Whether it's because of intense gym sessions, long hours spent sitting at a desk, or just the aches and pains of everyday life, more people than ever are turning to physiotherapy to help themselves feel better.

Ben Wilde, founder and clinical director of local clinic Physio & More, says he and his team have helped more than 10,000 Kingston residents since opening their doors in 2010.

From their well-equipped facility on Richmond Road, Physio & More's staff offer comprehensive physiotherapy and other similar services, including chiropractic care, osteopathy, personal training, pilates, and sports massage.

Mr Wilde himself has had a storied career, previously working with the elite athletes of Team GB's junior and senior rowing squads, as well as becoming a published author and lecturer for physiotherapy programs across several London universities.

Ben Wilde has had an extensive physiotherapy career before opening his Kingston practice. (Photo: Physio & More)

Nub News sat down with Mr Wilde to discuss how the needs and problems of his Kingston clientele have changed over the years, and how you can work to stay pain-free while keeping moving.

Why did you choose Kingston for the company?

"I was born in Hampton hill so I know the area well. At the time we opened, provision of private services in Kingston was sparse."

What is your favourite part about being in Kingston?

"The family feel. We have been here so long now that we have been privileged enough to become part of the fabric of the local area. 

"To have such a long standing loyal client base, who have supported us through thick and thin is humbling."

What makes Physio & More special?

"We solve problems. We are fortunate enough to have fantastic links to medical services in and around London: one of the things we are best at is coordinating the right treatment approach and path and then working with the client to achieve their goals."

The clinic's six physiotherapists along with its resident osteopath offer a wide range of services to get clients back to feeling themselves. (Photo: Physio & More)

Why did you first get into physiotherapy?

"A love of sport, various injuries when growing up and early exposure to rehab. Also working with people was high on the agenda."

When should someone come and see you? What are the signs to look out for?

"In my experience, people know instinctively when something isn't right. I would say go with your gut feeling. 

"As a company, we have always tried to be there to offer immediate assistance for anyone seeking to recover from injury, or just provide reassurance with a diagnosis."

What's the most common problem you see in clients?

"It varies. At the moment, we are seeing a lot of deconditioning from COVID-19 impact and immobility. Interestingly this is manifesting itself in all ages, from adolescent knee pain to the office worker back pain complaint. We won't know the full impact of COVID-19 for decades, but conditioning and strength is key to preventing a lot of these complaints. 

"On the other hand, we see a number of sports-related injuries: commonly rib stress fractures from rowing and paediatric knee injuries."

The team has access to extensive facilities in-house, along with 'fantastic links to medical services in and around London'. (Photo: Physio & More)

What is the most frustrating habit you see in your clients?

"I tend to try and work with my clients and manage both my expectations and theirs, so I won't say I ever get frustrated with any habits as such. I am always keen on the client getting better as quickly as possible, and after almost 20 years in the sector, you know what needs to happen from both parties to achieve that."

If you could give Kingston residents one piece of simple advice to stay pain-free, what would it be?

"Get strong – especially glutes. Glutes are the key to all movement and most of us just simply sit on ours all day. It's all about strength. You strengthen through the same process whether you are nineteen or ninety. 

"Anyone can improve themselves with strength."

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of the job?

"The variety. The people. These are both great aspects to what I do. However, dealing with private healthcare companies is something I could happily avoid."

Kingston-based Physio & More offer physiotherapy services alongside chiropractic care, osteopathy, personal training, pilates, and sports massage. (Photo: Physio & More)

For those times where glute strength just isn't enough, Physio & More can help step up your recovery and you get back to feeling like yourself again. 

Any readers interested in a consultation with Mr Wilde and his team can learn more on the clinic's website here.

Kingston Nub News is proud to announce Physio & More as the latest sponsor of our publication.

Physio & More's support will help us continue to deliver the high-quality journalism that Kingston deserves – no clickbait or intrusive ads, just the latest updates on what's happening in our town.

It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like Physio & More, as well as the support of our dedicated readers, that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Kingston and across the UK. Thank you.