All of our team associates are Chartered Physiotherapists, HPCP registered and have enhanced CRB checks. Physio4kids & Young Adults associates are hand picked advanced practitioners. As a team we have a diversity of skills and expertise which enables us to draw upon each others knowledge in order to provide a wide range of treatment
Lynda Pedley – Director (Chartered Physiotherapist)
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurological Injury
Lynda Pedley established Physio4kids in 2003, an independent Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapy service for children and young adults.
As a Chartered Clinical Physiotherapy Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology, Lynda has developed a highly professional team of specialist physiotherapists covering major areas of the UK.
Her passion and enthusiasm means she enjoys the challenge of running a busy independent practice. Having graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital in London, Lynda practiced as a paediatric physiotherapist in both the NHS and independent sectors. She has a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of paediatrics but has a particular interest in neurology and acquired brain injury.
Lynda is a consultant for clients with acquired brain injury living in the community; evaluating assessments and therapy provision for those who have not reached their expected goals. Lynda also acts as a consultant to other therapy teams with particular complex cases of clients with acquired brain injury.
Bobath trained and member of Medico-Legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.
Lynda has also published articles and lectures on a regular basis.
In her spare time, Lynda loves horse riding and spending time with family.
Emma Housham – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Emma Housham qualified from Leeds University in 1996 and now has over 21 years experience working as a Chartered Physiotherapist. Emma’s specialist areas are Paediatrics and Neurological Rehabilitation.
Prior to working in the private sector Emma had many years experience working within a variety of specialist areas within the NHS. This included acute rehabilitation, care of complex need clients within the community, provision of therapy in special schools and working in clinics alongside respiratory and orthopaedic surgeons. Emma also managed a large multi-disciplinary team of therapists.
Since beginning work in the private sector in 2010 Emma has continued to work with a varied caseload of both children and young adults and she specialises in the rehabilitation of clients with profound and complex needs. Emma has developed a particular interest in working with clients following Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injury and has undertaken numerous post-graduate training courses in this area.
Emma has extensive experience of working on Medico-Legal cases and really enjoys working as part of the larger team to ensure that clients reach their potential.
Richard Chester – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Richard graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2004 and has been a Paediatric Physiotherapist since 2008.
Richard has worked with a varied caseload of both children and young adults and specialises in Paediatrics and Neurology.
He has a wide range of experience of working with children with genetic syndromes and mild learning/physical disabilities right through to children with the most severe and complex disabilities.
Richard was responsible for the running of physiotherapy with the first one, and latterly, two special schools in Nottingham and worked closely with families and members of the wider MDT.
He has a ‘hands on’ holistic approach to therapy with a special interest in hydrotherapy and rebound therapy. He also has a wealth of experience of assistive equipment such as standing frames and night time positioning systems etc.
Richard is passionate about enabling children to reach their full developmental potential.
Amy Fillingham – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Amy qualified from Teesside University in 2006. Amy has 13 years of experience as a chartered physiotherapist within the NHS, and has started working privately this year. Amy specialises in Paediatrics and Neurology. She is experienced working with a varied caseload from musculoskeletal, mild learning and physical disabilities, to complex cerebral palsy, stroke and acquired brain injury. Amy also works with children whom present with hypermobility, genetic diagnosis, pain and development delay.
Amy enjoys working closely with families and their children whom are affected by disability. Amy is a specialist in assessing how posture, muscles, muscle tone and gait impact on pain and daily living activities. Amy is passionate for clients to reach their full potential and to be able to participate in activities they enjoy. She uses a variety of assessment and treatment techniques, including the Bobath approach, gait analysis and posture management. Amy uses her extensive past experience to provide equipment assessments to manage posture and promote mobility. Amy enjoys collaborating and working within a multi disciplinary team, to provide client centered care.
Amy is passionate that all children receive the same excellent case, from mild presentations to complex cases. Amy works hard on preventing joint and gait disorders, and believes every child, at any level, deserves a complete package of care.
Amy practices Yoga regularly and loves spending quality time with her family, including fun activities with her children.
Dr Pauline Christmas –
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Pauline loves working with children and their families which is why she continues to practice as a physiotherapist specialising in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy which she has done for over 35 years.
Since 2006, this has included practising as the only NHS consultant physiotherapist in the management of spasticity in children. This clinical expertise has been augmented by postgraduate training. In 2002, an MSc examined a screening tool for CP in the high-risk population and, in 2016, a PhD investigated constraint induced movement therapy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy which was published in Clinical Rehabilitation in 2018. In recognition of an exceptional contribution to the advancement of paediatric physiotherapy, she received a Fellowship of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists in 2019.
The combined clinical experience and post-graduate training has equipped and enabled education of other health professionals in the treatment of CP. This has been conducted primarily through the development of courses for therapists. Furthermore, there has been an extensive portfolio of national and international presentations.
Claire Sower – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Claire is highly experienced with 17 years as a paediatric physiotherapist including 8 years working at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and has been with Physio4Kids for 10 years this year.
Claire is an accredited Bobath Therapist and is trained to use functional electrical stimulation (FES) with her patients. Claire utilises a wide variety of treatment modalities including hydrotherapy and riding for the disabled. She has recently completed courses in myofascial techniques and an introduction to Maes Therapy.
Claire is currently on the National APCP (Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists) Executive Committee. She has also just completed two years as the Chair of the West Midlands Association of the APCP.
Claire is committed to professional development and provides training to carers and schools. Claire also interviews prospective physiotherapy students at Birmingham University.
Lisa Brassington – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Lisa qualified in 1996 and has 23 years of experience working as a Physiotherapist. She specialised in Paediatrics in 1998 as she felt passionate about helping children and their families.
For many years Lisa worked within an extensive and experienced multi-disciplinary team in the NHS, specialising in the assessment and treatment of all childhood developmental disorders. Lisa now works full time in the private sector and has been with Physio4Kids & Young Adults since 2016. Lisa works closely with families and their children who have been affected by cerebral palsy, head injury, spinal cord injury, developmental delay and genetic conditions such as Downs Syndrome and Spina Bifida. Lisa also works with children who have other disorders of posture and movement such as postural control difficulties, toe-walking, growing pains and hypermobility.
Lisa uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to help children reach their potential. She combines therapy with encouragement, play and challenge. Lisa has extensive knowledge of, and experience in, specialised equipment and 24 hour postural management ensuring optimal outcomes for the child.
Lisa believes in treating children where the support is most needed, within the child’s home, educational setting or community location. She enjoys teaching and training others to up skill them in delivering effective Physiotherapy that can continue in between Physiotherapy appointments. She also believes in the importance of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team around the child, to ensure everyone is working towards common goals.
Claire Bigham – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Claire qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2003 at the University of Southampton and has 15 years experience as a Chartered Physiotherapist.
Claire has always been keen to work with children and their families and, having gained a broad experience enhancing her clinical skills and knowledge, specialised in Paediatrics in 2007 and went on to gain a Masters in Paediatric Physiotherapy in 2011.
Claire enjoys working with a variety of children and families with complex needs and has worked in all settings as a paediatric physiotherapist. Claire enjoys working alongside the families with other health care professionals to ensure a holistic approach that meets the needs of each child.
Claire is a member of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists and has presented on both National and International Conferences, including have a talk translated into Russian!
Abi Bickley – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Abi has over 12 years experience in Paediatric Physiotherapy and has a wealth of experience working with a variety of developmental conditions, acquired brain injury, equipment management and with children of all ages.
Abi loves working with families and with the wider multi-disciplinary team, setting goals together to reach the child’s potential.
She is passionate about empowering the family and the team around the child to incorporate therapy into day to day life.
Sarah Poynter – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Sarah has 20 years experience as a physiotherapist and has worked in paediatrics and neonatology in the NHS for the past 14 years.
Sarah has experience working with babies, children and young people with complex conditions affecting their movement and physical health, including acquired brain injury, neurological disorders and spinal cord injury.
Sarah enjoys working as part of a team, or an individual supporting a child to fulfil their ambitions and goals in therapy. She is passionate about enabling a child to develop their participation and independence in play, movement and learning.
Devita Thandi – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Devita started her physiotherapy career by graduating from Coventry University in 2009 and has over 13 years’ experience working within the NHS in various areas from acute hospitals to community settings.
She started specialising in paediatrics in 2013, working within a community setting, in special schools and musculoskeletal clinics, giving her a wealth of experience of working with children with a diverse range of conditions.
Devita specialises in children with movement disorders, development delay and physical abilities and is able to provide a variety of therapeutic treatments including neuro-developmental treatments, 24 hour postural management and water and land-based therapy.
Julie Faulkner – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Julie qualified in 2001 from the University of Salford and has 21 years experience as a Chartered Physiotherapist. She chose to specialise in Paediatrics in 2004 and has built up over 11 years experience in the field, ranging from working within the community as a Team Lead within an innovative multi-disciplinary team of professionals from health and social care, to working independently to cover the Paediatric Physiotherapy Service for a large and remote area on the west coast of Scotland.
Julie understands the importance that good therapy can make to the lives of children and young adults and their families. With this in mind she always strives to provide the best evidenced care, and to use effective and individualised therapeutic techniques to help her clients achieve their best potential. She believes that the child or young person should always be at the centre of their care and the number one priority. In her spare time Julie likes mountain walking and scrambling, HIIT, reading and spending quality time with her family.
Helen Smith – Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in Paediatrics and Neurology
Helen qualified from Bradford University in 2004. After undertaking 4 junior rotations in Paediatrics, she took on a specialist role at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where she gained an array of knowledge and experience. After working for the NHS for 19 years Helen moved to the independent sector. Helen’s role mainly focuses on complex musculoskeletal, developmental and neurological conditions. She continues to develop her interest in mental health and trauma related conditions.
In her role as a Physiotherapist, Helen loves meeting people and getting to know them and their stories. Helping them through whatever journey they are facing and seeing them achieve their goals at the end of their treatment. She prides herself in working with patients and their families to achieve good outcomes and reach their full potential. She uses her own life experiences as well as the evidence-based knowledge and skills she has gained through her work to deliver a high-quality service of care and compassion. Helen has 3 children of her own and enjoys spending spare time with her children and family.
Fiona Priestland – Chartered Physiotherapist
Fiona is a highly skilled Paediatric Physiotherapist with 17 years of experience in the NHS. Fiona qualified from Oxford Brookes University in 2007 and has gathered a breadth of paediatric experience working in different NHS trusts, most recently as a leader of a Paediatric and Young Adult Physiotherapy Service within the NHS.
Fiona specialised in Community Paediatrics over 15 years ago with a focus on children with neurological problems. She has worked with children with many different neurological conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury and various Ataxic presentations. Fiona uses her detailed understanding of movement and neuroplasticity, in conjunction with a variety of techniques, to support children and young people to meet their goals. Fiona is skilled in methods such as the Bobath approach, postural management, functional strength training and gait re-education. Fiona is expedrienced in the physiotherapy management of children with Developmental Delay, Spina Bifida, amputations or Congenital Limb Deformities and genetic conditions with low muscle tone presentations.
Fiona loves getting to know the children and families she works with. She is committed to listening to what clients want to achieve in life and will work tirelessly to support them towards attainable goals that will help them realise their potential.
Steve Seccombe – Orthotist
SYNERGY Orthotics provides a range of professional Clinical Services to both adult and child patients.
Services include: Gait analysis – Static and Dynamic analysis, Expert Witness Reports, Treatment of Sports Injuries, Brain Injury Management, Provision of Lycra Garments, Specialist Footwear, AFOs and KAFOs (“Splints”)
Steve was previously a National Clinical Lead for the largest Prosthetic and Orthotic Service provider to the NHS and clinically has extended scope experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal and brain injuries, working across centres in the UK, Ireland and Norway. Steve has either been the primary or secondary author for national evidence based treatment pathways, education biomechanical modules and education supplements for Allied Health Professionals. He has also written the Biomechanics teaching course for the Scottish Qualification Authority. Steve holds an MSc in Clinical Biomechanics, a PgDip in Diagnostic Techniques and supports NHS services through his extended scope practice.
Penny Townsend – Moving and Handling
Penny is a specialist moving and handling adviser with over 23 years experience of working with children and adults with a range of disabilities.
Penny provides bespoke moving and handling training packages to meet the needs of the clients in their own homes.
She has an in depth wealth of knowledge of moving and handling equipment and adaptations to meet the needs of the clients to ensure their safety and that of their carers. She also looks at how equipment can be used to facilitate and support therapy programmes to promote as much independence as possible. Penny can also provide comprehensive risk assessment handling plans to reflect the needs of the client and carers.
Penny speaks at national and international conferences about the importance of safer moving and handling. She is also an advanced member of National Back Exchange (www.nationalbackexchange.org).
Dawn Ashworth – Office Manager
Dawn joins from working in contract administration. However, she has over 10 years experience of working in city centre law practices providing PA support at partner level in areas such as corporate law, commercial property, contract law, personal injury and clinical negligence. When not at her desk, Dawn enjoys sewing and costume design as part of her hobby of battle re-enactment.
Our knowledge and passion means we succeed where others fail
