Kate Strachan

Associate Physiotherapist

How long have you worked at Therapy Stars?

I have worked at Therapy Stars since 2017.

Relevant Industry Experience:

Since qualifying in 2011 I have worked at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. The first department I worked in on a part time basis (and am still a member of their team) was the Orthotic Research and Locomotor Assessment Unit (ORLAU). The rest of my week was then made up working across different departments within the main hospital and included Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O), General Medicine, Physiotherapy Outpatients Department, Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, Paediatric Outpatients, and lastly within a specialist Neuromuscular team, where I am now permanently based alongside my post in ORLAU. Additionally, I work part time at Therapy Stars.

Relevant Industry Qualifications (including place of study):

Physiotherapy BSc Hons from Keele University. Graduated in 2011.

Further courses have included Ian Horsley Athletic Shoulder, Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Jo Gibson Shoulder, ATACP Jacqueline Pattman Aquatherapy, Shallow Pool Life Guard qualification, Mike Stewart Know Pain, Odstock Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for upper and lower limbs, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) to enable participation in research, Clinical Movement Analysis Society (CMAS) and European Society for Movement Analysis in Adults and Children (ESMAC) conferences, as well as ongoing training to remain up to date with complex conditions and their evolving treatments and standards of care.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I am very lucky to be in a job I love and there are therefore many aspects that I enjoy. If I had to narrow it down it would be that I enjoy helping people, which involves achieving shared goals whilst treating and supporting from a holistic point of view. My special interests are hydrotherapy, FES, and incorporation of orthotics.

What do you enjoy about working for Therapy Stars?

I enjoy building a rapport with clients and their families over a long period of time and supporting them on their journeys. It is a relaxed place to work, full of lovely and talented colleagues.

What are your interests outside of work?

I have two dogs, Libby and Chester, and a horse, Cleo who take up a lot of my time. I otherwise enjoy going to the cinema, cooking and baking, and eating out. I also have a keen interest in cars and motorbikes.

If you weren’t in your current job role/career, what would you be?

I came to Physiotherapy late, having tried my hand at a few jobs before starting training so I’m probably right where I need to be. Interestingly, when I started my journey into Physiotherapy I wanted to be a Veterinary Physiotherapist. At the time the relevant course required two years’ experience as a Physiotherapist; I found that I enjoyed working as a Physiotherapist and therefore didn’t continue my studies.

What is your hidden talent?

I am very good at seeking out cake (and eating lots of it!)

Brief Biography:

I’ve always enjoyed spending time with horses and when I first left school I worked with horses and studied to become an instructor. I then had my initial introduction into the world of health when I trained and qualified as a dental nurse. From there I worked in an environmental laboratory testing for volatile compounds, followed by working in an emergency call centre for SP Energy Networks and stayed on part time whilst studying for my Physiotherapy degree at Keele.

I have loved seeing Therapy Stars grow and develop and in January 2019 I opened our clinic space in Penley. Our latest new service has been our Hydrotherapy service which was launched in June 2021.