Rhian Sykes
Physiotherapy Consultant
Rhian brings 20 years of experience within the musculoskeletal field. She is also a clinical specialist in rheumatological disease including axial spondyloarthropathy, and in hydrotherapy. She graduated from the University of the West of England in 2004 and achieved a Masters with distinction in Advanced Practice from Cardiff University in 2018.
Experience past and present:
- All musculoskeletal conditions including spines, knees, hips, shoulders and more.
- Occupational Health.
- Support to live well with rheumatological disease and persistent pain.
- Consultant led orthopaedic clinics, particularly spinal clinics, with excellent knowledge of spinal pain treatment and pathways.
- Acute knee screening to diagnose significant knee injuries.
- Group based and individual rehabilitation.
- Certified Australian Institute Physiotherapy and Pilates (APPI) mat work instructor.
- Certified Mummy MOT Practitioner.
Diagnostic Skills:
Rhian has many years’ experience as a diagnostician of musculoskeletal conditions, and can provide a detailed and thorough assessment of your condition, whether acute or more longstanding. She will discuss in detail the likely diagnosis, prognosis, and best practice to support you moving forwards and achieving your goals. She has excellent awareness of appropriate treatment options, including when imaging or orthopaedic opinion may be appropriate.
Rehabilitation Skills:
Rhian has extensive and varied experience of many conditions, from acute injuries and post op rehabilitation, to more longstanding conditions of the spine, knee, shoulder, hip and more. She has experience of group based rehabilitation (online and in person) of persistent spinal pain, rheumatological disease, lower limb and upper limb. She has been the clinical lead for a large hydrotherapy service and has excellent knowledge of using the properties of water to maximise rehabilitation.
Orthopaedics:
Rhian has worked alongside spinal and knee consultants in clinic, which affords her comprehensive knowledge of when orthopaedic opinion may be indicated, and has excellent links with these services. Occupational Health Rhian has accomplished skills in supporting you to work happily and healthily, with a good understanding of work ergonomics. She previous experience of Occupational Health in a large organisation, including evaluating fitness to work and advising employers and employees on how to return to, or stay in work, successfully.
Rheumatological Disease:
Rhian has experience of leading the Rheumatological physiotherapy service in a large Welsh local health board and specialises in supporting those with rheumatological conditions.
She has a good understanding of how these complex conditions affect day to day life, how medications and general health influence symptoms, and she can support you with an individualised plan to live well and achieve your goals.
Leave us a review
Great appointment with Rhian for Mummy MOT
Had a mummy MOT with Rhian 8 weeks post partum. She was great- really thorough and professional, made me feel at ease during the the perineal check. Would recommend to everyone post childbirth!
Through examination of injury and prognosis
First visit to meet Ben and his pleasant manner puts you at ease making you feel you have known him for years.
My examination was not rushed and his thorough exploration explaining each action as he proceeded. Definitely would not hesitate to recommend or revisit
Highly skilled and caring physiotherapist
Virginia is a wonderful physiotherapist, highly skilled, kind, and reassuring. She really listens and explains everything clearly, tailoring treatment with great care. I’ve felt a real improvement and am so glad I found her. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.
Arthritis in knee
Been suffering with my knee / right leg for a few weeks / today I visited Rhian who listened to all my ailments and in particular my right knee/leg issues. She explained everything in detail and clearly and explained how to use my crutch / walking stick properly (I was doing it wrong) gave me exercises to do at home and I felt listened to and she was brilliant. Can’t recommend highly enough. Thank you Rhian.
Great treatment and advice!
Virginia really helped relieve the muscle tension in my upper back and neck, and the nerve issues I was having have really eased off with practicing the excercises she gave me. Thank you!
