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
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.
Alex Allen
Lead Physiotherapist for NFL Academy
BSc (Hons), MCSP, ACPSEM
Alex is a dedicated physiotherapist with a passion for sports performance rehabilitation, committed to optimizing athletes' performance and facilitating their recovery. Graduating from Oxford Brookes University in 2013 with a degree in Physiotherapy, Alex embarked on a journey marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in the field.
Following graduation, Alex began gaining valuable experience in various healthcare settings. Starting as an Academy Physiotherapist at Oxford United Football Club, Alex quickly demonstrated a knack for injury assessment and rehabilitation, laying the foundation for a promising career in sports physiotherapy.
Driven by a desire to expand expertise and contribute to elite sports, Alex transitioned to roles with increasing responsibilities. At Mansfield Town Football Club, Alex assumed the position of Head of Sports Science & Medicine, overseeing injury management for elite U18 players, whilst spearheading the development of performance support programs.
Seeking to further refine skills and broaden horizons, Alex took on diverse roles across healthcare institutions and football clubs; from providing high-quality physiotherapy services at BMI Meriden Hospital to working as a Consultant Physiotherapist across Ramsay Healthcare Hospitals.
Notably, Alex's tenure with Manchester United Football Club as the U21 Women's Physiotherapist underscored a dedication to excellence in sports rehabilitation.
Building on a foundation of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of sports-related injuries, Alex assumed roles with Nottingham Forest Football Club working with the U23's squad, where contributions ranged from leading ACL reconstruction rehabilitation programs to conducting musculoskeletal screenings.
Alex took a break from elite sport, working as a Senior Physiotherapist at Woodthorpe Hospital utilising his expertise in acute and chronic sports-related injuries, orthopaedic procedures, and injury prevention strategies.
With a proven track record of excellence and a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in sports rehabilitation, Alex is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field, empowering athletes to achieve their full potential while minimizing the risk of injury.
Alex joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in February 2024 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for the NFL Academy.
Joshua Cresswell
Lead Physiotherapist for Cycling & Triathlon
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, 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) Physiotherapy, 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
Lead Physiotherapist for Football & Swimming
BSc Physiotherapy, 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, then moved into football as a casual contractor at Aston Villa FC with their boys academy (aged U9-16) whilst also covering some Wasps Rugby DPP sessions. Ashni has worked at the most recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (multi-sport), travelled to 2 World Championships with Team GB (British Swimming) and numerous camps/ competitions with Swim England including the Tokyo Olympic Trials. Ashni was fortunate enough to get to experience the Red Roses preparation camp for the Rugby World Cup in Summer 2022, which was a highlight to date. Currently contracting within football for the FA with the Women's England Talent Pathway.
Alongside working within sports, Ashni completed several rotations within orthopaedics, general medicine and surgery at a major trauma centre (University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire). Ashni has also completed additional courses such as Dry Needling/ Acupuncture, Sports Massage, Suturing skills/ wound management. Outside of hands-on physiotherapy, Ashni is a 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.
Will Garvey
Lead Physiotherapist for Women's Rugby
BSc. (Hons) Physiotherapy, HCPC, MCSP
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.
Dr Kerry Glendon
Lead Physiotherapist for Hockey & TASS and Doctoral Researcher
PhD MSc BSc(Hons) mCSP mBASEM mMACP mACPSEM mAACP, HCPC
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.
Kerry completed her PhD in 2024, 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. She is now pursuing further research in this field.
Kerry joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in January 2016 and is the Lead Physiotherapist for Hockey & TASS.
Elly Hume
Physiotherapist – Performance Sport
Physiotherapy, MSc
Elly completed a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science from Loughborough University in 2017 and then went on to study Physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham. After qualifying in 2021, Elly worked as the Head of Medical for National 1 Rugby team Birmingham Moseley. Over her three seasons at the club, she treated a wide range of injuries and led sport-specific rehab.
Elly also works at a private clinic alongside a specialist hip surgeon where she treats a variety of patients including young athletes who are returning to sport following surgery. Furthermore, Elly also works at a second private clinic in Rugby. Since working there, Elly has completed a course in Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling. At this clinic she has worked with a variety of conditions and injuries, creating rehabilitation programs for each individual to ensure they reach their treatment goals.
Elly has also covered pitch-side for Leicestershire County Cricket, Derbyshire County Cricket and Leicester Tigers Academy.
Elly joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in March 2024, working directly with Performance Sport.
Ryan Lambert
Lead Physiotherapist for LUNTA
BSc. (Hons) Physiotherapy, BSc. (Hons) Sports Rehabilitation, HCPC, MCSP, MAACP
Ryan is a dual qualified therapist, graduating with First Class Honours as a Sports Rehabilitator from the University of Salford in 2016 and qualifying with First Class Honours as a Physiotherapist from Coventry University in 2019. He has since gained a wealth of experience within the NHS, private sector, and professional sport.
Ryan spent a year and a half working in the NHS as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist. After which he gained extensive experience working in professional football at both Nottingham Forest F.C and Leicester City F.C.
Ryan joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in March 2021. During his 3 and-a-half years, he has worked with a range of athletes from multiple sporting disciplines including those competing at national, international, and Olympic level. He has also worked on multiple occasions with the Loughborough University National Tennis Academy, where he made this move permanent in August 2024, becoming the lead Physiotherapist for LUNTA.
Matthew Parker
Lead Physiotherapist for Men's Cricket
BSc Physiotherapy, MRes, MSc, MCSP, ASCC
Matt qualified in physiotherapy from the University of Birmingham in 2018, having previously completed an Undergraduate and Masters of Research program in Sports Science in 2014 from University of Wolverhampton.
Matt has developed a wealth of experience having worked in a number of roles within the NHS, Professional Sports Science and Medicine teams, and private practice. Most notably, Matt spent 9 years as a Sport Scientist, Strength & Conditioning Coach and Physiotherapist at Aston Villa Football Club, in 2019 was the 1st team Physiotherapist at Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Lead Physiotherapist for Worcestershire County Cricket Club in 2021.
Whilst he was studying for his physiotherapy degree, he also completed his accreditation with the UK Strength & Conditioning Association and continues to work part time as a strength and conditioning coach. Alongside working at Loughborough, Matt also leads the Science and Medicine provision for the South Asian Cricket Academy, works part time with British Wheelchair Basketball and runs his own practice based in Birmingham.
Matt joined Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in March 2023 and is the Lead Physiotherist for Men's Cricket.
Naomi Sargent
Lead Physiotherapist for Badminton, Squash & Tennis and Netball Support
BSc. (Hons) Physiotherapy
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.
Sarah Smart
Lead Physiotherapist for Hockey and TASS
BSc. Physiotherapy
Sarah qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2019 from the University of Leicester. She began working as a junior NHS rotational physiotherapist gaining experience in Trauma and Orthopaedics, musculoskeletal therapy, cardiorespiratory, and medical rehabilitation. Sarah specialised in musculoskeletal physiotherapy as a Senior Therapist within the NHS in 2022 gaining vast experience managing numerous injuries conservatively and post-operatively.
Sarah is currently completing her MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Loughborough University with a particular interest in sport specific rehabilitation and the fundamental science underpinning injury and performance. She has experience conducting research on injury prevention and optimising performance and recovery within elite athletes.
Sarah has worked in the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Private Clinic between January 2023 - Jan to working in the private arm of the clinic.
In August 2024 started working alongside the Men's and Women's University Hockey teams and TASS athletes.
Sports Rehabilitation Therapists
Richard Brookes
Sports Rehabilitation Therapist - NFL Academy
MSc (Hons)
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 - Women's Rugby
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.
Luke Pollard
Sports & Exercise Therapist – Men’s Rugby
BSc (Hons)
Luke graduated from Coventry University in 2023. Between his second and third year, Luke secured a placement role with championship football side, Coventry City FC. During this year he learnt how high-performing environments function in maintaining health and reduction of injuries to athletes, as well as having the opportunity to assess and treat injured athletes using the industry-leading modalities available to him at this elite championship club.
Throughout his final year he further improved his skills by working with local rugby clubs Hinckley, Nuneaton Old Eds and Earlsdon RFC which ultimately solidified his desire to work within the sport of rugby as alongside his personal interest, he recognised the environment as somewhere he would be able to learn and grow as a therapist. Alongside this, Luke worked at the University’s injury clinic, gaining valuable experience being exposed to a more diverse client population in a professional clinical setting.
After graduating he began to work with the newly formed Leicester Tigers Women’s team as a Sports Therapist in their 23/24 season.
Luke joined Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in February 2024, working directly with the Men’s Rugby BUCS and Nat 2 teams.
Georgina Visser
Sports & Exercise Therapist - Men's Rugby
BSc (Hons)
Georgie qualified from Loughborough University with an MSC in Sports and Exercise Therapy.
Throughout her degree she worked for Hinckley Rugby Club with the National League 2 team and second team. Following her graduation, she continued to work for the club with their variety of teams.
Furthermore, she began working for a private sports therapy clinic in Leicester where she worked with a variety of clients whilst developing her knowledge and skills in assessments, treatments and creating individualised treatment plans.
After graduating she began casually working pitch side for Loughborough University with hockey, tennis, football, rugby and the NFL Academy.
Additionally, whilst working for multiple establishments, Georgie also worked with Coventry Bears Rugby Men’s and Women’s teams, Scotland Rugby Touch Teams and Barrow Town Football Club.
Georgie officially joined the Loughborough University Physiotherapy Clinic in October 2023.
Sports Massage Therapists
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.