About

A warm welcome from founder Becca

Link to video transcript

Becca standing outside Upton Pavillion

Becoming the neuro physio I am today

I have always loved helping people, science and exercise so it came as no surprise to my family that I wanted to become a physio.

I studied at the University of Liverpool and academically, I found the brain literally mind-blowing.

I got the opportunity to watch brain surgery and that was me, brains and neuro rehab forever!

I initially worked at University Hospital Aintree and the Walton Centre before moving to London in 2007. I worked at the world-famous Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in central London for 15 years. I led the neuro physiotherapy outpatients service for 12 of those years, treating patients as well as supporting and developing junior and non-specialist staff to deliver the highest quality, evidence-based interventions.

Becca with foot weights during a group session.

In 2013, I took a research sabbatical to explore the experiences of people with Parkinson’s in the workplace.

This was in partnership with the National Institute for Healthcare Research (NIHR), Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital, King’s College London and Parkinson’s UK.

I earned a Masters of Clinical Research during this time. When I returned to my clinical responsibilities, they were balanced with research projects. Academically, I continued to lecture in the Department of Physiotherapy at King’s College London, present at conferences and publish peer-reviewed academic articles.

In 2022, the time came to leave London to provide our young children with a calmer, Cheshire life.

Upton by Chester felt like the perfect city-outskirts place to settle, 20 minutes from where I grew up.

My approach

Like with chefs, all neuro physiotherapists have their own styles that they craft over their careers.

Every physiotherapist qualifies with knowledge gained at university and on placements but after that, it depends on who and what you are exposed to.

Even before I started my Masters of Clinical Research, I was always heavily evidence-based, looking to the latest research to guide my approach, and I have attended more courses since qualifying than I would care to remember (or count the cost of!). This means that my rehab style is eclectic, drawing on the latest physio research for the person’s neuro condition (as well as other medical conditions), and blending that with what makes the person in front of me tick - their passions, hobbies, goals and interests - so that they want to engage in (and continue to engage in, or ‘adhere to’) their exercise/rehab programmes long term.

I seek out the best treatment strategies and I am always learning to ensure that my style remains fresh, dynamic and current. Please see below for some examples, or click here for a more complete list.

Parkinson’s Excellence Network Exercise Hub Study Day

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Neurofit

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(APPI) Neuro Pilates and Ante- and Post- Natal Pilates courses

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Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

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Pregnancy to Parenthood in Neurological Conditions (ACPIN)

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PD Warrior

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Parkinson’s Excellence Network Exercise Hub Study Day * Neurofit * (APPI) Neuro Pilates and Ante- and Post- Natal Pilates courses * Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) * Pregnancy to Parenthood in Neurological Conditions (ACPIN) * PD Warrior *

I love nature and and this is reflected in the choices made for the business

In fact, the Upton Neuro Physio logo colours are significant.

Blue represents our traditional physiotherapy colours and the fade to green is a nod to my personal commitment to make eco-responsible choices for this business wherever possible. This starts with the choice of uniform provider, using active travel as much as I can, and being paperless wherever possible. Respecting and loving nature, I like to take rehab outdoors too, for the additional health benefits that being outdoors brings.

Explore my publications

A study investigating the experience of working for people with Parkinson's and the factors that influence workplace success

View paper →

Understanding how adherence goals promote adherence behaviours: a repeated measure observational study with HIV seropositive patients

View paper →

Reliability of functional outcome measures in adults with neurofibromatosis 1

View paper →

Reliability of functional outcome measures in adults with neurofibromatosis 2

View paper →

Testimonials from professionals

  • Becca is patient-centred, compassionate and very professional. She's great at considering the whole person, explaining her approach, setting realistic goals with the patient and motivating them. It was particularly rewarding working together to help identify any psychological barriers to doing physio exercises and formulating this as a team in partnership with the patient. I highly recommend her.

    Dr Susie Henley - Clinical Psychologist specialising in neurological disorders

  • Rebecca is an outstanding physiotherapist - she is very experienced, tailors the treatment to the individual, and blends encouragement with empathy.

    Professor Rosalie Ferner, Consultant Neurologist

  • Becca is one of the best physios I have worked with. She cares a lot about her patients and works hard to get the best results. My patients have always spoken very highly of her. She is very knowledgeable, always makes time to listen and she clearly explains her assessments and interventions to both patients and other professionals.

    Dr Natalie Gellartly, Clinical Psychologist

  • I had the pleasure of working with Becca in the Neurofibromatosis Service at Guys. She is an amazing clinician, kind, caring and extremely enthusiastic and strives for her patients to achieve their goals with a smile on her face. She is very knowledgeable and always goes that extra mile!

    Mandy Myers, Clinical Specialist Nurse

  • Becca is a fantastic physio to work with. She always has time to support colleagues both professionally and personally, whilst spreading a great energy. I have witnessed her with patients and she ensures that they’re treated as individuals and goes above and beyond to help them.

    Sophie, Physiotherapist

  • During the three years I worked with Becca I saw the incredible knowledge and compassion she brings to her relationship with patients. Her expert skills and friendly collaborative approach translates to truly excellent care, empowering patients to achieve their personal goals. I would have no hesitation in recommending Becca to patients, friends or family alike.

    Sarah G, Physiotherapist