We are delighted to welcome new physio, Victoria McIntyre, who recently joined our clinical team.
Originally from Scotland, Victoria has a strong football background. Before moving to England, she spent five years at Hamilton Academical Football Club, rising to Head of Physiotherapy. Over the past five years, Victoria has been a physiotherapist at AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC and lectured at Solent University. She is a committee member of the Football Medicine & Performance Association.
We spoke to Victoria to find out a bit more about why she became a physio and what patients can expect from her care:
Victoria, when did you first become interested in health and wellbeing?
“It wasn’t so much that I became interested – it was a fundamental part of my upbringing. My Mum was a paediatric intensive care nurse and worked in what was then the Glasgow Sick Children’s Hospital. I remember her taking me to work to donate my old toys to the little boys and girls who were in hospital and feeling so lucky that I was healthy. Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors, especially hill-walking with my grandparents. As I got older, I enjoyed the feeling of training hard, running, swimming and training in the gym. I knew that health and wellbeing were linked and could make a real difference to both my life and the lives of others.”
What made you want to become a physio?
“I wanted a career that was based around medicine. Of the options available, physiotherapy seemed to suit me best. I liked the idea of the different disciplines within physiotherapy and the variety of career pathways I could pursue. I have certainly made the most of that variety, working in the NHS, at football clubs, private healthcare clinics and in universities to train the next generation of physiotherapists.”
What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?
“Being able to help people every single day. It’s a privilege to work in healthcare and one that I never take for granted.”
What’s the most memorable case you’ve ever treated?
“Each case is memorable for different reasons. The patients that really stick out in my memory have nothing to do with their injury or their rehabilitation but have left a mark on me because of their personal journey. A great mentor of mine says “I haven’t treated any injuries. Lots of people who have injuries, but never any injuries.” He is a very wise man.”
Why did you choose to come and join the Bridge Health & Wellbeing team?
“I worked for Steve Hard at AFC Bournemouth and value his opinion very highly. He was very complimentary about the Bridge Health & Wellbeing clinic. When I came to chat to Paul and Louise about working here, I loved the rehab space and the ability to support patients post-discharge with access to the onsite Pilates classes. It felt like a really joined-up approach, with client care at the heart.”
“We are delighted to welcome Victoria to our team. She brings a real wealth of knowledge to our clinic. Victoria can treat all musculoskeletal issues but has a special interest in breathing and its effect on performance. Her football expertise will be useful to the players from Weymouth Football Club that will be visiting us for treatment as part of our health and wellbeing partnership.”
Paul O’Connell, co-founder and lead physiotherapist at Bridge Health & Wellbeing
Book your appointment with Victoria or any of our physio team today online or give us a call on 01202 473800. Our friendly team of health and wellbeing experts in Christchurch, Dorset are here to help.
