David has an immense passion for physiotherapy, solutions to help people improve and maintain long term health and fitness. His enthusiasm and passion is the driving force behind his treatment as well as guiding the ongoing development of Life Fit Wellness. Alongside his clinical commitments, David is a firm advocate of self-management and the use of both therapeutic and general exercise to maximise recovery and achieve long-term sustainable improvements and optimal health and function.
Having completed his BSc Physiotherapy, 1991 at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh he then followed on with an MSc in Sports Science, 1992 at Loughborough University. Clinical work began at The Western General Hospital in Edinburgh where, after several rotations through a variety of medical specialities, he began to specialise in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy. In order to further satisfy his thirst for knowledge, he studied a Masters Degree in Manipulative Physiotherapy at The University of South Australia being taught, supervised and mentored by some the world’s most eminent physiotherapists.
Since this time he has used his extensive knowledge and experience to treat elite athletes across many disciplines including Athletics, Swimming and Badminton. Through his role as the Lead Physiotherapist at The Scottish Institute of Sport he has joined Scottish and British teams at many sporting events including World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics and Olympics.
David’s specific clinical interests lie in shoulders (especially in racquet sports), hamstrings, sporting injuries, the development of young athletes and spinal rehabilitation. He currently works with athletes from a variety of sports including tennis, athletics, Taekwondo and many other sports. Alongside his co-director Stewart, David has published and is working on further research related to Swimming and Shoulder Pain.
David enjoys guiding patients into the gym and takes great pride in designing individualised conditioning and rehabilitation programmes appropriate to their specific problem and areas they want to improve on. As well as using his expert physiotherapy and sports science knowledge, he relies on his own sporting experience from Badminton, Tennis, Taekwondo, Running and Nordic Walking. David is also a qualified level 2 tennis coach and Nordic walking Instructor.
Although his passion lies with time in the treatment room and his varied patient demographic, David is also responsible for the overall running, management and development of Life Fit Wellness. Alongside his co-directors Arlene and Stewart, the ethos of optimal care, excellence in customer service and ongoing education and development is permeated throughout the clinic.
As an advocate for physical activity and practising what he preaches, David regularly runs, Nordic walks and attends Yoga. Although he is no longer good enough to play a full set with his tennis playing sons, he does manage the odd game. Constantly striving to be at the top of any game, he does also daydream about getting back to Taekwondo to achieve that elusive Black Belt….
David has an immense passion for physiotherapy, solutions to help people improve and maintain lon...
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John is an Advanced Personal Trainer (Level 4) who has been a member of the multi-disciplinary team at Life Fit Wellness since 2017. His primary roles are working within a preventive and rehabilitation setting for common MSK injuries, physical and performance testing, and working with clients looking to increase overall physical health and wellbeing. He also has specialist experience of working with older people and those living with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke and MS.
John has been working within the Sport & Exercise field since 2012 and in that period has worked in various roles such as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and as a Rugby Development Officer with Scottish Rugby where his main role was running 2 secondary school’s curriculum-based rugby programmes. John is well-versed in working with clients from all different backgrounds, with different aspirations and individual requirements. In his time, John has been lucky enough to work with a range of individuals and teams from clients looking to get fitter, to amateur sports teams and international competing athletes. His main passion is working with individuals to develop strategies to best meet their health and wellbeing needs.
When working with John, you can expect a dedicated, professional and supportive service that is tailored to your requirements. He will take time to find out about you and your goals before undertaking a detailed physical assessment which allows him to develop an individualised programme with clear measurable targets. John uses the cutting edge ‘Kinvent’ system to accurately measure physical function to guide your progress.
Even in his downtime, John can’t sit at peace and spends a lot of his time off in the gym, volunteering in youth rugby and getting out and about in the great outdoors
John offers 1-1 personal training, small group training and physical performance testing at our Falkirk and Kingsfield clinics.
John is an Advanced Personal Trainer (Level 4) who has been a member of the multi-disciplinary te...
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Robin McNelis is a seasoned Chartered Physiotherapist with a specialty in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. His journey began at Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh, in 1995, and he has since developed a notable career in both the NHS and private sectors. Robin’s expertise in managing complex respiratory conditions, particularly Breathing Pattern Disorders (BPD), has been recognized widely, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic.
His professional trajectory took a personal turn in 2020 when he contracted Covid-19, leading to Long Covid, which he leveraged to establish one of the UK’s first Long Covid Clinics at The Wellington Hospital. In 2022, he transitioned to lead the Enfield Community Post Covid Service, further dedicating his efforts to Long Covid patient care.
An accomplished marathon runner, Robin has overcome Covid-related health challenges to return to running, maintaining his passion for sports and horse racing. Now based in Essex, he regularly returns to Falkirk to offer a range of physiotherapy services through Life Fit Wellness, including Long Covid management and rehabilitation for cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
For those interested in Robin’s services, Life Fit Wellness provides personalized care through clinic visits, home visits, virtual consultations, or a combination tailored to individual needs. His commitment to patient-centered care is evident in his approach to treatment, ensuring each plan is aligned with the patient’s unique requirements and goals.
Robin McNelis is a seasoned Chartered Physiotherapist with a specialty in Cardiorespiratory Physi...
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Stefan graduated with a Masters in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University. Prior to this, he spent four years working for the Canadian Armed Forces as a Physical Exercise Specialist. This role allowed him to develop skills in areas such as long-term athletic development and exercise rehabilitation, also lending time to collaborate with doctors and physiotherapists in developing specialised exercise programming for a wide range of injuries, conditions and in post-operative rehabilitation. It was during this time he realised the power of exercise and the importance of collaboration which he applies in his practice to help offer a professional package that is tailored to individuals of all ages.
Alongside his clinical work, he has also supported regional and national teams such as Partick Thistle FC, Hamilton Academicals FC, Scotland Women’s National Football team, and more recently Highland Rugby 1st team and Strathendrick Rugby Club.
Stefan aims to provide the highest standard of treatment and utilises a combination of hands-on treatment and exercise therapy to ensure that his patients return to their normal as quick as possible
Stefan graduated with a Masters in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University. Prior to thi...
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Emmet is a highly experienced physiotherapist based at both our Falkirk and Linlithgow clinics. He is Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at our Kingsfield Clinic in Linlithgow.
Emmet graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Health from Dublin City University in 2005 and moved on to study Physiotherapy via the Masters programme at Glasgow Caledonian University, graduating in 2008.
Emmet is a highly experienced physiotherapist based at both our Falkirk and Linlithgow clinics. ...
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Originally from a creative background, Mhairi studied at the Glasgow School of Art Graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Textile Design. Working for three years as head stylists assistant, she travelled across Britain liaising with PR and the press, launching advertising campaigns and organising fashion shows. Mhairi gradually realised whilst working in such a fast-paced industry, her work/life balance was out of sync. So, when she was made redundant in 2012 she happily took a leap of faith and booked a one way ticket to Australia. Whilst living in Australia, Mhairi saw the benefits of a more relaxed way of life where exercise, nutrition, health and alternative therapies contribute to physical and mental health. It was at this stage Mhairi decided to re-train as a sports massage therapist and make a significant difference in people’s wellbeing. Her Granny always told her ‘you’re so caring; you would make a brilliant nurse’!
Originally from a creative background, Mhairi studied at the Glasgow School of Art Graduating wit...
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Having graduated in 1997 with a BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy, Kate went onto to gain general physiotherapy experience working in both acute and community settings within Lothian. Fairly early on, Kate realised that she had a specific interest in pregnancy and birth and the effects this process has on the human body. This led Kate into the specialism of pelvic health and more specifically, continence care.
Kate has over 19 years working in this specialist area of physiotherapy and is highly skilled and experienced in treating all kinds of continence issues (both bladder and bowel), prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction. She is also able to help with post childbirth issues such as painful scars and pain during intercourse.
Kate has a specific interest in disorders of the bowel, such as chronic constipation and faecal incontinence. Kate currently works as a clinical specialist within the colorectal team in NHS Fife, and regularly works along side the colorectal consultant to assess and treat patients. Kate is able to offer bladder scans and real time ultrasound scanning of the pelvic floor to aid diagnosis and help patients understand the function of their pelvic floor. This year, Kate is hoping to complete her Non-Medical Prescribing course to further develop her advanced practice skills.
Kate believes in an empathetic, friendly and professional manner to help her patients get the most out of their consultation. She strives to get to the root of what matters to each individual in order to gain resolution of symptoms and therefore maximum satisfaction for her patients. Every consultation is done with the utmost dignity, confidentiality and respect.
Out-with work, Kate enjoys spending time with her family, walking, crochet, and gardening. She is a keen grower of bonsai trees, attending her local bonsai club regularly and has built up quite a collection of trees!. Kate is also extremely passionate for all things animal related and currently owns 6 guinea pigs and a cat.
Having graduated in 1997 with a BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy, Kate went onto to gain general physio...
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Trained as a Physiotherapist, Sonographer, Injection Therapist and Independent Prescriber, Stewart specialises in diagnostic ultrasound scanning and ultrasound-guided injections of the upper and lower limbs, including steroid / cortisone, hyaluronic acid and more specialist procedures. Combining his skills, he is able to provide a specialised service involving detailed clinical examination, ultrasound scanning, joint and soft-tissue injections and rehabilitation advice for joint, soft tissue and nerve conditions of the upper and lower limbs. He performs all injections under ultrasound-guidance for increased accuracy and undertakes a high volume of scans and ultrasound-guided injections (600+ per year) maintaining high clinical standard. Stewart is recognised as one of the professions leading ultrasound and guided injection specialists, teaching on University and National training courses.
Stewart holds degrees in Sport & Exercise Science (BSc Hons) and Physiotherapy (MSc) as well as obtaining a Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Ultrasound, a Post Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy and Non-medical Prescribing Qualification. As a Physiotherapist for over 16 years, he commonly sees both simple and complex conditions of the upper and lower limbs in his practise. He has had a longstanding sub-specialist interest in shoulder problems and continues to enjoy this aspect of his clinical work.
His approach to treatment is always based on the individual and balances clinical evidence with the specific circumstances of the patient. Where possible, he will look to address the cause of a problem and work towards minimising recurrence.
Stewart is the Clinical Director at Life Fit Wellness and oversees the provision of high-quality care delivered at the clinic. As a former international badminton player, he is delighted to be involved with the Badminton World Federation Research Commission, where he is actively involved in injury prevention research.
When he’s not busy at the clinic, Stewart tries to follow his own advice by keeping fit. He has always enjoyed racket sports, but can also be seen running and in the gym. His real downtime is spent with his wife and young daughters, climbing a hill, watching a movie or playing his drums!
Trained as a Physiotherapist, Sonographer, Injection Therapist and Independent Prescriber, Stewar...
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Morven is the newest member of the Life Fit Wellness physiotherapy team, however she brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and expertise in rehabilitation, injury prevention and Pilates.
After graduating from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh in 2008 she spent 3 years working in a rotational post in the NHS gaining broad experience across many specialities. Whilst she enjoyed her clinical rotations it was musculoskeletal physiotherapy, often referred to as ‘outpatients’ in the NHS setting that really fascinated her.
This burgeoning interest was further enhanced when she moved to live in New Zealand where she worked in a busy private clinic. There she treated a wide range of patients, from those with joint replacements in the older population to the sporting paediatric population. Since her return to Scotland in 2013 she has worked continuously in the private sector, refining and honing her skills in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy.
Over the years since graduation Morven has taken every opportunity to enhance her clinical practice through regular post graduate education courses. These include a Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Acupuncture training (she has been admitted as a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) and is currently undertaking the rigorous training to become an APPI Pilates instructor. In her various job roles she has helped to develop clinical practice orthopaedic guidelines and has a particular interest in post-operative lower limb rehabilitation.
Morven believes that physiotherapy should be patient centred and ensures close collaboration with all patients right from the start of their physiotherapy journey in order to help them achieve their goals. Whilst she likes nothing better than the challenge of rehabilitation of lower limb injuries, she is equally passionate about maintaining strength and function in a more elderly population, and has experience in delivering a falls prevention programme.
When living in New Zealand Morven found a love for rugby, so much so she now spends most of her free time training and playing with Broughton Ladies. When she is not on the pitch she spends time evolving her own Pilates practise, at the gym or out walking the dog ‘Blake’, a very special rescue dog who is the newest addition to her family.
Morven is the newest member of the Life Fit Wellness physiotherapy team, however she brings a wea...
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Arlene has been a physiotherapist longer than she hasn’t been a physiotherapist! She truly believes in the benefits of physiotherapy, how movement and exercise can be used to prevent, treat, rehabilitate and manage a whole range of injuries and illnesses. All this helps maintain optimal health for individuals.
Working on these principles, Arlene was drawn to the world of Pilates from an early point in her career. Initially it was for self-interest and benefit, but recognising its potential for her clinical clients, she studied further to gain teaching qualifications in both mat work and large equipment.
Enthusiastic about continuing education, Arlene actively attends courses and conferences and takes every opportunity to enhance her physiotherapy and Pilates knowledge.
Having been introduced to Nordic Walking (NW) through the Pilates world (it was described as Pilates upright and outside) Arlene has also become a Nordic Walking Instructor for British Nordic Walking (BNW). Her involvement and further study has seen her appointed as National Trainer for Scotland and she is regularly involved in teaching the training course for new BNW Instructors and Walk Leaders. In addition to this, she teaches the NW method to more local clients who use it for rehabilitation or to improve their fitness.
Arlene’s physiotherapy journey started in her native Northern Ireland at the University of Ulster in 1992 when she graduated with BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. Determined to spread her wings outside NI her clinical work began at the Western General Hospital (WGH) in Edinburgh. She held a rotational post, rotating through the many clinical specialities with a significant time spent in various neurological and outpatient departments, areas she found clinically appealing.
Her journey in private practice really began in Australia where, especially back then, this setting was much more commonplace than in the UK. It was in this environment she discovered her love of Pilates, and also began to specialise in occupational injuries and ergonomics, both office and industrial settings.
On her return to the UK after living ‘down under’ for 4 years, Arlene and her husband David (also a physiotherapist who she met whilst working at the WGH…but that’s a whole other story!) realised that after so long in private practice in Australia they were going to have to work in private practice back in Scotland. And what better way to do it than to create their own!
Kept busy professionally with treating patients, teaching Pilates and NW and personally with family, Arlene has to work hard to carve out time to relax. She enjoys cycling and running, in addition to practising Pilates and NW herself.
Arlene has been a physiotherapist longer than she hasn’t been a physiotherapist! She truly believ...
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