PHYSIOTHERAPY TEAM

Our athletes benefit from great value treatment from a team of specialist physiotherapists.

Kirsty Hunter

Kirsty Hunter qualified as a physiotherapist from Oxford Brookes University in 2009. She completed her MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise and Health at University College London in 2019, where she now lectures on the same programme. Her role at UCL supports her research into rowing-related injuries, and she is currently embarking on a PhD investigating rib injuries in rowers, including how they are assessed and managed. Alongside this, Kirsty is Lead Physiotherapist for the Great Britain Under-19 rowing team, providing clinical expertise and athlete education to the squad.

Clinically, Kirsty has always worked in the field of musculoskeletal injuries. She began her career focusing on running-related injuries, but soon realised her passion and expertise lay in rowing — a discipline where she has since built a career that blends clinical practice with research.

Zoe Jessop

After graduating with a degree in Sports Science in 2004, Zoe completed her Master’s in Physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham in 2007. Since qualifying, Zoe has developed extensive experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, working in private practice in both the UK and New Zealand. Throughout her career she has worked with rugby clubs, dancers and performers within the film and performing arts industries, alongside specialist training in Clinical Pilates, and women’s health.

Zoe has a particular interest in sports rehabilitation and injury prevention. She believes in empowering patients to take an active role in recovery through tailored exercise programmes that build strength, and resilience.

Having moved to Caversham with her family two years ago, Zoe is excited to join the team at Leander. She is passionate about using her breadth of clinical and sporting experience to help the athletes perform at their best and stay injury-free.