About Swan Physio

Swan Physio is a local, modern Physiotherapy practice

Swan Physio is a local, modern Physiotherapy practice offering affordable high quality treatments in a convenient and pleasant setting.

The wellbeing of our clients is a priority and although we may ask you to continue exercises at home between treatment sessions our Philosophy is that “We will do what you cannot!” ‘Hands on’ methods are therefore an essential element of our treatment approach and when used alongside condition-specific and lifestyle advice provide a strong basis for successful outcomes.

We operate a team approach – so you may have your Initial Assessment with one of a more Senior Clinicians, but then see one of our more Junior Clinicians or Students once your needs have been evaluated. We feel this is a great way to keep things affordable whilst not compromising on quality.

To ensure we are working effectively as a team, and keeping our clinical skills up to date we set aside a minimum of 2 hours a week for internal training.

All of our Therapists are registered with the appropriate Professional Bodies to allow clients with Health Cash Plans or Private Medical Insurance to claim the costs of their treatments back – our reception team are able to help with any queries.

CARYS ROBERTS

CLINICAL DIRECTOR / SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST MSC (PROPRIETER)

Carys Roberts is the lead Physiotherapist and founder of Swan Physio, taking the name from the local emblem of Madeley village where the clinic originally opened and where Carys grew up. A local talent, Carys graduated from Keele University in 2009 not only with first class honours but also as the winner of the cohort award for Clinical Excellence.

Since graduating, Carys has completed additional qualifications in pain management, muscle retraining, injury prevention and Acupuncture. Her special interests include Spinal Problems, Joint Problems, Chronic Pain Management, Sports Injuries, Paediatric conditions, Acute Injury Management, Headaches and Acupuncture. She completed her MSc in Physiotherapy in 2014 by conducting a research project in association with the Football Association (FA).

In addition to her Clinical work at Swan Carys is a Consultant Physiotherapist on the Lioness Pathway working with elite female footballers aged 14-17 to support them with bespoke plans and on residential camps. Carys is able to take the time to do this as her great team keep the clinic running even when she is not there.

Carys’ Clinical Days: Tuesday 8.30 – 18.30, Thursday 13.30 – 20.00, Friday 8.30 – 18.30

TOM MEREDITH

SPORTS THERAPIST

Tom graduated from UCLAN in 2016 with a BSc in Sports Therapy. Tom immediately started working in football with Derby County RTC and Port Vale, and at the University of Derby.

In 2017 Tom joined Stoke City RTC and Ladies, working alongside Carys. Tom started working at Swan in mid-2018 and still works in football with Stoke City RTC & Ladies, and Port Vale FC.

At Swan, Tom delivers treatment sessions for a wide variety of conditions including Adult/Paediatric Sports Injuries, Arthritis Management and Spinal Conditions. Tom also runs our daytime rehabilitation classes which help people to use our Rehab Gym to recover from surgery, injury, and manage longer term problems such as Arthritis and Falls.

Tom has further qualifications in Acupuncture, FA Level 4 First aid and is an accredited Clinical Educator for Birmingham University Physiotherapy.

Tom’s Clinical Days are: Mondays 13.30 – 20.00, Tuesdays 11.00 – 20.00, Wednesdays 11.00 – 18.00 and Thursdays 9.00 – 18.00

NATALIE DARLINGTON

SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Natalie graduated from Keele University in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy. As one of Clinical Director Carys’ first ever students Natalie proved her expertise before even graduating. Since then she and Carys have worked closely together at Stoke City Football Club and various other roles. Natalie worked a varied role within the NHS seeing a variety of conditions including trauma, orthopaedics, spinal and Rheumatology. Joining the clinic full time in 2018 so she could work more as the autonomous practitioner she trained to be Natalie helps deliver the clinic’s weekly internal training programme to keep all staff up to date and train student on placement. Since having her children Natalie has developed a special interest in Women’s Health Physiotherapy so is our ‘go to’ lady for any pregnancy related issues (ante- and post-natally!). Natalie is also qualified in Acupuncture, advance spinal manual therapy techniques and Pilates for Women’s Health.

Natalie’s Clinical Days: Monday – Friday 9.30 – 15.00

*UNFORTUNATELY NATALIE IS CURRENTLY ON LONG TERM SICK BUT CARYS IS COVERING ANY ANTE- AND POST-NATAL CLIENTS*

CAMERON DONOHUE

INTERN SPORTS THERAPIST

Cameron graduated from Staffordshire University with a Bsc in Sports Therapy in 2019.

He soon started on an internship at Swan where he is on a structured training program to enhance his clinical skills, as part of this he has already completed the ‘Swan’ training on Spinal Conditions, Electrotherapy and Occupational Health Musculoskeletal Assessments. He will be completing his Acupuncture training by 2020 and is doing the FA Level 4 First Aid qualification in September 2019 which will advance his skills and knowledge in acute injury management and chronic pain.

Cameron also works with Carys and the team at Stoke City Football Club (being a massive Stoke Fan Cameron has no problem wearing the uniform!) supporting the Girls and Women’s teams at training sessions and matchdays, but also rehabilitation and treatment at the Swan Clinic, mostly in our Tuesday evening Rehab Classes (which are also open to the public).

Cameron’s Clinical days are: Tuesdays 9.00 – 20.00, Thursdays 9.00 – 17.30, Fridays 9.00 – 18.30 and Saturdays 9.00 – 12.00

HANNAH AARONS

RECEPTIONIST

Hannah came to work at Swan after many years of working with Children in 2018 and was looking for a career change. Since then Hannah has achieved her qualification in Business and Administration.

Hannah has a varied role throughout the clinic including being the main face of our reception team, managing the clinician’s diaries, coordinating other admin/support staff/students, dealing with insurance providers and assisting the Clinical Director. Hannah also attends local events promoting Swan Physio and Swan Health and Rehabilitation.

Hannah prides herself on her excellent communication skills with our clients and is able to provide a friendly yet professional manner to help the clients feel welcomed and comfortable.

Hannah is able to triage clients when ringing and can answer any questions they may have….. she also makes an excellent cuppa!

DIANE ROBERTS

COMPANY & FINANCE DIRECTOR

Clinical Director Carys’ Mum!

Diane officially retired in October 2018 from the University of Manchester as a Health Researcher, but was quickly put to work at Swan as potentially the best qualified receptionist/bookkeeper in the area! Also a Keele University graduate, Diane completed a Doctorate in 2011.

Diane deals with any account queries, as well as supporting the staff in administration training, and keeping Carys on track!

ELIZABETH SARTAIN

INTERN JUNIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Lizzie is starting on a Swan clinical internship  in October 2019 following graduating from Keele University with a Bsc in Physiotherapy and then volunteering at an orphanage in China over the summer.

Lizzie not only works within the Swan clinic but also with Carys at Stoke City Football Club Girls and Women’s, as well as the NHS full time.

She has completed additional qualifications in the FA Level 4 First Aid, and is due to complete her Acupuncture training by the end of 2020.

A kean footballer herself Lizzie is interested in Sports injuries as well as helping people to manage chronic conditions.

Lizzie’s Clinical Days are: Thursdays 17.00 – 20.00, Saturdays 9.00 – 12.00

VERONICA HO

JUNIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Veronica graduated from Keele University in 2018 with a Bsc in Physiotherapy.

Following a year working full time for the NHS Veronica decided she wanted to extend her skills further so applied and was successful in securing a job with Carys at Stoke City Football Club working predominantly with the Girls at Training and Matchdays. Recognising Veronica’s potential Carys also offered her work in the Clinic around her NHS role.

As our smallest member of staff – don’t be fooled – Veronica’s hands can pack a punch when they need to during treatment!

Veronica’s Clinical Days are: Tuesday 17.00 – 20.00

SHARON EDWARDS

ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST / CLINCAL BIOMECHANICS SPECIALIST

Sharon Edwards has extensive NHS experience, managing a service which deals with complex foot problems, biomechanics and bespoke orthotics. Having completed specialist training in balance and mobility problems Sharon is able to help older clients keep their confidence in moving as they age.

Sharon’s is at Swan on Monday and Wednesday evenings each week, and a Saturday morning every few weeks.

CATHERINE HOLDEN

ASSOCIATE CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Catherine (‘Cat’) has completed ‘Modern Pilates’ training which has an excellent reputation as it uses Physiotherapists alongside Pilates Instructors to train students. This means that anatomy and medical conditions are covered in much greater detail.

Cat has also completed additional training in Pilates for Spinal Conditions and Ante- and Post-Natal conditions.

Cat’s Classes run in the evening on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with morning classes on a Thursday and Saturday.

JANE LLOYD

ASSOCIATE CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST

Jane is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist having studied Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy. This enables her to deal with a wide range of issues such as behaviour & habit change, anxiety & stress reduction, phobia release, weight management, smoking cessation, through to clinical issues such as pain management.

Jane is mainly at Swan on Thursdays, Fridays and some Saturdays.

CARLTON ROWLANDS

ASSOCIATE OSTEOPATH

Carlton has worked as an Osteopath in Multidisciplinary Clinics for many years – working abroad and travelling with the Swiss Olympic Association, in particular the National Swim Team.

Having represented Great Britain on an international stage in Alpine Ski-Racing and Triathlon, Carlton then discovered his niche as a professional sponsored trail runner.

Carlton achieved an academic award in 2012 (ICAOR9) for research into lower limb biomechanics and injuries in runners. He is now studying Medicine at Keele University.

Carlton treats a range of spinal conditions, as well as having unique experience in advising Runners and Triathletes.

Carlton’s Clinical Days are: Wednesdays 15.00 – 20.00