Our Team​

Michael joined the JL PhysioFit team from Connect Health where he practised as a Senior MSK Physiotherapist within the South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

In 2021 he helped lead an innovative rehab programme in South Tyneside, aimed at getting physiotherapy patients into gyms and other supportive environments to help them develop strength, balance, confidence and general well-being.

Michael is keen to use his skills and his experience to empower our patients in the same way; to help them feel confident and better able to manage their conditions, injuries or other issues.

Michael left school to pursue a career as a professional footballer, and signed for Sunderland as a youth player before being offered a professional contract in 2008. He made his Sunderland first team debut in 2010, gained further full-time experience in loan spells at Carlisle, Leyton Orient and Gateshead before then making a move to Accrington Stanley where he was a first team regular for three seasons.

On leaving full-time football, Michael was determined to pursue a career in health. He returned to education, where he later graduated from the University of Cumbria with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy.

After graduation, Michael was offered a post with Connect Health and was placed on their accelerated development programme, working in the South Tyneside area. His work with Connect Health was quickly recognised and he was soon seconded into the NHS physiotherapy team, working in the same part of the North East.

Michael specialises in musculoskeletal care, and enjoys working with patients to help them out of pain and back to health using carefully prepared personal management plans.

Given his sporting career – he stills plays football semi-professionally for Blyth Spartans – Michael is ideally qualified to treat and manage a wide range of sporting injuries and he completely understands the psychological effects of injury and pain on an individual.

In addition to his existing qualifications, Michael has recently completed an APPI Pilates qualification as an instructor, as well as taping courses for both upper and lower limb conditions.

Away from physiotherapy and football, Michael – who lives with his partner at the coast – has recently taken up surfing and sea/open water swimming.

Michael is already proving to be a great addition to the JL PhysioFit team, so if you would like to book an appointment with him, please call or email the clinic or use our easy online booking system.