Meet out therapists
All of our Practitioners are registered with the relevant governing bodies for the qualification they hold. This may be the HCPC, Society of Sports Therapist, Sports Massage Association, Sports Therapy Association or another.
Each practitioner treats all types of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. You do not need to choose a therapist before booking an appointment.
Karen Hellawell
- All types of musculoskeletal physiotherapy from head to toe
Karen founded the clinic with Alison Whitely in 2014, following on from a successful career within both NHS, private practice and professional Rugby League. Karen's philosophy is to help you "be the best you", supporting people of all ages and physical abilities to remain active and continue pursuing the activities they enjoy.
Karen enjoys the challenge of working with sports people to help reduce the risk of injury and improve performance by addressing imbalances. She keeps up to date with the latests advances in physio treatments and is trained to use accupunture as part of her physiotherapy treatments. Karen offers regular bio-mechanical screeening to junior elite tennis players.
Experience and Qualifications
Karen completed her Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy at Bradford School of Physiotherapy in 1990. She was awarded a Post-Graduate Certificate in Manipulative Physiotherapy by Sheffield Hallam University in 1995. Karen is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Accupuntrure Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), and The Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice
As well as holding Senior Physiotherapist roles within the NHS, Karen has been Physiotherapist to the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Team, Huddesfield Rugy League FC, Hunslet Rugby League FC, England U16 Rugby League, Scotland Senior Rugby League Squad. She has also worked as a Physiotherpist sceening Team GB cyclists and athletes.
Alan Wood
- All types of musculoskeletal physiotherapy from head to toe
Alan is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist specialising in orthopaedics, lower limb biomechanics and sports injuries. Prior to training as a PHsyiotherpists Alan enjoyed a carrer in scientific research, achieving a PhD in Molecular Toxicology at the University of Manchester.
Outside of work Alan is a keen road cyclist, avid sport watcher and a long suffering Rochdale AFC supporter.
Experience and Qualifications
Alan completed his B.Sc. (Hons) in Physiotherapy in 2002 and initially spent time working within the NHS in the UK and New Zealand. For the past 15 years he has combined his work in private practice with physiotherapy work in professional football, rugby league and ballet. Alan has been a lead physiotherapist for York, Featherstone Rovers and The Northern Ballet.
Alan brings the analytical skills of his PhD to his physiotherapy practice, keeping abreast of the latest research and regularly undertaking additional training in new or specialised treatment methods. He is is registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and a Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
