Susie qualified from the University of Southampton in 2004 and has been working for over almost 20 years as a Chartered Physiotherapist in a range of complex rehabilitation settings in the South West and central London. Susie joined the Plymouth Neurophysio team as an Associate Physio in 2016.
Susie began specialising in neurology in 2006 and worked in acute and rehabilitation neurosurgery, neurology and stroke in Plymouth for many years. Whilst working full time she completed a Masters Degree in Neurological Rehabilitation in 2010 from the University of Plymouth. Her research project investigated the use of localised cooling in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Spasticity and splinting being a special interest throughout her career, working on research with this patient group was fascinating. She also developed her knowledge in central and peripheral vestibular rehabilitation.
Following completion of her studies, Susie moved to Imperial College NHS Trust, London in 2012 to further progress her career in neurosurgery and major trauma. In 2014 she became the Major Trauma Therapy Lead in London’s busiest Major Trauma Centre. Her passion for spinal cord injury and brain injury continued, however, broadened to include working with people with complex musculoskeletal and chest injuries. Susie had the opportunity to work closely with a neurologist in post head injury dizziness and balance and has developed her clinical expertise of vestibular impairment. She was involved in some research on acute vestibular disorder in major trauma patients.
During this time she completed Bridges training and developed her skills in patient focused, self-management strategies; believing that small steps are the way to proceed and no individuals aims should be discounted.
Susie returned to the South West in 2016 to get married and has worked for the NHS in acute neurosurgery, as the Associate Director for Major Trauma Rehab for the Peninsula Trauma Network, and led inpatient physiotherapy services during the pandemic. Following return from maternity leave she is now the joint physiotherapy lead in the intensive care rehabilitation team, which focuses on early mobilisation and humanisation of the critical care experience. Through these roles, she is highly experienced in respiratory and tracheostomy management, neurological injury/disease, complex major trauma and spinal bracing.
Through her acute experience and work within Plymouth Neurophysio, Susie is an expert in holistic spinal cord injury rehabilitation and has developed extensive knowledge of use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) with this patient group. She has also developed an increasingly successful caseload of vestibular rehabilitation clients.
Susie has completed Bobath training and Australian Modified Pilates (APPI) matwork Level 1 and combines these skills to optimise peoples ability to carry out the activities that they feel are important. Susie aims to push the boundaries in a fun and creative way to enable them to achieve this.
As a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN) Susie continues to develop her knowledge in up to date research and treatment options.