Life Stories Andy Thomas

Dr Chris McCarthy is a Clinical Fellow (Associate Professor) at Manchester School of Physiotherapy. He researches musculoskeletal interventions including exercise in long-term conditions and manual therapy. Prior to this he was a Consultant Physiotherapist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St Mary’s Hospital Paddington, London. After qualifying as a Physiotherapist in 1989 he undertook post-graduate training in Biomechanics and Manipulative therapy at Strathclyde and Coventry Universities before undertaking a PhD degree in rehabilitation within the faculty of Medicine at Manchester University. He was awarded a “Young Investigator of the Year” award in 2001, for his PhD studies, by the British Society of Rheumatologists.Following Post-doctoral studies, investigating the sub-classification of non-specific low back pain, he became an Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation within the Clinical Trials Unit of the Medical School of Warwick University attracting over a million pound of funding in two years. He has published over 60 peer reviewed papers on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and diagnosis and spoken at over 50 conferences.He has taught internationally on Manual Therapy, specifically on Combined Movement Theory, and lectures on five of the Masters courses in Manual Therapy in the UK. He is a member of the international advisory board for Manual Therapy journal and regularly reviews and publishes papers in the academic field of Manual Therapy. He is the past-chair of the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and was recently awarded a Fellowship of the MACP and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for advances in Manual Therapy in 2010 and 2011. Chris’s book “Combined Movement Theory: Rational Mobilisation and manipulation of the Vertebral Column has sold worldwide. He is the clinical lead of The Manchester School of Physiotherapy’s clinical unit and supervises students, teaches and researches musculoskeletal dysfunction, and particualry spinal pain.

Claire is a Consultant Physiotherapist and the Chief Clinical Officer and co-founder of Pure Sports Medicine. As co-founder she has been with Pure Sports Medicine since its beginning in 2003, delivering outstanding clinical care for over 20 years. 

Claire’s clinical specialities include issues of the spine, hip, groin and pelvis including persistent problems, pregnancy-related complaints and movement dysfunction. She has a specific interest in helping women manage the symptoms associated with menopause and metabolic syndrome.

As an accomplished and well established clinician, speaker and researcher, Claire is also an Honorary Lecturer and Examiner at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Hertfordshire, an invited Lecturer at UCL, Kings College, London & University of Bath and a Journal Reviewer for Manual Therapy and Physical Therapy in Sport & the British Journal of Sport Medicine. She was made a Fellow of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in 2016.

In 2015 she was named Australian Businesswoman of the Year in the UK for her work in healthcare.

Gareth Wright is the Director of Physiotherapy at Tarmeem Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He has an extensive and varied background in physiotherapy, encompassing experiences in multiple countries and healthcare settings.

Gareth's journey began in North Wales, where he was a dedicated tennis and badminton player, representing Wales in both sports. His personal experiences with sports injuries led him to pursue a career in physiotherapy. He earned his degree from Nottingham University, following a gap year in New Zealand where he worked in a boys' boarding school.

After graduation, Gareth worked in the NHS in the UK, gaining valuable experience in both junior and senior roles. His early career included a diverse range of rotations, including medical physiotherapy at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool. This foundational experience prepared him for international opportunities.

Gareth's passion for travel and exploring different cultures took him to West Africa, where he volunteered in a community clinic, and later to Australia, where he worked as a physiotherapist in Sydney. Upon returning to the UK, he joined Dave Roberts Physiotherapy in Manchester, where he developed his skills in private practice and occupational health.

In 2011, Gareth and his wife moved to the Middle East, starting in the Sultanate of Oman and later moving to Qatar, where he worked in a government hospital's male orthopaedic physiotherapy department. His ability to adapt and thrive in multicultural environments was evident as he worked alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Since 2016, Gareth has been based in the UAE, where he initially led the physiotherapy department at a Women's and Children's Hospital in Al Ain. There, he successfully developed a specialised Women's Health physiotherapy service. Recently, he transitioned to his current role at Tarmeem Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Hospital in Abu Dhabi, where he oversees a growing physiotherapy department and is involved in expanding the hospital's rehabilitation services.

Gareth combines his clinical expertise with a keen interest in healthcare leadership, business development, and cultural competency. His commitment to continuous learning and innovation has marked his career, making him a dynamic leader in the field of physiotherapy.

Scott Dickenson is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in physical therapy, athletic training, and entrepreneurship. Initially, he embarked on his career path with a solid educational foundation, earning an undergraduate degree in athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh. During his time there, he gained hands-on experience working with various sports teams, which deepened his interest in physical health and rehabilitation.

Following his undergraduate studies, Scott pursued a doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Southern California, a program that further honed his skills and expertise in patient care and rehabilitation. His commitment to advancing his knowledge led him to complete an orthopaedic residency at the University of Delaware, where he also engaged in teaching and mentoring emerging students in the field.

Scott’s professional journey took a significant turn when he channelled his expertise into entrepreneurship. He founded his company, NecksLevel, where he serves as CEO. The company focuses on innovating rehabilitation equipment, with a particular emphasis on neck rehabilitation. Scott’s invention, a product born out of his observation of the inadequacies in existing neck rehabilitation equipment, has significantly impacted the field. His device allows for more effective neck strengthening and range of motion exercises, which he developed after noting the limitations of traditional methods during his time in clinical settings.

Today, Scott continues to expand his company, focusing on improving and innovating rehabilitation technologies. His work demonstrates a successful blend of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial acumen, making significant contributions to both the healthcare and business sectors.

Steve started working in professional football in 1999. He spent 7 years at Millwall FC before moving to Dorset in 2006 to become the head physio at AFC Bournemouth. This took Steve on an eventful journey from League 2 through to the Premier League. After leaving AFC Bournemouth in 2021, Steve has had consultancy roles at football clubs and was a contractor at the Premier League on their Games Programme liaising with club medical personnel at national and international tournaments. During this period Steve has also worked in private physio practices in London and the local area.

In 2023, Steve Joined Portsmouth Football Club as Head of Sports Medicine.

He has always maintained his continued professional development and has been on many courses. He has an MSC in Exercise and Sports Medicine as well as a qualification in diagnostic MSK ultrasonography to name just a few.

Natalie commenced her career in a fast-stream rehabilitation hospital before being offered a position at Sandringham Sports Medicine Practice where she gained extensive experience in sports medicine.

Natalie has provided her treatment methods to Olympic athletes, and toured the globe for over a decade as the Head of Physiotherapy for Nitro Circus.  SHe has provide physio support for a number of Red Bull ultimate events and in conjunction with Hemisphere Medical Group, provided & co-ordinated services to a vast array of A-List entertainers.

She also provide lectures and key note speeches at venues around the globe, providing clinical training for physio students and treating peers with included the hot topic of concussion management at the NSW Institute of Sport and Northern Beaches Hospital.

In her spare time Natalie plays mum to 2 gorgeous kids and tries to practice what she preaches in terms of undertaking regular exercise in the form of CrossFit, gym and running.