Core Rehab: Neurophysio & Pilates

Kate Watts:

I qualified from the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff in 2001 as a Chartered Physiotherapist. Since then I have gained invaluable and extensive experience working across two large teaching hospitals in Bristol as well as abroad in Sydney, Australia. In 2004 I began to specialise in neuro-physiotherapy and I have treated a range of clients with complex neurological conditions including Traumatic Brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke. I have held a number of senior clinical positions throughout my career, with my most recent post working as a specialist physiotherapist for a community stroke and neuro team.

I am passionate about providing evidence based practice and have attended a number of post graduate courses to expand my skills. I have completed my Pilates training with the APPI and able to teach Pilates to an advanced level. I practice Pilates myself and have been amazed by the difference the discipline has made to my own posture, core stability and body awareness. I often combine physiotherapy with Pilates and enjoy modifying the exercises to keep it interesting and accessible for anyone.

Zoe Ferris:

I qualified from University of Brighton in 2005 as a Chartered Physiotherapist.

My passion has always been neuro-rehabilitation and helping people to achieve their potential. Within my career I have had the opportunity to work in varying neuro-rehabilitation units such as the Welsh Spinal Rehabilitation Unit, and numerous Stroke Rehab Units across The South West and Wales. I lived in New Zealand for two years and managed a private inpatient physiotherapy service for a Specialist Head Injury Unit, where I had the opportunity to be trained in advanced Bobath Concepts by one of the top leading Bobath Tutors. This concept has greatly influenced my clinical practice and how I treat any neurological conditions in my work.

One of the key concepts I value the most is to allow clients to be able to problem solve and feel the functional movements themselves through hands-on facilitation, becoming more aware of where their body is in space. I have found that Pilates supports this concept in making you more posturally aware of your body and being able to activate your core muscles in everyday activities. I am a strong believer in listening carefully to what clients feel and want from their rehab, and developing their rehab plans in a partnership together.