeons for the last 12 years and have close links with orthopaedic veterinary surgeons at Kentdale Orthopaedics as well as the local primary veterinary practices. I also have links with the hydrotherapy services within Myerscough College and we work on combined treatments where appropriate to aid the recovery of the animal. I have continued with developing my skills within human and animal therapies as combining the skills helps both the owner and the animal and empathy for all the biomechanics in the systems of a working home.

Finally I continue to support the development of research within physiotherapy and have been involved with a PhD student (UCLAN) and their research within shoulder injuries and treatments.