Physiotherapists
Physiotherapy is a profession dedicated to restoring and maintaining physical function of the body. Many runners end up needing to see a physiotherapist at some stage in their running careers.
Ideally, you should see a physiotherapist with an interest in sports injuries, and preferably particularly in running (better still if they are a runner). Some will treat the symptoms of a running injury, without seeking to address its underlying causes, and it is important that any advice you get is related to the fact that you are a runner. It is also important that your physio should understand your desire to get running again, and should be able to make a sound judgment about when and how it is safe to do so.
A number of specialists have been recommended by Serpie members, past and present, (shown in bold) and they are listed below. Members with additional recommendations are invited to email them in the same format.
Note that neither Serpentine RC nor its members may be held responsible for any diagnosis or treatment. Before engaging the services of any specialist, members should satisfy themselves as to training, experience and insurance. If in any doubt you should consult your GP.
It is strongly advised that you double check the cost with the specialist before commencing treatment.
| Physio | Recommendation |
Danny Armitage 020 3411 5393 | "Danny is a well-qualified physiotherapist from an interesting background working with professional footballers (for QPR) and with the Royal Ballet. He is a specialist in sports injuries and complex pain problems and has successfully helped my recovery from knee and arm injuries. Danny operates from a practice in Pimlico."Ben Gilmore |
Chris Barber 020 7844 0033 & | "Sports injury/re-injury treatment and prevention, Core stability, Postural correction, Acupuncture. I've been seeing him after months of other physios who haven't really done much and he is very good." Sarah Herbert |
David Barton 0845 604 1980 & | "I've been seeing David on and off for many years. He specialises in sports and spinal injuries and is very thorough - always looking for the root cause rather than fixing the symptons alone. Being a runner himself he really understands your desire to get training again as quickly as possible and tries to build this into your rehabilitation." Ian Hodge Discount for Serpentine members |
Mark Bender 020 7610 7070 | "I have been having physio and acupuncture treatment with Mark Bender. I really do recommend him."Phil Kelvin |
Janette Cliffe 079 8492 6347 | "Janette evaluated my issue in its overall context, treating all related muscle groups to ensure balance - even going as far as to draw me diagrams for a comprehensive range of rehab exercises. With over 13 years experience as a physio, she is also an accredited Pilates trainer."Justin Greenslade Discount for Serpentine members |
Martin Clitheroe 020 7443 5655 | "Martin is really good and practical and has great advice. He was key in diagnosing a pars fracture in my teenage son which saved us and him a lot of heartache."Susan Kennedy Discount for Serpentine members |
Nick Critchley 0844 264 0334 | "Nick is an active sportsman with the attitude of getting the injured athlete back running as soon as possible followed by an extensive period of rehabilitation to correct whatever caused the injury. Very keen on core stability for athletes."Anthony Stranger-Jones Discount on physiotherapy and video gait analysis for all Serpentine members |
David Harris 020 7636 5774 | "David is a friendly, straightforward New Zealander. He promised to have me running again in 6 weeks after rupturing an ankle ligament, and did exactly that, making the rehabilitation exercises varied and fun." |
Alex Iavu 020 7283 0108 | "I'd like to recommend Alex; if you work in the City or even if you don't, as it's easy to get to the clinic by tube, just outside Monument station. He is excellent, very amiable and professional with years of experience as a therapist as well as an athlete. He has got me back to regular running in less than 6 months and I continue to see him regularly."Paula Lueshing Discount to Serpentine members |
Nadine Ipoly 020 7404 6343 | "Very helpful 45 minute session, no queue and very convenient."Olivia Orton |
Andre Jacobs 07799 412047 | "I have been using Andre for quite a while and he has helped me to cure quite a series of running related injuries. I can highly recommend him."Urban Bettag Discount for Serpentine members |
Sarah Lawson 020 7318 6177 | "Sarah (and the rest of the practice) does a lot of work with athletes, actors and dancers. She was not at all daunted by an older runner with a chronic injuries and many bits which will never be perfect again! Unlike any other physio I have ever seen, she insisted on seeing me running outside (once I was again able to run that is!) rather than on a treadmill. Since going to her I have with great relief stopped using orthotics – something I had done for 3 years. Core stability is an important part of her therapy and she incorporates pilates into the exercises she prescribes. The practice also runs pilates classes and offers massage. One of the other physios specialises in back problems."Jan Farmer Discount for Serpentine members |
Robert McLoughlin 079 5618 5123 | "I now use an Osteo based in Baker Street who is a bit of a magician and recently helped sort out 3 torn ligaments in my ankle. He practises intensive ultrasound as a form of deep tissue massage and uses joint manipulation. Anyway, he's the best I've ever seen. He generally does one hour sessions and will inflict a good hit out of pain, but if you're looking to get sorted as quick as possible, he's your man."Calan Horsman 6 treatments for the price of 5 |
Physio in the City | "I've regularly seen Bria David, a qualified phsyiotherapist with huge experience of both running and team sports, and Catriona Loughlin, a podiatrist who's done free sessions for the SRC. I wholeheartedly recommend them, and all PitC practitioners offer a 10% discount to SRC members. I'd certainly recommend seeing one or the other when any niggle appears, especially as you pass the big 4-Oh, or before buying new shoes. "David Smart Discount to Serpentine members |
Will Pressley 0844 264 0334 | "He's a rower and trains extensively himself so understands the need/desire to get back to training as quickly as possible etc. Plus he's a good laugh even when he's hurting you!"Sian Chadwick Discount on physiotherapy and video gait analysis for all Serpentine members |
Eirian Rees 020 7482 3875 | "Eirian's profile is shown on the Kentish Town Physio website. I found him very knowledgable, professional and detailed in tracing the roots of a lower back problem and advising suitable rehab. I'd recommend him."David Chalfen |
Anne Roebuck 020 7093 3499 | "After running in the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon I had pain in my groin and knee areas feeling that this was a real problem I went to see Anne Roebuck. She was very professional and helpful in describing exactly what was going on. It actually turned out to be a spinal injury and was treated with manipulation and ultra-sound. She also gave me ways of avoiding injury. I am now fully fit, what more of a recommendation do you need than that?"Gordon Hutton Discount on prices below to Serpentine members |
Greg Ryan 0844 264 0334 | "Swears by core stability. Treats both the causes and the symptoms. Encourages you to take an active role in recovering from your injury. Thinks like an athlete."Grethe Petersen Discount on physiotherapy and video gait analysis for all Serpentine members |
020 8563 0007 | "I saw an excellent physio at Sport Dimensions with a great understanding of sport injuries, and the entire team with their specialised and well-equiped rehab clinic is specifically designed to get you back from injury. Their excellent Biomechanical Analysis highlighted problems in my running gait, and through a programme of strengthening, running drills, and plyometrics, I'm now faster than ever before."Wayne Maurer Discount for Serpentine members |
Leslie Watson 020 7723 4379 | "Lesley Watson is a brilliant running physio – she used to be the top British marathon runner (early 80s) so is great for running related injuries."Richard Melik |