Sports Injury Clinics in London

Charlie McCall, Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

“A realisation I wasn’t designed to be a dancer led me to investigate physiotherapy. I discovered a fascinating profession that would allow me to learn more about the mechanics of how the body worked, ultimately make a difference to peoples’ abilities and lives”

Charlie graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from The University of East London in 2001 and has remained in London since, working in various NHS Trusts covering both musculoskeletal and paediatric specialities. Recently Charlie completed an MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine from Queen Mary College, University of London. She is also acupuncture trained and has Bronze accreditation from the Association of Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine.

“I have wanted to be a sports physiotherapist since I was 14. My interest in the body and the way it works and moves stems from years of dance lessons when I was younger. A realisation I wasn’t designed to be a dancer led me to investigate physiotherapy. I discovered a fascinating profession that would allow me to learn more about the mechanics of how the body worked, ultimately make a difference to peoples’ abilities and lives.

During my time in the NHS I have worked with a vast array of clients from very different backgrounds. Everyone is an individual with a different story and journey in life they want to achieve, which is what makes physiotherapy so interesting. As a physiotherapist we get to spend time with our clients which gives us an insight into what motivates them and allows us to educate individuals about their injuries or pain and how to help them prevent further problems in the future. I strongly believe education is as much a part of our role as treating conditions. My motivation in my work comes from helping people to achieve their personal goals, whether that be being able to function in their everyday life or competing in high level sport and exercise adventures.

My main experience in sport is within rugby union (at National and London league levels). Rugby as a sport offers so much variety within the game, and this not only makes the game exciting to watch but also provides a challenge as a physiotherapist treating and rehabilitating players. I really enjoy learning about different sports, especially the technical skills required by the sport. This is so important in understanding the demands on the body and how it is used mechanically to produce the skilled movement. This knowledge allows us to guide the rehabilitation specifically to an individual’s needs. My passion has been helping at grass roots level sport and educating young people in how to look after their bodies and prevent injuries. I strongly believe if children are supported and encouraged at a young age in sport they will continue enjoying and participating in it throughout their life. Having access to good advice, coaching and healthcare when needed goes hand-in-hand with this. My other work in sport includes the UK Schools Games, the British University Games, with county sides in Rugby Union, and the Essex School of Rugby. Working as part of a multidisciplinary sports team for emerging elite talent is a privilege and the excitement and passion youth athletes have for their sport is inspirational.

Growing up my interests were dance and music. Whilst at university I dabbled with fencing and rowing, and rowed in Head of The River Race with a very scratch crew in possibly the oldest wooden boat still in existence. That experience proved to me that if you work as a team and really put your mind and heart into it you can achieve even the craziest of goals. I enjoy walking and being in the country away from the hustle and bustle of the city. When I left school I had aspirations to get my mountain leadership certificate however moving to London with its distinct lack of mountains has left this as a dream. I would still love to climb Mount Kilamanjaro and get to Everest Base Camp… one day”