Why physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is about improving the efficiency of movement and allowing the body to be at its best. As a physio I have the privilege of working with all types of people with varying issues, injuries and pain. I absolutely love problem solving so being a physio allows me to combine problem solving, a passion for movement and my studies of the human body.
Tell us a bit about your background and how Goring Physio came about…
After graduating as a physio with First Class Honours, I moved to Whistler in British Columbia to "Live the Dream" of skiing before going to work. I worked, skied and studied there for 6 years. A highlight of my career was as a key practitioner for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team Physio for Canadian National Snowboard team.
I moved back to London in 2010 and started my own multi-disciplinary clinic in East London in 2013 before moving to Goring in 2018. Goring Physio was established this year so I can offer my services to active members of the community that may need assistance.
Who or what has influenced you the most in your career?
My first mentor was the clinic owner in Whistler, Marilyn Adams. She is an amazing therapist and is still an inspiration. She taught me all the important skills that physio school doesn’t teach you! She is now Director of Performance Therapy with the San Antonio Spurs.
What has been the biggest highlight of running a small business and biggest challenge to date?
The highlights are always hearing the relief from someone when their pain has changed and finally gone away. Also recommendations and word of mouth referrals are always very welcome and satisfying. The biggest challenge to date is keeping a clinic in London afloat during the last 3 years..
Best nugget of wisdom you can share for those wanting to follow sport into their 80s?
Keep moving, walking, lifting weights and stretching every day - we get rusty so quickly it’s essential that we put our joints through as much range of motion as possible several times a week.
Does every musculoskeletal problem start with the feet? How key are they to good movement?
Every therapist can access the body differently, but my go-to is to look at the feet and observe how the skeleton is arranged on top of the feet with the force of gravity acting on those foundations.
A lot of one sided knee, hip, back and neck pain can be because of asymmetries of loading or weight bearing through the feet. So much healing in the body can be done by moving the feet more optimally and in ways they may not have done for a long time.
I have studied with Gary Ward who created Anatomy in Motion and provides exceptional online resources for anyone interested in feet, whether a health professional or not.
Where can we find out more information about you?
My website is www.goringphyiso.com where you can book online or you can email me at helen@goringphysio.com and arrange a phone call to chat through any issues you may have and see if physio is suitable for you.