Welcome to Stretch Physio!

The knowledgeable and experienced therapists working in the Stretch Physio clinic will provide you with specialist care in a friendly and relaxed setting.

We are based at the Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga Studios in Writtle, Chelmsford. We have a purpose built clinic, from which we provide physiotherapy and massage treatments to help you to recover from injury and feel better as quickly as possible.

Our Clinical Director was the first fully qualified Physiotherapist and APPI Pilates Instructor in Chelmsford. Ellie uses a range of modern equipment in addition to her Physiotherapy skills, to design specific rehabilitation programmes for improved flexibility, strength, posture and balance.

We also have sports and holistic massage clinics to help you to stay fit, healthy and relaxed.

Our Team

Our team offer individualised, effective and evidence-based care, to help you feel better, faster:
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Eleanor Searle

MSc BSc MHSCP MCSP MAACP MAPPI

Principal Physiotherapist

Before founding Stretch Physio, Ellie graduated from the University of East Anglia with a First Class Degree and then went on to gain a Masters degree in Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice. She has worked as a Specialist Spinal and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in both the NHS and private practice.

Ellie is a talented Physiotherapist, with extensive assessment and treatment skills. Alongside her private practice, she has a specialist NHS role as an Extended Scope Physiotherapy Practitioner. In this role, she works closely with Neurosurgical, Orthopaedic, Rheumatology and Pain Management Consultants, diagnosing patients with complex musculoskeletal problems and referring them to the appropriate service for further treatment. In this role, she is able to order blood tests, MRI, ultrasound scans and x-rays and is therefore highly capable of providing advice as to when a medical review or diagnostic examinations are needed.

Ellie also has extensive skills in the management of those with chronic pain. She is able to help reduce fear of movement and helping people to return to their normal activities. Ellie helps her patients to limit the affects of illness and injury on their quality of life and inspires them to do what they can to help themselves.

Pilates

Ellie was the first, fully qualified APPI Physiotherapist and Pilates instructor in Chelmsford. She is passionate about the benefits of exercise in the long-term management of musculoskeletal problems. Ellie is a partner in Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga, a local business providing small group Pilates and Yoga classes taught by the best local teachers. Ellie provides extensive expertise in exercise rehabilitation and experience in working with those with back and chronic pain. Therefore, she is able to provide truly therapeutic Pilates, by combining her Physiotherapy and Pilates skills, to create tailor made rehabilitation programs. She also has access to state-of-the-art Pilates equipment. This includes the Reformer and Cadillac, enabling Ellie to progress exercises to the highest possible level for those who wish to return to high level sport.

Ellie continually updates her skills to ensure that you receive the best possible care. She has completed a wide range of postgraduate courses. At present, she is taking part in research which is hoped to shape the way non specific lumbar spine pain is managed, impacting on the training of the next generation of Physiotherapists.

Gemma Davey

BSc

Senior Massage Therapist

Gemma’s range of skills and experience mean that you are in safe hands, whether you want a massage or a personal training session! Gemma graduated with an honours degree in Psychology from the University of Lincoln in 2006 and she specialises in Sports and Health psychology. She went on to train at Premier International Sports Academy and became fully qualified in Personal Training, Nutritional Advice and Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy. She is registered as a Level 3 Exercise Specialistwith the National Register of Exercise Professionals (REP’s). Since then she has furthered her studies, to gain qualifications in Exercise Referral for Long Term Conditions and Rehabilitation, with the NHS and British National Formulary accredited Wright Foundation.

Gemma also currently works within the NHS managing the GP Physical Activity Referral Scheme. In this role she works with health professionals and their patients to achieve rehabilitation and health improvement outcomes. She also has extensive experience working in private practice and is currently studying for a Masters in Obesity Management.

Specialist areas

At Stretch Physio, Gemma offers a wide variety of therapeutic massage treatments. She works closely with our Physiotherapy team to ensure exceptional results. Gemma offers restorative massage treatment to clients with specific injuries. She also provides sports massage, holistic and hot stone massage for stress relief and relaxation. Her diploma in hot stone massage, enables her to offer additional treatments, suitable for those that are looking for enhanced deep tissue massage and relaxation.

Gemma’s specialist knowledge and skills enable her to give you specific health and fitness advice. She can help elite athletes, people with long term health conditions or simply aiding general health and fitness. Gemma is also trained as a Pilates for Rehabilitation Instructor with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute. She is keen to develop her knowledge and skills in this area over the next few years and will pursue further specialist training.

Robert Blackie

BSc Hons

Sports Massage Therapist

Rob is a keen sportsman! He loves rugby, tennis, swimming, long distance running and rowing. He has also recently developed a passion for Olympic weight lifting. Robert’s love of Sport led him to study Sport at Writtle College. He then went on to study at Kingston University, where he gained a BSc in Sport Science. After graduating from University, Robert went on to further his training, by obtaining a Level 4 Sport Massage qualification from St Mary’s University in Twickenham.

Since qualifying as a massage therapist, he has worked with a wide range of clients from elite athletes to those with long-term health conditions. His training has enabled him to master an extensive range of massage therapy techniques. He is able to utilise these to help you to release muscular tension and associated pain.

Rob will help you to achieve your goals, whatever your needs. From remedial sports massage, help coping with the demands of your training regime and pre- or post-competition treatment. He will be able to recommend tailored exercises to supplement your massage treatment. These will help you to maintain the benefits that you will feel after visiting him in clinic. He also has an extensive knowledge of a range of sports and enjoys helping his clients to achieve personal best performances.

Other interests

Outside of Stretch Physio and Massage Therapy, Rob works at Writtle College Student Union as the Sports Coordinator. He is also currently undergoing professional health & fitness qualifications to expand and develop his knowledge further. In addition, Rob referees for Chelmsford RFC on occasional Sunday mornings for the youth development teams.

Joanna Warren

Massage Therapist

Joanna is a holistic massage therapist at Stretch Physio, with over ten years of experience in the spa and holistic therapies. She is a qualified Aromatherapist, who enjoys blending her own oils to create massage treatments that are specifically tailored to your needs. Joanna offers deep tissue, Indian head, and hot stone massage treatments. She has worked with Aveda, Aromatherapy Associates and Espa. She has created unique massage therapy rituals that are inspired by her training with these highly acclaimed companies.

Joanna loves to travel. She lived in Sydney, Australia for a year and has just got back from a month in Thailand and Queensland, where she snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef. Joanna practices Ashtanga and Rocket yoga at the Hummingbird centre and hopes to train as a yoga teacher next year in Goa. Joanna also plans to train in Thai Massage in Chang Mai. Furthermore, her love of travel and experiences abroad are reflected in her range of treatments and massage skills. She is a wonderfully intuitive massage therapist, who looks forward to meeting you at our clinic.