Sports treatment experts target amateurs

Oct 5 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A GROUP of world-class sports treatment experts have teamed up to bring their services to amateur athletes in the North East.

Physiotherapists, psychologists, massage practitioners and nutritionists who have worked with Olympians and other top-class sports stars make up the eight-strong team at the Performance Clinic.

Physiotherapist Penny Macutkiewicz, who has worked with Beijing Olympics swimming bronze medallist Joanne Jackson, is heading up the enterprise at Sunderland University.

She said: “We are very excited to be opening our doors to support regional, recreational athletes and offer them the same service we give to the world’s most promising talent, but at a price they can afford.

“We offer an integrated team approach to injury management, which includes assessing, treating and rehabilitating injuries while analysing the cause.

“It all adds up to a package of care to prevent further injuries.” The professionals treated by the team include Paralympic gold medallist Stephen Miller, Olympic boxing bronze medallist Tony Jeffries and sports teams such as Durham County Cricket Club and Middlesbrough Football Club.

Andrew Bridge, captain of the Newcastle Eagles basketball team, was treated by Ms Macutkiewicz. He said: “I believe she has not only helped me get in the best shape of my life but has also put me in a position to extend my career by three to four years.”