CHRIS WOOD
OWNER / CLINICAL DIRECTOR
My inspiration to become a Sports Therapist came from personal experiences with having a long term injury. At 16 years old and on trials with Bradford City Football Club I suffered a serious knee injury: tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and sustaining a large tear to the medial meniscus. After an operation to reconstruct the ACL and remove torn cartilage, I began a long 6-9 months of rehabilitation which proved to be successful. This experience inspired my interest in the techniques and methods used during the rehabilitation and has motivated me to help others through the treatment process; no matter how long or short.
Throughout my time at University, I immersed myself in as many experiences as possible. Ranging from providing sports first aid for a range of UCLAN sports teams, to working on a weekly basis with Preston North End providing sports massage after training. In addition I also worked with the Rugby Football League (RFL), Lancashire F.A.’s Under 16′s team, and Witton Albion F.C. During my final year I was clinical co-ordinator for the students sports injury clinic, as well as treating my own caseload of patients.
Since graduation, I now currently hold the following roles:
- Second Team Therapist at Lancashire County Cricket Club
- Head Therapist at Witton Albion F.C.
- Sports and Massage Therapist at David Roberts Physiotherapy
I believe my strengths lie within my communication skills and the ability to explain things to patients in a jargon free way. I also take an individual approach to each patient by making their rehab specific to their sport or activity related to the injury. On top of this, I believe that it is beneficial to offer training advice to support your return to sport. All this is provided in a friendly and approachable manner which builds a strong rapport with patients in a short space of time, whilst still maintaining the highest standard of professional standards.
Over the next few years, my practice will develop to include:
Kinesiology Taping – A specialised taping technique used to aid the healing process and support muscles, as well as joints and ligaments.
Myofascial Release – A different approach to sports massage which aims to release tight fascia (a sheath that encases muscles) and help improve individuals with tight muscles.
Mulligan concept mobilisations – A functional way of mobilising joints. This is very beneficial to sports injuries as it can be performed in sports specific movements to improve movement during rehab.
