Meet the team
Helen Preston
Chartered Physiotherapist,
Clinical Director, HCPC Registered
BSc Hons Physiotherapy
CSP No. 56609
HCPC No. PH50903
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Put simply, my job is to help people in pain get back to doing what they love. I take time to listen to your story and to explain what is happening in your body, then work with you using movement, activity and lifestyle strategies to help you get going again. I feel very grateful to do the work I do.
I have always thought a little differently and I passionately believe in treating the whole person, not just a body part.
Physiotherapy has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up next door to my father Bill’s physio clinic and worked on reception there from a young age. My grandfather Albert was the long standing physio for Peterborough United and also ran his own clinic from Longthorpe. Caring has always been part of my family story.
I was also a primary carer for my grandmother who lived next door and later for my other grandmother who had Motor Neurone Disease. Before qualifying as a physio I worked in a care home as a healthcare assistant. Those experiences shaped how I see people, not as diagnoses but as human beings living real lives. Combined with my love of sport and physical activity, physiotherapy became the natural career for me.
I qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1996 from the University of Birmingham with a First Class Honours degree and the Research Prize for my year. I worked across a range of NHS and private settings before taking over the family business from my father William Preston in 2000. I have been Director of Prestons Physiotherapy Ltd, now trading as Prestons Health, ever since. Over the past 25 years I have continued to refine my clinical practice alongside growing the business and building a service rooted in compassion, trust and curiosity.
As my clinical work has evolved, so too has my understanding of how differently people experience pain, movement and healthcare. In recent years this has led me to a growing interest in neurodiversity and the specific needs of neurodivergent people. Many individuals process sensation, threat, communication and change in ways that can make standard healthcare environments overwhelming or ineffective. I am passionate about adapting physiotherapy so that it is safe, accessible and genuinely supportive for neurodivergent patients, whether that means adjusting communication, pacing, sensory environments or how treatment is delivered.
My clinical passion is working with people who have persistent or unresolved symptoms. I do a lot of second opinion work and see many people who have tried treatments before without finding lasting relief. This includes ongoing back and joint pain, fibromyalgia and pain that has started to limit confidence, activity and quality of life. I still treat acute injuries, but most of my work now focuses on helping people whose pain has become complex, long standing or confusing. There is nothing more rewarding to me than helping someone reconnect with their body and start living again.
The patient therapist relationship sits at the heart of everything I do. Feeling heard, understood and safe is a powerful part of recovery. I am a hands on therapist (if that is what is needed) and I use the Cognitive Functional Therapy framework to guide much of my therapeutic intervention.
Outside the clinic
I am a mum to two teenagers and enjoy staying active with my husband and family. I have completed over 350 parkruns, mainly at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough, and I love watching all forms of human performance including sport, music and theatre.
I returned to hockey after a 25 year break and now play for City of Peterborough Hockey Club Women’s 4th XI, where the fun, banter and goal celebrations are just as important as the sport. I am passionate about activity and team sport and I also volunteer as manager of the club’s under 18 girls team. I strongly believe in the power of grassroots sport and the behaviours it builds for a healthy and happy life.
You find me most alive and relaxed when chasing sunrises and sunsets.
Professional memberships
I am a Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Prestons Health is also a member of the Musculoskeletal Partners Network, a trade association committed to improving quality and raising standards, supporting private musculoskeletal practices to grow and thrive.
laura shepherd
Chartered Physiotherapist,
HCPC Registered
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy,
The University of Nottingham,
Second Class Division One (2:1)
CSP No. 81863
HCPC No. PH89370
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From an early age, I was extremely interested in anatomy and physiology, coupled with a deep passion for sport—particularly running. These interests, combined with a desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, naturally led me to a career in Physiotherapy. I take immense pride in being part of a profession where I can help people experience significant improvements in their quality of life.
Experience
I graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, and have since focused predominantly on musculoskeletal outpatient care. My career began in a private musculoskeletal practice, after which I joined Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust in a rotational role. This role allowed me to further expand my expertise across a range of specialties, including Neurological Rehabilitation, Cardiac Surgery, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology.
In 2012, I pursued a lifelong dream of traveling the world, which involved volunteering as a physiotherapist in Cambodia and Guatemala. Upon returning, I worked as a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Northamptonshire NHS Foundation Trust and in private practice at the Woodlands Hospital. In 2023, I joined Prestons Health at the Oundle Clinic, where I continue to work with a diverse patient population.
My extensive experience has made me proficient in assessing and treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. I have developed a particular expertise in spinal pain, shoulder injuries, sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, rheumatology, pain management, and long-term conditions. Additionally, I run regular clinics for Oundle School students, where I have a developed a keen interest in adolescent and youth athlete physiotherapy, particularly in facilitating a safe and effective return to play following injury.
Skills
I pride myself on being an attentive listener and conducting thorough examinations to get to the root cause of a patient’s issues. Together, we collaborate to develop a tailored treatment and rehabilitation plan, using evidence-based approaches to promote self-management and, whenever possible, prevent re-injury. I treat the whole person—not just the area of pain—with a compassionate and holistic approach.
In addition to my clinical experience, I have pursued extensive post-graduate training. I hold certifications in Levels 1 and 2 of the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute Matwork Series, a Diploma in Orthopedic Medicine, and a Master’s module in Acupuncture. I have also completed specialized courses in manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, kinesiology taping, persistent pain management, and adolescent physiotherapy.
Personal Interests
In my personal life, I continue to enjoy running and have a passion for travel. I am also a proud mother to three young children, including twin boys.
Professional Memberships
I am a registered member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
CAROLINE CALVERT
Chartered Physiotherapist,
HCPC Registered
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
CSP No. 62810
HCPC No. PH57251
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My physiotherapy career commenced in 1999, graduating with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy Degree from University College Dublin, and since then I have worked in a variety of settings including NHS, Police Rehabilitation, Private Practice and Professional Sport.
Early on I knew that Musculoskeletal Medicine was what interested me most, and I have enjoyed the challenge and diversity of working with different cultures and nationalities in jobs in Ireland, UK, New Zealand, Switzerland and UAE.
This is my sixth year working at Prestons Health where my clinical practice is characterised by expertise in manual therapy, Shockwave Therapy, acupuncture, Pilates rehabilitation, kinesio-taping and exercise prescription. I enjoy making use of the excellent facilities here and frequently bring patients to the pool for hydrotherapy and the gym to progress their rehabilitation. I treat a variety of conditions which keeps me both interested and stimulated. I strongly believe that physiotherapy has so much to offer in improving patients’ outcomes and getting people back to doing the activities they enjoy the most.
Prior to this, I also worked in private practice in a busy clinic in Dubai. This post involved a varied caseload of clinical practice, ergonomic assessments and presentations for multinational companies in their workplaces, home visits and working with professional sports teams at prestigious international events such as the ‘Dubai Rugby 7’s’ Tournament. It was in Dubai that I gained my Pilates Instructor Certification in 2019, and have also completed Pilates Reformer (machine) training.
Skills
I enjoy making a personal connection with each and every patient; actively listening to their beliefs and expectations of treatment, and tailoring an individualised physiotherapy plan based on their in-depth assessment. Offering a wide skill base of techniques I assist patients towards their long term goals of treatment.
Interests
My proudest personal achievement to date has been navigating and settling my ‘expat’ family abroad, which has been the best life experience for all of us. This journey has given us the good fortune to explore many new places, join new communities and participate in exciting events; notably for me competing in Ironman 70.3 triathlons and open water swimming competitions. I also love being a rugby mum, football mum and dance mum to my three children which keeps me both extremely busy but hugely fulfilled.
Professional Bodies
I am a Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
I am also a Member of the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) and the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP).
LINDA DENNIS
Chartered Physiotherapist,
HCPC Registered
BSc Hons Physiotherapy and MSc Science of Sports Injuries
CSP No. 63779
HCPC No. PH58524
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Like Helen, I grew up with physiotherapy. My Mum was also a physio; retiring in her mid-70s after over 50 years of practice. I like to think that her passion for the profession rubbed off on me.
I did not train to be a Physiotherapist straight from school. I did a degree in Natural Sciences at Clare College, Cambridge University followed by a degree in Physiotherapy at King’s College London, graduating in 2000.
I spent my early years as a physiotherapist working in various NHS settings in London, Dorset and Cambridge before leaving the NHS to be the physiotherapist for the Cambridge Boat Race squad. This was perfect for me being a Cambridge Blue in rowing myself. I also worked with other elite athletes in the Cambridge area with my role as the Cambridge Physiotherapist for the English Institute of Sport. Alongside all of this, I ran a private practice at the University Boat Club premises and completed an MSc in the Science of Sports Injury at Manchester Metropolitan University. I started working for Prestons Health in 2015 and have enjoyed seeing a wider scope of patients although I still very much enjoy managing sports injuries.
Every patient and every injury is different; physiotherapy treatment needs to be carefully tailored to each patient with a holistic view to recovery. I enjoy using my analytical mind to work out the cause of the problem and the best treatment strategy for each individual patient. I firmly believe that the role of a physiotherapist includes not only treating the current problem, but preventing recurrence too. I use a wide variety of techniques including joint mobilisations, soft-tissue work, exercises, acupuncture, taping, shockwave therapy, education and advice.
Professional Memberships
I am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), and registered on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I am also a member of the Acupuncture association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), and the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (OCPPP, Physiofirst).
Zak Rudman
Chartered Physiotherapist
HCPC Registered PH 125147
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy HCPC number
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Specialising in Musculoskeletal Therapy, Sports Injuries, and Rehabilitation
He graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2021 with first-class honours, receiving two prestigious Dean’s Prizes for excellence in the field. Since then, Zak has gained extensive experience across multiple NHS disciplines, including Musculoskeletal Therapy (MSK), Neurology, and Respiratory Medicine. His experience is further complemented by work in private practice, where he continues to specialise in MSK therapy, helping patients in pain recover to lead confidently in their daily lives or sporting activities.
Zak is committed to delivering outstanding care tailored to each individual’s needs. He takes a comprehensive approach to treatment by addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of pain. This empowers his patients to take control of their health and make lasting improvements. Whether it’s sports injuries, rehabilitation, diagnostic assessments, or chronic pain (such as lower back pain), Zak is dedicated to helping his patients feel confident in their movement and achieve their desired results.
Zak believes in a hands-on approach to treatment, combining manual therapy with targeted rehabilitation exercises and personalised coaching to optimise recovery and performance. His approach has proven effective in treating a wide range of conditions, ensuring patients not only recover but also thrive. Zak is also trained on the delivery of Shockwave Therapy and is an advocate for this treatment modality.
A passionate advocate for an active lifestyle, Zak has been involved in high level sport throughout his life. This is a specific area of interest. His personal dedication to fitness and his passion for working with athletes makes him particularly skilled in treating patients from sports backgrounds.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to enhance your physical performance, Zak provides the expertise and care to help you achieve your goals and return to doing what you love.
RAHANNA GRIFFIN
Chartered Physiotherapist,
HCPC Registered
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Specialising in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation.
I graduated with a First-Class degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Birmingham in 2021 and began my career at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust as a Junior Rotational Physiotherapist. During this time, I gained invaluable experience across a range of specialties, including neurology, cardiorespiratory care, reablement, and elderly care.
I then chose to specialise in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and took on a static MSK outpatient role at my local community hospital. Alongside this, I’ve had the privilege of working with both men’s and women’s professional and local football teams, providing sport-specific rehabilitation, and supporting athletes in their return-to-play journeys.
My passion for musculoskeletal physiotherapy drives me to deliver the highest standard of care, always ensuring my patients feel listened to, understood, and empowered. I take a holistic approach to treatment, tailoring each plan to meet individual needs. With extensive experience in managing a wide variety of MSK conditions, I have a particular clinical interest in the foot and ankle, as well as a deep expertise in ACL injury rehabilitation—especially within professional sports..
My treatment methods are evidence-based and diverse, incorporating manual therapy, targeted rehabilitation exercises, and, when appropriate, Shockwave Therapy. I am committed to helping you recover from injury, manage persistent pain, or simply gain a deeper understanding of your body.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, working through chronic pain, or aiming to enhance your performance, I’m confident that I can support you in achieving your goals and getting back to doing what you love.
Professional Memberships
Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP)
Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Phil Young
Sports & Remedial
Massage Practitioner
Sports Massage level 4
Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage (ISRM): 964
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Sports massage a second career post RAF service, I graduated from the London School of Sports Massage in Feb 2005.
Working in an ethical and patient focus regime, patients well being is my prime focus. Dedicated to further training, I have enjoyed my learning experience to become a versatile and effective Sports and Remedial Massage Practitioner.
Brought up in Hull, I became a competitive athlete in 1973 aged 14, starting with sprints and graduating up to an endurance runner. I joined the RAF in 1976 as an avionics tech and serve 29 years, retiring in Nov 2005. The highlight of my RAF career was my 16 years, maintaining Search and Rescue Sea King Helicopters at RAF Boulmer, Leconfield and Valley. Post RAF, I retrained at the London School of Sports Massage to my present profession, graduating in Feb 2005.
I joined Prestons in Jan 2006, started a learning experience that has seen me progress to a competent professional Therapist. I still get a buzz from seeing some body shuffle in the treatment room in discomfort and walk out a new person.
I am dedicated to expanding my toolbox of soft tissue techniques and see myself as more than a sports massage therapist, advanced techniques covered include, myofascial release techniques, positional release, active isolated stretching to name a few.
I see myself as patient focused and will not hesitate to refer a patient on to my physiotherapist colleagues when I feel my skills are not the answer, this attribute I am particularly proud if.
Outside of work I still train, but don’t compete much now and in recent years. I am a qualified athletics coach, but time restraints prevent me looking after a group, but assist coaching sprinters at Hunts A.C. I follow football and support Cambridge United and attend home and away matches.
Sophie Buckmaster
Sports & Remedial Massage Practitioner, Level 5
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I grew up in Oxfordshire a very sporty active child who was involved in all the teams and all the sports, always outside exploring, climbing trees, riding bikes or in the summer months on the river. I qualified as a sports masseuse back in 2004 alongside a fitness career and after 15 years in the business I took the plunge and furthered my knowledge by qualifying as a Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapist in 2013.
I have always gravitated towards rehabilitation and trying to understand what’s causing the problem not just where hurts or what’s injured. Massage therapy and rehabilitation were what excited me more than helping people to ‘get fit’ and managing the day to day running of a gym, as much as I loved my team, I was ready for a new challenge. I qualified with the Oxford School of Sports Massage through the ISRM and the rest is history.
Since 2015 I have worked with The Cambridge School of Sports Massage (ISRM) as an assistant tutor, delivering their Level 5 Diploma course in soft tissue therapy. Along side that I have run my own clinics in Oxfordshire and Norfolk before moving to Stamford in 2019.
Throughout the year I work with different charities on their events to provide massage support to the participants, ranging from Marathons, Triathlon’s and London to Paris bike rides. I love the buzz of the events and the people you meet from all walks of life and coming together as a team to support and encourage everyone, the positivity and motivation is simply infectious.
When I am not at work, I am Mum to two wonderful children who keep me on my toes constantly, as a family we love to explore nature and be active as much as we can.
Rachel Baker
Chartered Physiotherapist,
HCPC Registered
Bachelors in Sport and Exercise Science,
Masters in Rehabilitation Science (Physiotherapy)
HCPC No. PH114787
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After representing GB in the 2012 World Triathlon Championships, I was involved in a pretty serious cycling accident which required physiotherapy to get me back on track. I’d been working as a personal trainer before this for several years, yet once I’d started with my physio, I immediately realised what I was born to do; become a specialist in musculoskeletal physiotherapy!
I have a real passion for sports and exercise and my favourite thing to do is to encourage others to find their own sporting passion! Educating people on how best to approach activities and build strength is key to prevent them from getting injured in the first place. However, accidents do happen, so learning how to actively manage pain and injuries is a key part of what I do.
EXPERIENCE:
Most recently working as a paediatric physiotherapist for the NHS in London, I now specialise in paediatric musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Although, I do genuinely enjoy working with patients of all ages with musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries.
I love the challenge of getting to the route of a problem, and then formulating a holistic treatment plan to achieve lasting outcomes. By considering key factors and current lifestyle choices I help to create collaborative goals and work with the patient to achieve them. I always integrate advice and education alongside any physical treatments, such as exercise prescription, manual therapy techniques (mobilisation, manipulation and soft tissue techniques) and taping.
My journey to becoming a physiotherapist started with a Batchelors degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Bath, graduating in 2009. I worked in the fitness industry for several years, primarily as a personal trainer, whilst publishing articles for cycling and fitness magazines. After my injury, I decided to pursue a career in Physiotherapy. I completed my Masters in Rehabilitation Science (Physiotherapy) at The University of Brighton, with my final year dissertation project being published in a scientific journal. I then went on to work for the NHS in a variety of settings, specialising in paediatric physiotherapy and working on the intensive care units during the Covid-19 pandemic.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR:
As mentioned before, I am incredibly enthusiastic about health and fitness and love competition in all its forms. I have always participated in sport and exercise, from representing England in Rounders to playing Hockey for the South of England and the University of Bath. I have a passion for running, not only for fitness and competition, but for my own mental health and wellbeing. I have competed in many distances from 800m up to the marathon, representing my county (Surrey) along the way. My current focus is once again back on triathlon training; I have recently started competing in half Ironman distances, with the aim of competing again for GB.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
I am a Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
I am also a Member of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP).
testimonials
I’ve been treated twice now at Preston’s for different issues and two different physios. Both times I’ve been listened to, helped, supported and encouraged. Both times I’ve had a really positive benefit for my injuries. If necessary I’ll be back but in the meantime if you’re looking for a very professional physio team Prestons Health is the place to go.
Jane Robinson
Visit Our Peterborough Physiotherapy Clinic
Our main clinic location is within David Lloyd Club in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough with a satellite clinic in Oundle School (students and staff only). Please contact us on 01733 565911 for more information on our clinic times & locations.
David Lloyd Club
Prestons Health,
Address: David Lloyd Club, Business Park,
Thorpe Wood, Longthorpe,
Peterborough PE3 6SR, United Kingdom
Phone Number: +44 1733 565911
Oundle School
Address: School Sports Centre,
Oundle, Milton Rd, Oundle,
Peterborough PE8 4AB, United Kingdom
Phone Number: +44 1733 565911
Please contact our main site for appointments and further information.
get in touch
Telephone
01733 565911
Email
admin@prestonshealth.co.uk
Opening Hours
Monday : 8.15 - 8.30pm
Tuesday : 8.15 - 6pm
Wednesday : 8.15 - 8pm
Thursday : 8.15 - 6pm
Friday : 8.15 - 6pm
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