Rachel Thomas

Qualification: B.Sc. (hons) degree in Physiotherapy from the Royal London Hospital

Field of practice: Musculoskeletal physiotherapy,  Vestibular Rehabilitation

Memberships: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP),  Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Vestibular Rehabilitation

I qualified in 1986 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy from the Royal London Hospital. My career started in the NHS in London, after which I relocated to Vancouver Island, British Colombia where I continued to grow professionally. This was a year of hard work, learning to ski and enjoying hiking and camping, followed by 3 months travelling in the Canadian Rockies, California, New Mexico, Hawaii and New Zealand.

On return to the UK, working on the Chronic Pain Unit and Hand Injury Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital provided me with invaluable experience. This was followed by 2 years at Northwick Park Hospital as a Senior Physiotherapist in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy where I was able to expand my knowledge base even further.

Four years in Munich followed, working initially in a hospital and then a private practice where skiing injuries formed a large part of the patient base. (My German language skills also came in handy!)

Back in the UK I brought all my previous experience to Physio Vineyards where I enjoy seeing a mixture of MSK patients as well as patients in need of vestibular rehab. As a complement to physiotherapy I also use acupuncture and Shockwave Therapy.

I feel strongly that everyone should have access to physiotherapy, which is why, if you have a condition that prevents you from travelling, I undertake home visits for the clinic..

My leisure time is filled with playing bridge, cycling, yoga, swimming (sometimes open water), camping, gardening and rescuing guinea pigs.