staff profiles
Darren Wigg (Clinical Lead and Injection Therapist)
Darren is our founder, director and clinical lead physiotherapist. He is a former international swimmer, representing Great Britain at the World and European Championships on numerous occasions. After retiring from sport Darren studied Physiotherapy at Northumbria University and graduated with a first class honours degree in 2005. He began his career in the NHS, where
Iwona Trzecinska BSc (First Class Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP, HCPC Reg.
Iwona graduated in Physiotherapy from the University of Sunderland in 2024 with a BSc (Hons) first class honours degree. Iwona was awarded The Ede and Ravenscroft Prize for the highest achiever on the course. Originally from Poland, Iwona arrived in England in 2005 after graduating with a Master’s degree from the Academy of Physical Education
Daniel Farnell (Clinical Specialist and Injection Therapist)
Daniel was inspired to become a physiotherapist after seeing the change in his Grandfather after his two strokes; helping the physiotherapists who were caring for him to bring him back to his usual care free self. While at school he worked at Hadrian School in Fenham helping with the rehabilitation of children with various special
Chanté Melville (Clinical Specialist)
Chanté is a South African Physiotherapist Completing her BSc (Hons) degree in 2016. She has extensive experience in many areas of Physiotherapy, with more than 7 years’ working in the Musculoskeletal (MSK) discipline of Physiotherapy. She was a practice owner in South Africa, managing out- patients as well as working in the acute hospital setting.
Fatma Elmahdi (Physiotherapist)
Fatma graduated with an MSc in Physiotherapy from Brunel University London in 2021 and a BSc. Kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 2018. She made the big move over from Canada to further pursue and excel in her physiotherapy career at Newcastle Physiotherapy. Fatma has always had a passion for helping people through various
Steven Workman (Clinical Specialist)
Steven graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2009 with a BSc (Hons) degree in physiotherapy. He began his career at Chesterfield Royal Hospital where he worked for 3 years, completing his junior rotations in a variety of specialist areas, including musculoskeletal (GP and Consultant referral), Hands, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and he also spent time working in
David Fothergill (Clinical Specialist)
David holds a first class BSc honours degree in physiotherapy in addition to a BSc honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science, both gained from Northumbria University. Since graduating David has developed his knowledge and skills working in the NHS, private practice and the sporting environment. He has worked in a variety of specialties including
Tal Yishay (Clinical Specialist)
Tal graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of Haifa, Israel in 2016. Tal’s wide experience specialises in a whole body holistic approach to treatment. Her treatment brings together her understanding of posture, the body’s inter-connective tissue, lifestyle and emotional well being to go beyond the injury and promote active health. Her
Ann-Marie Ballantine (Clinical Specialist)
Ann-Marie graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of Liverpool in 2009. Ann-Marie has over eight years specialised experience in the Musculoskeletal (MSK) aspect of Physiotherapy practice. She has an extensive range of experience including working in the NHS up to the level of a highly specialised Physiotherapist as well as in elite sport,
Joanna Rumney (Physiotherapist)
Joanna graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of Cumbria in 2017. Joanna has worked within the NHS for most of her career so far, initially working as a junior physiotherapist completing rotations across orthopaedics, respiratory/critical care, neuro-elderly rehabilitation, musculoskeletal outpatients and then progressing into a specialist senior role in 2020 within
Rachel Zibe (Dietitian)
Rachel has a degree in Pharmacology and Physiology, a distinction in her Dietetics diploma and 11 years of varied experience in the NHS and private consultancy. More recently she qualified as a Sports Nutritionist after completing the International Olympic Committee’s diploma. Rachel has worked in a diverse range of clinical nutrition areas, including diabetes, intensive
Claire Law (Practice Manager)
Claire is an integral part of our on-going success at Newcastle Physiotherapy. She has outstanding organisational and customer service skills, which creates a wonderful environment for our staff and clients. and graduated HND surface pattern from batley school of art and design but continued to work within customer service industry while studying. Claire relocated to
Chris Neale (Practice Manager, Jesmond Clinic)
Chris has always had an interest in functional fitness and the science behind sport including how the body works with and without injury. He studied BSc Fitness and Personal Training at Southampton Solent University, followed by BSc Sports Science at The University of Sunderland. Chris also has a rounded experience in the hospitality and events