About us

Shock Wave Therapy London Team

Leading the way in Shock Wave Therapy across London. The team, led by Liz Tough, excel in effective rapid pain relief treatments.

A large presence in the local community, BODY FIRST UK clinic goes beyond just a west London physio. Liz Tough, was recently nominated for female entrepreneur of the year for the Richmond borough.

BODY FIRST UK is also a key supporter of a local charity Rulis.

Here at BODY FIRST UK we're all about looking after you and your rapid recovery with quality treatments and cutting edge technology. Meet our outstanding team of highly qualified practitioners and hear from our happy clients here ...

Meet the team

Liz Tough

Liz Tough MA, BSWA

Clinic Owner, Injury Expert and Shock Wave Specialist

Areas of expertise:

  • Shock Wave Therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Cupping
  • Plantar Fascitis
  • Achillies Tendonopathy
  • Knee issues
  • Frozen shoulders
  • Sciatica
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Liz is a highly qualified and experienced Injury Rehabilitation Therapist.

Liz has been practicing for over 20 years and specialises in soft tissue injuries such as, muscle tears, tendons, ligament and nerve issues, range of movement dysfunctions and postural issues.

Jessica Bentley

Jessica Bentley BA

Sports Scientist, Injury Rehabilitator and Staff Manager

Areas of expertise:

  • Sport specific recovery
  • Taping and strapping
  • Tennis elbow
  • Runner’s knee
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Shin splints
  • Swimmer's shoulder

Jessica is a recovery and injury rehabilitation specialist, who specialises in accelerating recovery, relieving pain and discomfort and aiding in rehabilitation after an injury. She has a Sport Massage qualification and a degree in Sport Science from the University of Stellenbosch.

In 2020 Jessica joined the South African Men's Hockey Physio Team in their preparation for the Tokyo Olympics as they played a series of tests against the USA in South Africa.
In 2021 she moved to the UK to work with a 5* Eventer, treating both horses and riders during the Eventing season.
In 2022 Jessica joined BODY FIRST UK physio clinic as a Senior Rehabilitator, but is also currently working at Old Georgians Hockey Club as a hockey coach and the team Sport Massage Therapist.

A keen tennis player and swimmer, Jessica also enjoys hiking and horseback riding.

Ivaylo Todorov CSP

Senior Physiotherapist
 

Areas of expertise:

  • Chiropractitioning for realignment of spine
  • Physiotherapy
  • Respiratory
  • Neurology
  • Neuro Rehab – post strokes
  • Short and long term condition and injuries
  • Long Covid

Ivaylo is a highly experienced and qualified Chartered Senior Physiotherapist with Chiropractic training. He is currently practicing for Richmond & Hounslow NHS.

Ivaylo qualified and has been practising for 22 years. During that time Ivaylo has worked with the NHS in Westminster, Guys & St Thomas’ NHS Trust, Oxford University hospital John Radcliffe as well as Berkshire Community hospital and North West Surrey community rehabilitation team. Originally from Bulgaria Ivaylo now lives locally and enjoys swimming and working out at the gym.

Ivaylo practices at BODY FIRST UK every Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm – 8pm

Rachael Watkeys

Rachael Watkeys BAppSci (Human Movement), AdDip (Myotherapy), PGCE, ITEC

Myotherapist and Sports Massage Therapist

Areas of expertise:

  • Myofascial release
  • Trigger point release
  • Dry needling
  • Back and neck pain
  • Elbow and shoulder pain
  • Hip and gluteal discomfort

Rachael is an experienced human movement professional and myotherapist who has been practicing for 20 years. During this time she has worked in private practice as well as with numerous elite level sporting clubs including Australian NRL club Melbourne Storm, The Victorian Institute of Sport- Gymnastics and, for the last 11 years, with the Great Britian Womens Fastpitch Softball team.

Rachael is qualifed in sports massage, injury rehabilitation, trigger point release, myofasical release, muscle energy techniques, soft tissue release, cupping and dry needling. Her Human Movment degree also gives her the ability to evaluate movement patterns and prescribe corrective exercises.

Born in Bristol, Rachael spent most of her youth in Melbourne, Australia, surrounded by sport. She has a passion for softball, having played and coached at the highest level possible, netball, rugby (league and union) and AFL. Since moving back to the UK 18 years ago, Rachael has also developed a strong interest in golf and football. When not involved in sport she loves spending time in the garden and with her animals.

Hannah Pittaway BSc

Hannah Pittaway BSc

Personal Trainer & Strength & Conditioning Coach

Areas of expertise:

  • Sports performance enhancement
  • Sport specific/general training
  • Running Biomechanics and Physiology
  • Core strength
  • Hamstring/Knee issues
  • Speed training
  • Strength training
  • Power training
  • Flexibility training

Hannah specialises in general and functional strength, for everyday people and athletes. Hannah believes in providing everyone with the opportunity to get stronger and fitter for their life and sport.

Hannah has a degree in Sports Science and Human Biology, Level 3 personal Trainer and Level 4 Strength & Conditioning Qualification, Hannah is able to assess and then strengthen areas of weakness and imbalance to allow people to continue to play their sport for longer, and help people on their rehab journey with specific exercises tailored to the individual and /or their sport.

When Hannah is not at the clinic she is either looking after her little girl, or training for her next running event. Hannah is a keen learner and works hard on her professional development, to ensure she is up to date on her knowledge.

Lesley Cooper DHypPsych Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist

Lesley Cooper DHypPsych

Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist
 

Areas of expertise:

  • Sports performance
  • Pain management
  • Needle phobia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Confidence
  • Stress and relaxation
  • Weight management

Lesley specialises in hypnotherapy for sports performance, helping you to use the confidence you have in your game to the very best of your ability.

Hypnosis is best described as a deep state of relaxation and focused attention. It is neither sleep nor unconsciousness; it is an altered state of awareness otherwise referred to as a ‘trance state’. This gives access to the subconscious part of the mind — which at this stage is wonderfully open to constructive and creative suggestions — allowing a positive shift in your thoughts, emotions and wellbeing. Uncertainty and ever-changing circumstances lead to emotional changes, anxiety, depression, anger and various other emotional reactions, all of which can lead to ill health.

She also works with and pain management and needle phobia, ie for pre-operative to help you prepare mentally for surgery.

Lesley has been helping people for 15 years. She is a great advocate of the power of positive thinking and is dedicated to improving her clients’ lives in any aspect in which they seek help.

Lesley can help you achieve a happier, healthier mindset, working with you on areas such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, addictions and even weight management. Helping you to be a better version of who you are and achieve those life goals.

In her spare time, Lesley is a keen golfer.

For more information please take a look at Lesley’s website -Lesleycooperhypnotherapy.com or call 07767 823890

We Work With...

Testimonials

Just had my first visit to Body First UK and have just had a fabulous back massage and facial with Georgie and with the added bonus of a foot massage while the face mask was on. Highly recommended. Thank you.
Janine

Thank you Liz, I certainly feel the difference. After 3 sessions only, my back pain has eased and my movement has improved. I would highly recommend you.
Omar

Liz was amazing. I was suffering with terrible leg pain and I was hardly able to move after the birth of my son. With my husband returning to work and myself unable to walk up the stairs I was in a bad place! One session and Liz nailed to cause of my pain and I was 99% back to full mobility and pain free within 3 days. One more follow up session and I was back to normal. Could not recommend her more highly!
Emma

Totally brilliant and totally great value.
Alex

Very welcoming and friendly - amazing full body massage too! I can't wait to come back for my next appointment in May. Highly recommended.
Jo Jo

An incredible treatment plan has been put into place for me to regain living without the chronic back pain and neck pain I have been experiencing over the last two years. After a course of treatments of intensive deep muscle tissue massage and trigger point therapy, for the first time I feel progress is being made. Thank you Liz for your incredible work in starting to fix me and making me endure the trigger point therapy.
Ronnie

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