Meet the team
Anna Higo
Physiocure® Director
MCSP. MHCPC. AACP. MSOMM
Chartered Physiotherapist
Member of the Health & Care Professions Council
Anna completed her BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool and became a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1997. After graduating, Anna worked within the NHS until 2000 when she moved into the private sector, specializing in sports injuries and musculoskeletal problems. She also has had experience in lecturing to third year physiotherapy students at Huddersfield University as a guest lecturer for three years.
Anna regularly undertakes specialist post-graduate training, keeping up to date with current treatment techniques and research. Her treatment techniques include acupuncture, muscle imbalance, trigger point therapy, connective tissue manipulation and myofascial release, joint mobilisations, sports massage and pilates.
Her specialist areas are the shoulder, spinal care, hyper mobility and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.
She become involved with HSD and hEDS after suffering with a poorly understood illness herself during pregnancy. This gave 9 months of being, and feeling, incredibly isolated. Many of the HSD and hEDS community too have these issues. Invisible illness can lead to much more than physical symptoms and the mental strain can take its toll. Supporting such individuals has made Anna strive to understand and gain knowledge of HSD and hEDS. It also helps that her husband is on the HSD and some of her family!!
Anna also started a graduated strength training and fitness programme (written by Tom of course!) in 2017 and has just started to do the Couch to 5K. She used to sprint competitively at school and never dreamt in her mid forties she would be back to running! The strength work has enabled this and lifting weights is fabulous if done correctly.
Working alongside her husband Tom has given her a wealth of knowledge on strength training and the importance of it in everyday life and injury rehabilitation.
Eliza Gold (nee Burrell)
MCSP. MHCPC. AACP
Chartered Physiotherapist
Member of the Health & Care Professions Council
Eliza is a Chartered Physiotherapist who qualified in 2003. She has been part of the Physiocure Team since 2007, and has additionally worked in the NHS and within private hospitals with in-patients and out-patients. Eliza sees a lot of patients with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder alongside her specialist work with pelvic, hip and spinal patients. She is also a Women’s Health Specialist Physiotherapist. She embarked on her post-graduate training in this field after the birth of her son, 6 years ago. Eliza completed the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy Society (POGP) course on Female Urinary Dysfunction and has become an affiliate member of the POGP. This ensures she stays up to date with research and best practice. Eliza is very good at supporting ladies in their goal to improve their pelvic floor and urinary continence and enjoys seeing the benefits in quality of life that this often brings.
Eliza has completed her Musculoskeletal Medicine modules A-C and has also been working towards her Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal Masters at Bradford University and has completed her Spinal Module and her Independent Studies Module looking at the research for Physiotherapy treatment after Total Hip Replacements. To further this work, Eliza has also attended many hip conferences including the International Hip Arthroscopy conference for Surgeons and Physiotherapists in Cambridge (ISHA) in 2015 and also attended the International ISHA conference in Madrid in 2019 and has worked closely with Louise Grant, Hip Physio for over 10 years. Eliza is experienced in helping adults with Femoro-acetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) and with adults with Hip Dysplasia (DDH). She has helped many patients who have had had or are preparing for Hip Arthroscopy, Peri-Acetabular Osteotomy and Hip Replacement Surgery.
Eliza is a friendly, kind, compassionate Physiotherapist who loves her work and is experienced in seeing patients with chronic pain and complex health problems. She is skilled with ‘hands-on’ manual therapy techniques, acupuncture, exercise, pilates, and advice; using a holistic approach to her treatment. She has completed an Aromatherapy Diploma to study the benefits of aromatherapy oils and their uses within Physiotherapy treatment. Eliza is a busy Mum to her children and enjoys running and yoga in her spare time.
Nicola Francis
MCSP. MHCPC. ACPSM, AACP
Chartered Physiotherapist
Member of the Health & Care Professions Council
Nicola is a highly experienced Chartered Physiotherapist who qualified in 1994 and developed a special interest in musculoskeletal conditions, such as the spine, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, lower limb problems and sports injuries.
The last 30 years has seen Nicola working in a variety of settings including the NHS, private hospitals, sports injury clinics and RAF Leeming; seeing in-patients and out-patients. She treats a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders which include spinal, shoulder, elbow problems in addition to her lower limb work, and sees many patients who have been referred to Physiocure by their Orthopaedic and Spinal Consultants or Sports Medicine Doctors.
Nicky regularly attends post graduate courses to keep up to date on current research and treatment techniques to further enhance her knowledge including injury assessment and advice, acupuncture, trigger point and myofascial therapy, McKenzie spinal techniques, muscle imbalance assessment and treatment, pilates, joint mobilisations, postural problems, taping, and soft tissue therapy/massage.
Nicky has attended numerous hip conferences including Glasgow ISHA 2022 (International Society for Hip Preservation) and Cambridge ISHA 2015 and sees many patients who are preparing for or recovering from hip arthroscopy surgery, hip replacements, hip re-surfacing, peri-acetabular osteotomies; and those who wish to manage hip conditions without surgery. Nicky has worked as a Physio on our Hip Team since 2016.
As a keen runner (for over 40 years) her specialist areas of interest are the management of lower limb injuries and lower limb biomechanics, however, Nicola adopts a whole-body approach to her evaluation of musculo-skeletal problems, looking at and addressing, also upper limb and spinal components. She works closely with her local athletics club, officiates for The Northern Athletics Association and has extensive personal experience in endurance events having completed several marathons and half marathons. Other interests include skiing, resistance training, yoga and cycling.
Matt is a registered Sports and Exercise therapist, qualifying in 2010 from Leeds Metropolitan (now Beckett) University. He has been part of the Physiocure team for over 10 years and attends training courses and conferences with the Physiotherapy team. The last conference being Glasgow ISHA 2022 (International Society for Hip Preservation) which specialises in the field of hip arthroscopy, peri-acetabular osteotomy, femoro-acetabular impingement, hip dysplasia. Surgeons, Physiotherapists and Allied Health Professionals join together at these events to share and discuss research and current practice. Through his work with Physiocure and the orthopaedic surgery cases we see, this has enabled Matt to observe hip operations in theatre with local hip Surgeons.
Alongside his work at Physiocure, he works as a Sports Therapist with Leeds Rhinos Rugby Team, prior to this he was Head Therapist for Bradford Bulls. Matt is additionally a lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, teaching future therapist's skills and knowledge. This environment allows Matt to keep up to date with the latest research and treatments techniques allowing his treatment to be current and well backed with research.
With an MSc and BSc under his belt, Matt has worked in international, professional and amateur rugby union and league including England Rugby League senior squad, Leeds Rhinos, Great Britain Academicals and pioneers as well as West Leeds RUFC and Leeds Beckett rugby league.
In these roles, Matt has learned valuable skills such as injury diagnosis, prevention and management as well as pre and post event treatment. Treatment modalities such as deep tissue massage, acupuncture, ice massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy, electrotherapy, taping and exercise prescription are some of the techniques deployed.
Matt has also been on 4 international tours including South Africa and Australia, and has also been involved with the North Queensland Cowboys (Australian NRL rugby league team) during the world club challenge which they subsequently became World Champions.
Matt's main passion when it comes to treatment is releasing tightness in muscles, aiming to improve posture, eliminate tension of specific muscle groups as well as dissipating aches and pains. Aches such as lower back ache as well as headaches and migraines are two of the common problems Matt treats with great success.
Matt has 2 roles at Physiocure® -
1. Sports Therapist – assessment of injury and treatment which may include manual therapy, soft tissue release massage techniques, electrotherapy, taping and exercise prescription (£70 for 60 mins or £40 for 30 mins)
2. Sports Masseur – massage (£50 for 60 mins, £25 for 30 mins). This service does not include injury assessment/treatment/advice. If this is required, please book in for a Sports Therapy session with Matt.
Claire Shepherd
MCSP. MHCPC
Chartered Physiotherapist
Member of the Health & Care Professions Council
Sports Masseur
Claire has been part of the Physiocure® team since 2019. She works part-time around her work at the local hospital.
She has a BSc Hons Degree in Physiotherapy from Leeds Beckett University. This is her second Degree, the first being in Sport and Exercise Science from Sheffield Hallam, in which she also gained sports massage and soft tissue therapy qualifications.
Following her Physiotherapy Degree, Claire has worked full-time firstly at Bradford NHS Trust and now at Leeds NHS Trust.
She is a keen runner, hockey player and has enjoyed coaching children at multi-sports activities through Kings Camps UK in the past.
Claire has 2 roles at Physiocure® -
1. Physiotherapist – assessment of injury and treatment which may include manual therapy, soft tissue release massage techniques, electrotherapy, taping and exercise prescription (£75 for 60 mins or £40 for 30 mins)
2. Sports Masseur – massage (£50 for 60 mins, £25 for 30 mins). This service does not include injury assessment/treatment/advice.
Personal Trainers
Physiocure works alongside Tom Higo, Physical /Injury Rehabilitation Trainer and his team of Pilates, Strength Trainers, Personal Trainers and Corrective Exercise Specialists – also known as FITCURE. They are located in Bramhope, Leeds, a short drive from the Physiocure clinic, Cookridge, Leeds. Bookings to see the FITCURE team can be made through their website, where you can also view their profiles and find out more - click here.
Thomas qualified as a personal trainer in 2006 and has since developed a passion for the human body by regularly undertaking courses in exercise and nutrition. From the first one-to-one consultation he will be on hand, whenever you need advice, assistance, support, encouragement, or just a friendly ear.
Thomas has qualifications in BTEC National Certificate in Sports Performance and Excellence, CYQ Level 3 Personal Trainer, Level 3 Exercise and Weight Management, Level 3 Training Children and Adolescents, Level 3 Swiss Ball and Precision Nutrition Certified Nutritionist, UKSCA Foundation Spin Instructor.
In addition to the above qualifications, Tom has studied Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation (DNS), movement pattern assessment and correction strategies along with Postural Restoration approaches. He also keeps up to date with current research and techniques from all over the world and has been invited to present his specialist work with hip patients to Chartered Physiotherapists, Surgeons and Sports Doctors on many occasions.
Being married to Anna, our hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Specialist (hEDS) Physio, Tom has also developed an interest in this area with the aim to help people find solutions to exercising, gaining strength and improving function. Tom and his team will liaise with the Physios at Physiocure to guide them on the most appropriate way to help a patient/client.
Tom himself is Hypermobile, has Hip Dysplasia (DDH) and has had his own experience in recovering from Orthopaedic Surgery.
You can contact Tom directly on 07530 660530.
Psychotherapy/Hypnotherapy
With over 10 years' experience as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist I am passionate about enabling my clients to overcome their issues and to find coping strategies to assist them in being able to live their lives to the full.
I generally work with adults, offering a safe confidential space to explore specific needs. I utilise both Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Clinical Hypnotherapy for a wide range of issues, offering a holistic approach with each client, for both short term and longer term issues. Some clients come to work with me on specific issues for a series of weeks, whilst others continue working with me on more complex issues for several months or even years.
I have experience working with clients presenting issues such as, but not limited to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Panic Attacks
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Illness
- Anger Management
- Family Conflict
- Bereavement
- Loss
- Grief
- Fears and Phobias
- Self-Defeating Behaviours
- Career Guidance
- Relationships
- Divorce
- Coping Skills
- Fears and Phobias
- Life Coaching
- Life Transitions
- Self Esteem
- Trauma
- Weight Loss
Qualifications
- Registered Accredited Membership: National Counselling Society - Registered Member
- Advanced Diploma: Psychotherapy and Psychotherapeutic Counselling
- Advanced Diploma: Clinical Hypnotherapy
- Registered Accredited Membership: The General Hypnotherapy Society (GHSR)
- NLP Diploma
- Life Coaching
What can you expect from therapy? The answer is of course unique to each person, but I meet with every client for an initial consultation to enable me to understand their, needs and expectations and to determine a treatment plan. This is followed by individual therapy dependent upon the client's ongoing needs.
I recognise, as academic research consistently shows, that hypnosis is a psychotherapeutic tool, not a therapy in itself.
I blend Hypnosis with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and Counselling Skills. I find by using this approach, I am able to tailor sessions to the individual needs of the client.
If you have any questions or would like to contact me you can email me on susan.roe@btinternet.com, or call 07720 274326.
Jo Mugan
BSc (Hons) Podiatry. MHCPC
Musculoskeletal Podiatrist
Member of the Health & Care Professions Council
Jo Mugan has over 20 years experience of working as a podiatrist within the NHS and private sector. For the last 18 years she has specialised in the field of Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Podiatry and for the last 12 years she has further specialised in the assessment and treatment of children (Podopeadiatrics) whilst continuing to treat adult patients. Jo has previously worked as Biomechanics Team Leader and more latterly, the lead paediatric podiatrist for Leeds North West PCT and Harrogate and District Foundation Trust providing support for Podiatrists across North Yorkshire. She has spoken at many society branch meetings and also represented her profession at national conferences on the subject of podopaediatrics and recently contributed to the College of Podiatry’s new guidelines on Children’s Podiatry. Jo continues to be one of a small number of highly specialised podiatrists in the UK experienced in the treatment of orthopaedic, developmental and inflammatory conditions specific to children and has a special interest in hypermobility spectrum disorder. Jo remains committed to her own ongoing professional development, providing evidence based treatments where possible and getting the best result for her patients regardless of their age or mobility.
In her free time Jo enjoys spending time with her family and their dog and keeping fit.
Jo aims to provide bespoke Podiatry treatments for the whole family ranging from the assessment of a child with an unusual walking pattern to the athlete suffering with recurring foot/lower limb pain during activity. The feet have a large influence on the rest of the body as they are the foundation on which we stand and walk. Many musculoskeletal aches and pains therefore can be caused or made worse by feet that aren’t functioning correctly. Podiatry intervention depends on numerous factors i.e. the developmental stage of the foot, activity level, footwear etc. Successful Podiatry treatments may include, advice and reassurance, footwear advice/modification, exercise programmes, taping, mobilisation/manipulation, functional/accommodative foot orthoses (insoles) and silicone splinting. Effective treatment aims to reduce or resolve symptoms whenever possible, reduce the risk of future injury/deformity and promote mobility for all.
Exercise has always been a passion of mine, starting from playing hockey, netball and rounders at school, to joining my local gym after having my second baby where I discovered my love for group exercise. So much so, that after baby’s 3&4 I decided to embark on a journey which has now lasted almost 20 years! First, I qualified in the YMCA exercise to music level 2, followed by aqua exercise to music level 2 and with this I began teaching at local private health clubs in 1999 when my youngest 2 children started school. I wanted to push myself further and take on a new challenge so in 2003 I qualified as a Body Balance instructor with distinction, I have never looked back since!
Teaching Group exercise is so rewarding and seeing people progress with fitness, strength and flexibility is a wonderful feeling. I am a big believer in 'if you don’t use it you lose it' and even if you can only manage a little, it's good.
I have had first-hand experience with recovery from hip surgery with my daughter undergoing 2 lots of hip surgery in 2015, where her surgery meant that she was unable to weight bare. Jodie undertook hydrotherapy and physiotherapy under the care of the Physiocure team. Taking part in hydrotherapy meant she could achieve so much more in the water than on dry land and this helped her immensely, seeing the effects of the hydrotherapy was amazing.
In 2017 I myself underwent a hip replacement after suffering with hip pain for a long time. My daughter was an inspiration to me and I aimed to follow her steps in my recovery, staying positive along the way. Getting in the water after surgery was just amazing and I believe that this was significant to my recovery, as well as the full support of the Physiocure team.
I am excited to share my experiences and the benefits of hydrotherapy with other patients and see them progress and develop. And to top it off, I will be working with such an inspirational team of people at Physiocure, it doesn’t get any better than that!
Suzannah Jones
MCSP. MHCPC. AACP
Chartered Physiotherapist
Member of the Health & Care Professions Council
Suzannah qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2003 and is currently working towards her Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine. She works as a senior physiotherapist in the NHS and covers evening sessions at Physiocure®. Suzannah has completed postgraduate courses in acupuncture and pilates and specializes in treating patients with musculoskeletal problems. Suzannah is a hand and wrist specialist Physiotherapist in the NHS and brings these valuable skills and experience into her private practice work at Physiocure®.
Louise Grant
Former Physiocure® Director
Medically retired
Former Chartered Physiotherapist (1992-2023)
Former Member of the Health & Care Professions Council (1992-2023)
Louise has had to medically retire due to permanent health problems and is no longer the co-owner of Physiocure. Louise would like to thank the Physiocure Team for all their support, especially over the last few years. She looks back fondly over the 30 years she practised as a Physiotherapist and feels grateful to the patients she met and colleagues she learnt from and formed great friendships with.
Louise qualified in 1992 from Bradford School of Physiotherapy, and then worked for 8 years in the NHS progressing to the level of senior physiotherapist in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic specialities. She has worked in private practice physiotherapy since 1998; setting up Physiocure® with business partner Anna Higo in the year 2000.
Louise was the Chief Physiotherapist for the England Sport Jujitsu Squad (1998- 2021), treating fighters in both national and international competitions. From 2000-2005 she provided physiotherapy support to elite tennis players from the Lawn Tennis Association.
Louise completed her Post-graduate Acupuncture training in 1997 and post-graduate training in kinetic control/movement science, modules in musculo-skeletal medicine, muscle imbalance, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques (MET), manipulation, sports injuries, sports massage and many other joint and soft tissue manual 'hands-on' techniques. In 2005, she qualified as a 'Modern Pilates' instructor.
Since 2009, Louise worked predominantly with hip patients, attending specialist training and conferences. She worked with hip surgeons and doctors from all around England seeing their specialist patients. Further information about her past role as a Specialist Hip Chartered Physiotherapist can be found on our hip information page.
In 2012, Louise completed a postgraduate certificate in Health Research at Leeds University with Merit and following this completed a further Masters Degree in Musculoskeletal Medicine (formerly known as Orthopaedic Medicine), gaining an MSc with Merit in 2015. This qualification encompassed qualifications to become an Advanced Practitioner in Musculoskeletal Medicine and a research module and dissertation where Louise carried out research in the field of hip arthroscopy and physiotherapy.
Louise has had her original research published in 2017 in the Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery and went on to disseminate her research at Professor Damian Griffin's conference 'Sports Hip 2018' and also at 'The International Society For Hip Arthroscopy Annual Scientific Meeting 2018' (ISHA) in Melbourne, Australia.
Louise's past publications can be found on Research Gate here.
Louise was one of the founding members of the ISHA Physiotherapy Committee (International Society For Hip Arthroscopy) with Amir Takla, Mike Voight, Keelan Enseki and David Kohlrieser, and was a well-known speaker at ISHA conferences from 2015-2020.