About connie
I’m Connie, a UK (HCPC) & Australian (AHPRA) registered musculoskeletal & sports physiotherapist, scientific communicator and health creator, PhD researcher, and advocate for women’s sports health, with a lifelong passion for sports and a mission to ensure that female athletes receive the holistic, evidence-based support they deserve.
My journey began as an elite gymnast, where I quickly learned the dedication and grit required to perform at the highest level. However, those early years also exposed me to the challenges of overtraining, intense physical demands, underfuelling and the impact of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)—a condition that ended my gymnastics career and left me with lingering health issues, from stress fractures to hormonal dysfunction and cardiac issues. But these setbacks only fueled my resolve to reshape the sports healthcare landscape for future generations of female athletes.
From Gymnastics to Multi-Sport Athlete
Leaving gymnastics was difficult, but I wasn’t ready to step away from high-performance sport. I competed nationally in track and field with the esteemed Sale Harriers and represented my university at the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) level in netball, as well as long-distance running, handball and strength training. These sports offered new challenges, but the lingering injuries I had carried over from gymnastics persisted, leading to a series of more rehab and surgery. These recovery journeys taught me patience and gave me an intimate understanding of the challenges injured athletes face at various life stages, adding depth to my clinical practice and empathy for my patients.
Gymnastics did, however, give me a lasting foundation of strength, agility, and conditioning principles that I’ve taken into every sport I’ve played. I also witnessed both the highs and lows of high-performance training, from the value of structured strength and conditioning to the critical need for safe-sport protections. These experiences fostered my commitment to safe, effective training environments that prioritize athlete well-being alongside performance.
Academic & Clinical Foundations
To further my understanding of sports health, I pursued dual degrees in Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy. With a degree in Physiotherapy from Manchester Metropolitan University and Sports & Exercise Therapy from Leeds Beckett University, I launched my clinical career in Central London’s leading teaching hospitals and professional football settings. Working as a senior musculoskeletal physiotherapist at various renowned central London teaching hospital institutions, I specialized in diagnosing and treating complex injuries, managing post-operative rehabilitation, and addressing various musculoskeletal and chronic pain issues. This experience shaped my ability to manage diverse patient needs, from acute trauma to long-term injury prevention.
To deepen my expertise, I completed a Master’s in Sports Medicine, Exercise & Health at the UCL Institute of Sports, Exercise, and Health (ISEH). The MSc program immersed me in advanced clinical approaches to diagnosis, injury management, exercise physiology, performance coaching, and sports health. During this time, I undertook a collaborative research project with Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, exploring adductor strength testing positions in professional soccer players. The combination of high-level clinical training and research at ISEH equipped me to bridge science with practical treatment, enhancing my ability to deliver evidence-based care in both sports and clinical settings.
Building on this foundation, I am currently undertaking a PhD focusing on women's running health, injury, and performance at La Trobe University, Australia. This research explores crucial aspects of low energy availability, musculoskeletal health, and injury risk in female runners. By investigating these under-researched areas, I aim to contribute valuable insights into optimizing athletic health and injury prevention for women in sport. My PhD experience has further refined my research skills and my ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications, underscoring my commitment to advancing women's sports health.
Scientific Communication & Editorial Leadership
As an Associate Editor and social media manager for the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM), I have the privilege of transforming complex research into accessible, engaging content for a global audience. In this role, I’ve developed evidence-based digital marketing and communication strategies that have increased BJSM’s social media reach by over 500% and boosted engagement metrics significantly, with a monthly growth in followers and a reach across platforms. These metrics are a testament to my ability to craft and deliver high-impact content that resonates with diverse audiences.
I have had the incredible opportunity to work under mentors and influential leaders in sports and exercise medicine and the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Through this mentorship, I have gained invaluable insights into the art of effective scientific communication, the importance of precision, and the nuances of maintaining credibility while being engaging. Learning from leading voices in sports and exercise medicine has expanded my understanding of how to align public health messaging with the latest research, ensuring that individuals, athletes, and brands alike receive accurate and relevant health information.
My editorial and social media experience have equipped me to support both individuals and brands by effectively translating sports health research into practical insights. I provide actionable, science-backed information to help brands connect authentically with their audience and empower individuals to make informed health decisions. Through thoughtful, well-researched content, I aim to inspire trust, engagement, and knowledge across the sports health community, contributing to a more informed and health-conscious public.
Founding the Women’s Sports Health Club
Founding the Women’s Sports Health Club marked a transformative step in my journey toward reshaping women’s health in sport. I launched the club with the mission to support female athletes and active women by addressing the unique challenges they face—such as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), pelvic health, and injury prevention. I saw a need for a community where science-backed information and practical insights converge to empower women to excel both in sport and in life.
Through this initiative, the Women’s Sports Health Club became a dedicated space for fostering critical conversations around female health, creating resources that resonate with women’s specific needs, and bridging gaps in traditional sports health approaches. By offering workshops, expert-led discussions, and curated content, the club supports members in navigating everything from performance optimization to mental resilience and holistic well-being.
The club’s overarching goal is not just about enhancing athletic performance but about cultivating a foundation for lifelong health and empowerment in sport. The Women’s Sports Health Club is my way of ensuring that women have a community that champions their health, strength, and success.
A Personal Battle with POTS & Dysautonomia
Following COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine, I developed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and dysautonomia. Ironically, I had previously completed a clinical rotation at UCL hospital’s esteemed Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility clinic, helping POTS patients manage their condition through exercise rehabilitation. Now, I found myself navigating daily challenges I once supported others through.
Working with a specialized sports cardiology and physiology team, I’ve been able to regain my active lifestyle, though the experience has been humbling. As a former gymnast with a history of overtraining and concussions, I often wonder if my athletic background contributed to my condition. Living with POTS has given me deep empathy for active people & athletes managing invisible & chronic conditions, and I’m more committed than ever to help others facing similar challenges return to sports and fitness with the right support.