Physiotherapy support

Our team of highly specialist practitioners operate across all our performance sports and with the multidisciplinary team to ensure athlete’s robustness meets the demands of their sport, ensuring athletes can compete at the greatest of their abilities and prevent injury.

What is physiotherapy support?

Physiotherapy support at Loughborough University has two key focuses; injury prevention and rehabilitation. Collaboration with coaches and our other practitioners enables a multi-disciplinary approach to our performance sport programmes. A synergistic approach to athletic programming allows athletes to be in the best physical condition and therefore minimising the risk of injury.

In the event of an injury, the physiotherapist helps lead the athlete’s treatment and rehabilitation alongside the athlete and coach, and utilising the expertise of all our other scientific disciplines. Injury rehabilitation is delivered in a range of our facilities, including our dedicated Rehabilitation Gym Powerbase Gym or on-pitch. Our Performance Sport Physiotherapists attend training sessions, competitions and communicate regularly with practitioners from our other disciplines and coaching staff. Physiotherapists offer maintenance treatments to keep athletes in optimum condition to train and compete.

Our Physiotherapy Team is highly skilled and utilise’ a variety of treatment techniques including manual therapy, sports massage, acupuncture, cupping, taping, instrument assisted massage, in addition to tailoring personal rehabilitation and prehab programmes for each athlete.

Experience of our team

As we practice in such a wide variety of sports, our Physiotherapists use each other’s expertise and experience to enhance the quality of practice that we provide to our athletes. We employ the latest evidence and research to ensure that we are delivering high-quality, innovative treatment with the best outcome for the athlete in mind.

We have great links with expert consultants outside of the University in a number of areas ensuring gold standard care for our athletes. Connected to the world-leading School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, our practitioners deliver guest lectures, allowing our physios to both influence and participate in the latest research.

Furthermore, Loughborough Sport’s partnership with Nuffield Health allows our performance athletes quick access to scans, including MRI’s and x-rays, rapidly speeding up recovery times.

Our physiotherapy team 

Physiotherapists

Sam MacGregor

Sam MacGregor

Clinical Lead and TASS Physiotherapist

BSc. Physiotherapy, MSc, Sports & Exercise Medicine

Sam qualified in physiotherapy from the University of Huddersfield in 2008 and went to work in the NHS in Leeds & Nottingham working across a range of specialities.

In 2010 he moved to work at Derby County Football Club working in the academy, mainly with players aged 9 to 23. Whilst there he headed up the Academy Sports Science & Medicine Department overseeing all aspects of medical and S&C support.

Sam completed his Master's Degree in Sports & Exercise Medicine at the University of Nottingham in 2013. Alongside this, he completed a module in lower limb manual therapy at the University of Birmingham in 2016 and has also completed courses in Acupuncture and Dry Needling.

Sam joined Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in May 2019 and is the Clinical Lead and TASS Physiotherapist.

Joshua Cresswell

Joshua Cresswell

Lead Physiotherapist for Cycling & Triathlon

BSc (Hons), MSc, HCPC

Josh qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2018 from the University of Leicester, where he went on to work as a Junior MSK Physiotherapist in the NHS. Josh began working as a Specialist MSK Physiotherapist in 2019, where he gained experience in the management of complex neuromusculoskeletal problems in both a GP surgery and an NHS Fracture Clinic. He has extensive experience managing both sporting and non-sporting injuries, conservatively and post-operatively.   

With an invested interest in the prevention and management of sporting injuries, Josh completed his MSc in Sports & Exercise Medicine at the University of Nottingham in 2022. He has conducted research into the risk factors for running injuries in long-distance athletes and has volunteered as a Physiotherapist at the Virgin Money London Marathon 2021 and Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. As a trauma-trained pitch-side clinician, Josh also works part-time as an Academy Physiotherapist at Leicester City Football Club where he likes to cheer on his team.

As a trained Specialist Bike Fitter, Josh has unique skills and experience working with first-time cyclists to World Champions. Managing or mitigating injuries on the bike, as well as optimising performance with biomechanically informed aerodynamic testing. Working at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub, Josh has experience working with a plethora of athletes in a cycling-specific wind tunnel.

As an amateur triathlete and marathon runner, Josh regularly competes and understands the unique challenges of competing in multiple sports. Josh has a fuelled passion to help others achieve their sporting goals; whatever the distance!  

Josh’s motto is ‘Movement is Medicine'.

Joshua joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in December 2022 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Cycling & Triathlon.

Laura Dales

Lead Physiotherapist for Basketball

BSc (Hons), MSc, MCSP, HCPC

Laura qualified with a BSc in Sports Rehabilitation and Exercises Science from The University of Nottingham in 2020 and went on to study an MSc in Physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham and graduated in 2022.

Laura has gained a wide variety of experience working with elite athletes to patients within the NHS. Whilst completing her studies at Nottingham, she completed a full time 1 year internship at Derby County FC with the under 23s and 18s, and continued on with the academy until 2020 covering pitchside. She has also completed training at Notts County FC and Coventry Rugby.

Whilst at the University of Birmingham, Laura worked at Loughborough University covering the Mens Performance Sport football matchdays, both home and away. Also, whilst completing her MSc she worked part-time at a private clinic in Birmingham working with a range of clients, including elite CrossFit athletes. She continued with this position following graduation from Birmingham.

Laura joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in March 2023 and is Lead Physiotherapist for Basketball.

Ashni Desai

Ashni Desai

Lead Physiotherapist for Football & Swimming

BSc, MCSP, HCPC

Ashni qualified as a chartered physiotherapist in 2016 from the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Upon graduating, Ashni worked for Championship Rugby club, Coventry Rugby, for three seasons. Working closely alongside strength and conditioning coaches has given Ashni an appreciation for the importance of incorporating injury prevention, resilience and mobility exercises into rehab programmes. Ashni continues her work in sports part-time at Aston Villa Football Club Academy, as well as volunteering at events such as the 2019 London Marathon.

Alongside working within sports, Ashni completed core rotations within orthopaedics, general medicine and surgery at the major trauma centre University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, before moving to a private Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Clinic. Key skills involved comprehensive assessment and treatment, with specifically tailored rehabilitation, targeted towards the patients personal goals.

Ashni has also completed additional courses such as Dry Needling and has a Diploma in Sports Massage. Outside of hands-on physiotherapy, Ashni is co-author of a research article that was published in the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (2019).

Ashni joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in February 2020 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Football & Swimming.

Sam Fraser

Physiotherapist - NFL Academy

BSc, MCSP, HCPC

Sam qualified as a Physiotherapist from Brunel University London in 2020.

Once graduated, Sam worked at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for the NHS across multiple specialties, including time in the intensive care unit during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also worked with amateur football teams and the American football team at Brunel to further his experience in sport. Within these settings, Sam has worked alongside multiple healthcare and performance specialties to provide the best outcomes for his patients.

Away from the clinic, Sam is a keen participant in the sport of American Football and spent four months in Germany as an import player for the Biberach Beavers. He is also a keen photographer with an interest in sports photography.

Sam joined Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in August 2022 and is a Physiotherapist for the NFL Academy.

Loughborough Lightning Rugby Physiotherapist

Will Garvey

Lead Physiotherapist for Women's Rugby

BSc. (Hons) MCSP, HCPC

Will qualified as a physiotherapist in 2011 from Brighton University. He began working in the NHS specialising in musculoskeletal therapy. Whilst in this employment Will completed his Acupuncture qualification. In 2013, he completed a year internship at London Scottish RFC which led to him changing jobs and joining Kent County Cricket Club in 2014. At Kent County Cricket Club, Will worked in the private clinic initially before transitioning to working with the club’s second team full-time. Alongside this employment Will worked with Canterbury Rugby Club, starting with the second team and progressing on to Lead Physiotherapist.

In Jan 2018, Will joined Leicestershire County Cricket Club as Head of Sports Science and Medicine, where he worked until joining Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in September 2022 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Women’s Rugby.

Kerry Glendon

Kerry Glendon

Lead Physiotherapist for Hockey & TASS

BSc. Physiotherapy, MSc. Manual Therapy

Kerry graduated from Keele University in 2007 with a BSc. in Physiotherapy. She has since completed her Masters in Manual Therapy at the University of Nottingham and gained membership of the Musculoskeletal Association of Charted Physiotherapists (MACP) in 2012. Kerry completed her Acupuncture Foundation course in 2008 and has since used acupuncture in her practice. She has completed an array of courses in movement dysfunctions, pitchside trauma, sports injuries, massage, taping, and manipulation to name just a few.

She has a wealth of experience having worked in NHS settings for several years, gaining experience and expertise in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Kerry worked for Perform & the Football Association (FA) at St. Georges Park National Football Centre for three years, where she was also the physiotherapist for the Women’s U19 squad. Whilst working with the Women’s U19 squad, she was fortunate enough to support the athletes during the World Cup in Israel.

She is currently a PhD candidate researching concussion recovery and methods of improving recovery with Loughborough University, School of Health and Exercise Science. Kerry's published work can be found at https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4261-6420.

Kerry joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in January 2016 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Hockey & TASS.

Men's Rugby Physiotherapist

Jordan Harris

Lead Physiotherapist for Men's Rugby

BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, MSc Physiotherapy MCSP HCPC

Jordan qualified in 2016 as a Sports Therapist at the University of Hertfordshire and qualified with an MSc in Physiotherapy from St Marys University in 2022. 

Upon graduating Jordan worked within professional and semi-professional rugby environments including Saracens, Bath, Brumbies, and the international 7s circuit. Jordan also dabbled in football with Watford FC and successfully opened his own private physiotherapy business. Alongside working in elite sports, he has worked in private musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinics and currently runs strapping and trauma CPD events. 

Away from the clinic, Jordan is enjoying being a dad for the first time and loves travelling to watch rugby.

Jordan joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in July 2022 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Men's Rugby.

Harvey Maguire

Harvey Maguire

Lead Physiotherapist for Athletics

BSc. (Hons) Physiotherapy, MSc. Advancing Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Harvey is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy as well as the Health Care Professionals Council and Associaton of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (Bronze level). He graduated with a degree in BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy in 2011, completing his Masters Degree in Advancing Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2016.

Harvey began his career working in professional football at Wolverhampton Wanderers as an Academy Physiotherapist for 2 seasons, from here he undertook a position with Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme working with athletes across a range of sporting backgrounds, including British Ski and Snowboard and England Table Tennis. From here he began a role at St George’s Park, The National Football Centre where he worked with the Professional Footballers Association Residential Rehabilitation scheme as well as a role with The FA Mens Development teams. Harvey began a role with Athletics New Zealand in 2017 supporting their athletes prior to the 2017 Athletics World Championships in London.

Currently Harvey works as a Physiotherapist for British Athletics at Diamond League events, the Sub 2 hour marathon project, British Universities Sport, Athletics New Zealand and England Athletics.

Harvey joined Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in October 2017 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Athletics.

Alex Peace

Alex Peace

Lead Physiotherapist for Netball

BSc. (Hons) Physiotherapy, MSc. Sport & Exercise Medicine

Alex qualified in 2002 from Brunel University, London and has a wide range of experience working in both public and private sectors. Alex worked for many years in a variety of areas within the NHS, before specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Following many happy years in the NHS, she joined the clinic, combining this with a full clinical caseload in addition to running two private practices of her own.

Alex has previously worked with the Amateur Swimming Association on the England Talent Program, and for various football and rugby squads throughout her career. Alex combined her passion for sport and physiotherapy by completing an MSc. in Sport and Exercise Medicine at Nottingham University in 2011.

Alex uses a ‘hands-on’ physiotherapy approach with a focus on rehabilitation to deliver an effective treatment program, often using techniques such as acupuncture, massage and taping.

Alex joined Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in 2011 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Netball.

Naomi Sargent

Lead Physiotherapist for Badminton, Squash & Tennis and Netball Support

BSc. (Hons)

Naomi qualified as a physiotherapist in 2014 from the University of Nottingham and has since gained a breadth of experience working in public, private and sporting settings.

Naomi began her career in the NHS, working within a variety of areas before specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, where she realised her particular interest was for sports rehabilitation. Due to this, as well as working within the NHS, Naomi also worked with Nottingham Rugby Club, where she could further focus on sports-specific rehab, appreciating the importance of injury prevention, specialised conditioning, and recovery as well as rehab post-injury.

Naomi has also worked within the private musculoskeletal physiotherapy setting, assessing and treating a wide variety of conditions and people. Developing her skills in comprehensive assessments, clinical reasoning, and creating individualised rehabilitation programmes. 

Naomi joined Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in November 2022 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Badminton, Squash & Tennis and Netball support.

Sports Rehabilitation Therapists

Richard Brookes

Sports Rehabilitation Therapist - NFL Academy

Richard qualified from the University of Bolton with an MSc in Sports Rehabilitation following a Msci Sport and Exercise Degree from Bangor University.

After graduating, Richard worked for the City of Oxford College and Wasps RFC as a Sports Rehabilitator for the ACE and Academy setup. Following a short stint with Derby County FC Academy, Richard moved to work for the NHS as an MSK Clinician. Since 2021 Richard has been working with British American Football. 

Richard joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in November 2022 

Rebecca Brown

Sports Rehabilitation Therapist

BSc (Hons)

Rebecca qualified as a Sports Therapist from the University of Central Lancashire in 2020. Upon graduating Rebecca successfully opened her own clinic and worked at Burton Rugby Club for 2 seasons.

Rebecca then moved on to work at Wasps Rugby club as Lead Pathway Therapist; working with the U18s while assisting the Senior Academy and First-team players when needed. Rebecca also helped to manage First-team concussions using the new protocols laid out by the RFU.

After Wasps demise, Rebecca continued working with U18s at the City of Oxford College and the England Rugby ACE League, whilst also helping at local clubs.

Outside the clinic, Rebecca enjoys participating in a range of sports; including running, swimming, and cross-fit, and can also regularly be found walking in the Lake District.

Rebecca joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in January 2023.

Sports Massage Therapists

Steve Smith

Steve Smith

Sports Massage Therapist

BSc. (Hons) MSc. and Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist

Steve qualified in Sports Massage in 2014 while studying for his degree in Sport and Exercise Science with Management at Loughborough University. He set up his own private practice providing mobile treatments to a range of people from office workers and students to Olympians. 

Since qualifying, Steve has undertaken numerous additional qualifications including myofascial cupping, dry needling, kinesio taping, and a number of fitness qualifications. He completed his Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy and Athletics Coach courses in 2022.

Steve currently works with a number of elite athletes in track and field, British Gymnastics, and also provides cover at events such as ultramarathons.

Steve joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in October 2021.