Last summer I began working with Sandal Warriors Rugby Team as a physiotherapist. Being a part of a rugby team with strong teamwork and commitment has been an exciting and rewarding step in my professional journey.

Growing up I had a strong passion for sports, competing in athletics competitions up and down the country at a high level as well as playing district football which gave me the opportunity to play a tournament in Barcelona. Through my experiences in sport, and my own injuries from sporting situations I was introduced to a variety of sporting healthcare professionals including physios to undergo rehab to return to my sports. Seeing the impact they had supporting myself and other athletes return from injuries and perform safely sparked an interest into a career in physiotherapy.

Problem solving and hands on treatments
Physiotherapy appealed to me because it combines human science, problem solving and hands on treatments across a wide range of settings. My journey into the profession has been shaped by university placements and the opportunity given to me by Sandal Warriors to work with them pitch side.
The people I have spent time with along the way have also played a big role in my development, from lectures and physios to patients who have allowed me to shape my clinical skills, communication and approach to care. Each experience has played an important role in confirming my career choice and professional development. Including more recently training with some national experts of high-profile events.

Ensuring injured players return to play safely
Physiotherapy is a profession focused on improving movement, function and quality of life. Physiotherapists can assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to long term health implications through exercise, manual therapy and education. In sport, particularly in rugby, physios play a strong role of ensuring players return to play safely following injury, through assessment and prevention of further injury.

Studying physiotherapy at university provided me with strong academic and clinical foundations. Through learning anatomy, physiology and exercise prescription I was able to develop a solid understanding of the human body and injury mechanisms. Clinical placements were invaluable in bridging theory and practice, allowing me to work in a variety of settings including ICU, A&E, Neuro rehab units and private practice. These experiences reinforced my desire to working within a profession where I can support people with a variety of challenges.

Working with Warriors
Working with Sandal Warriors has been invaluable in experience. It has provided me with the opportunity to apply skills developed during my undergraduate training in a quick paced sporting environment, while continuing to develop my knowledge around injuries, rehab and pitch side decision making.
Being able to work alongside the coaches and players in a supportive and ambitious team environment is hugely rewarding. I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me by the club and look forward to continuing to develop my professional skills with the Warriors and support them through the rest of the season.