Tony Deakin MCSP
Clinic Principal
Lead Physiotherapist
Tony qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1992 and worked for five years in the NHS in Leicester, developing skills for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. He gained valuable experience as part of the physio team for Leicester Tigers over three seasons, and received specialist training in assessment and rehabilitation of work-related injury in the United States and Canada. He has since worked extensively in Occupational Health settings locally over a seven year period with Caterpillar, Asda, the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, and Walkers Midshires Foods. He commenced working in Private Practice in 1998 and established the Leicester Forest East Physiotherapy Clinic in 2001, with relocation to the new clinic in Kirby Muxloe in 2014. He has a special interest in the rehabilitation of spinal conditions, and has been instructing Clinical Pilates classes since 2000. He has also been trained in the use of Acupuncture since 2007, and continues to progress these skills for the treatment of chronic pain, headaches and arthritis issues. Tony celebrated 30 years as a physiotherapist in 2022. Tony has completed his training to enhance expertise in soft tissue manipulation and mobilisation techniques used in the clinic’s ‘Balanced Body Programme’.
On top of being a devoted husband and father of two, Tony continues to support the local cricket club in Kirby Muxloe and ride the emotional rollercoaster of supporting Leicester City! He enjoys cycling, travel and walking the dog!
Liz Lander BSc Hons, HCPC, MCSP
Physiotherapist
Qualifying in 2004 from Manchester University, Liz has extensive clinical experience working across different NHS trusts and within Private Practice. Her experience includes complex musculoskeletal upper limb, lower limb and spinal pathologies, trauma and elective orthopaedics, fracture clinic, sports rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, GP Practice and with the Police Force Occupational Health and NHS staff Occupational Health. Liz’s additional role within the NHS as Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) workplace Health and Safety Representative links well with issues faced by patients within their workplace.
Liz is a certificated APPI PiIates instructor and teaches a variety of classes in the studio, including shoulder rehab classes. She has been acupuncture accredited since 2011 utilising the therapeutic benefits of this skill in a number of pathologies including temporomandibular pain (jaw pain) and headache. Being a strong advocate for evidenced based practice, Liz has completed research into Low Back Pain management through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
A retired gymnast herself, Liz has been a qualified Gymnastics Coach for twenty years, and is now an experienced Level 3 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics coach and Regional Gymnastics Judge. This high-level sport coaching experience along with her vast clinical experience and post-graduate training on sporting injuries in Children and Adolescents, makes her an ideal Physiotherapist for Gymnasts and Dancers.
Away from work Liz loves activities with her two young children, she coaches and judges gymnastics, wolf runs and skis.
Joanne Deakin MCSP
Physiotherapist
Jo qualified in 1992 and has worked in the NHS throughout Leicestershire, developing expertise in care of the elderly and particularly physiotherapy following Stroke. Jo has worked in Coalville Community Hospital since 2001. She has continued to specialize in physiotherapy for sufferers of Stroke, being principally responsible for physiotherapy at the Coalville Hospital Stroke Unit, and having a particular interest in retraining walking and restoring function. Jo also trained to perform acupuncture treatment in 2013.
When time allows from running (and fixing!) the family home, and walking the dog with husband Tony, Jo is a keen artist.
Nicky Newton MAR
Level 5 Clinical Reflexologist
Nicola discovered reflexology due to her own experience of suffering from severe, chronic pain for a number of years following a series of road accidents that culminated in major spinal and shoulder surgery. She tried all conventional medical options and found none to be beneficial, so decided to go down a more holistic route, which is how she found reflexology. The transformation was incredible. Reduction in both pain and anxiety allowed her to attempt things that she thought were beyond her, such as cycling and long walks with her dogs. She is now committed to offering the same benefits to her clients.
She trained at Jubilee College in Leicester, under the tutelage of David Wayte, one of the foremost Reflexologists in the UK. She has a Mastership in Clinical Reflexology Level 5, the highest accredited qualification in the UK and recognised by RiEN, and is also Anatomy and Physiology Level 4 qualified. She has over 500 hours of training and practical experience in helping clients suffering a wide range of issues, including treatment for Musculo-skeletal conditions, Palliative care, assistance with Pregnancy and NEPIP (Neuro-Endo-Psycho-Immuno-Pody). She is a member of the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) and is also registered with the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council.
Ellie Dickson
Physiotherapist
Ellie started her career in the NHS 16 years ago as a therapy technical instructor gaining valuable experience in a range of specialties, such as musculoskeletal outpatients, elderly medicine, community falls prevention service and stroke rehabilitation. Ellie continued to develop her skills and knowledge further and qualified as a physiotherapist at Coventry University. She currently works in a rotational post in the NHS alongside her physiotherapy work at the clinic.
Ellie spends most of her spare time with her family, running in her local running groups or exploring the delights of the peak district.
Helen Robilliard
Physiotherapist
Currently working for the NHS in a static musculoskeletal outpatient post, Helen has experience within the inpatient rehabilitation specialty. Prior to qualifying as a physiotherapist at Coventry University, Helen spent 10 years as a technical instructor within community therapy and the falls prevention team, gaining valuable experience.
Away from work, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is most likely to be seen on the sidelines watching her 3 boys play football.
Rachel Verity MCPod Bsc (PodM)
Podiatrist
Rachel qualified with a degree level (Distinction) in Podiatry Medicine from Durham School of Podiatry in 1993, and now has over 30 years of practice experience within the profession both within the NHS and private sector.
Rachel began working in Leicester, after moving from her home city of Manchester back in 1994, within the NHS for Fosse Health Trust. She remained with that department (now under Leicestershire Partnership Trust) until 2017, when she moved completely into the private sector, continuing to develop her clinic in Kirby Muxloe. In 1996, she qualified as a Diabetes Lead Podiatrist, where she spent most of her NHS career, working within both primary and secondary care. She continues to use her expertise in the care of the Diabetic and those with associated high-risk foot conditions within her private practice, treating patients, and delivering training on the care of the Diabetic foot to her patients, their carers, and other healthcare professionals. This includes referring her patients on to primary and secondary care as needed.
Alongside her specialist field, Rachel also continues to provide general footcare, nail surgery, and simple biomechanics within her scope of practice. Her philosophy is to individualise every treatment with a personal touch, and to deliver the most up-to-date and appropriate treatment for each person she sees.
When Rachel is not working, she spends much of her time playing tenor horn with the local Ratby Co-operative Mid Band. She is also a member of the congregation at Kirby Muxloe Free Church. She is married with two sons, now both in their 20s, and has two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that keep her busy.
