We’re giving you double the dose in this month’s Therapist Spotlight, with Ten’s first ever married Physiotherapy duo, Kate and Josh Smith. OK, so they don’t actually come as a duo – she’s based in Little Venice and he’s based at St James’s – but they do share an integrated approach to therapy and a passion for helping people.
Can you tell us a bit about your day to day role here at Ten?
Kate:
I work as a physiotherapist in our Little Venice clinic. I spend my days treating patients with a range of different injuries. These range from postural based pain from spending long hours sitting in front of the computer to sports injuries. My challenge is to address the primary injury, plus the secondary components, so that the individual can return to their normal daily activities. I understand that my patients can live busy and stressful lives, so I also try to have fun and let them relax.
Josh:
I’ve found myself at the busy clinic that is St James’s and I’m loving it. My role as Physiotherapist makes up one part of the circle of care that exists both within and beyond Ten. I work with the other therapists and trainers we have on site and I’m also developing close relationships with a number of the orthopaedic consultants in the surrounding area. I see a range of different patients from a myriad of backgrounds and each of them has a story to tell. I see my role as allowing them to tell that story, becoming a part of their journey, and helping them to achieve the things that are important to them.
How long have you both been working as Physiotherapists?
Kate:
This is my fourth year working as a physiotherapist.
Josh:
I graduated in 2013, so this is my fifth year working.
“I see a range of different patients from a myriad of backgrounds and each of them has a story to tell.” – Josh
What made you both want to work in the industry?
Josh:
I enjoyed science at school – and was quite good at it – but really liked the idea of helping people. Physiotherapy was a great way to combine the two.
Kate:
I spent a lot of time in a Physiotherapy clinic as a child and was inspired by this experience. Working as a therapist allows me to combine my love of sports with my passion for helping people; which means every working day brings enjoyment, especially when I get to see my patients achieving their goals.
What would you both be doing if you weren’t in this career?
Kate:
I love to cook, especially baking sweet treats (which isn’t always good for the waistline). So, I would work as a baker and spend my days perfecting my brownie and macaroon recipes. I think Josh would like to think he was my professional taster.
Josh:
Taste testing Kate’s (mostly) good baking…
What can our clients expect from your treatments?
Kate:
I like to look outside the box and find out why an injury occurred in the first place. This can mean assessing the patient’s biomechanics to see what may be influencing their pain and injury. Every patient is different and has different stressors (work, family, etc), so I believe it is important that my approach is altered depending on what the patient requires.
Josh:
My aim is to help each patient achieve the goals most relevant to them. To do this, I combine evidence-based education, exploration of the biopsychosocial factors involved in an injury and pain, manual and hands on treatment, and exercise-based rehab.
“Every working day brings enjoyment, especially when I get to see my patients achieving their goals” – Kate
What’s the best part about your job & working at Ten?
Kate:
So far, the best part about Ten is the welcoming and friendly staff. It’s nice to have so many fellow Kiwis and/or Aussies around. The patients are wonderful and I love the advice people offer for our future travels and London life.
Josh:
The best part about my job is getting to spend time with people and make a difference to the things that matter to them. Working at Ten allows me to do that in a relaxed, fun but professional environment.
When you’re not in the treatment room what can you be found getting up to?
Kate:
Coming from New Zealand I love the outdoors. When I’m not at work I like to be active, explore new places and catch up with friends over good New Zealand coffee and wine.
Josh:
I love discovering and exploring new places. One of the reasons we have come to London is to do just that. We are hoping to explore as much of London, the UK, and Europe as we can whilst we’re here.
How did you meet and how long have you been together?
Both:
We first met at a physio school camp while we were at university… cute right?! It was basically a love at first sight kind of story. So we have been together for 6 years in total and married for 2 of them.
“The best part about my job is getting to spend time with people and make a difference to the things that matter to them” – Josh
How long have you been living in London?
Both:
We made the big move to London 2 months ago from New Zealand, and by the current weather it looks like we came at the right time. It’s been our plan to do this together for a long time so it’s exciting to finally be here.
What’s your favourite place or thing to do in the city?
Kate:
I love to explore new and exciting places. So my favourite day out would be exploring a new area of town, finding a café with decent coffee, and just watching the world go by.
Josh:
My favourite place so far has to be Borough Market… so much good food!
What’s the best piece of health & fitness advice you’ve been given that you’d like to pass on?
Kate:
A lot of people believe you need to ‘run to get fit’. I once heard and now enjoy sharing with people that you need to ‘get fit to run’. You need strong muscles and good technique before hitting the road.
Josh:
Favourite quote, for a number of reasons, would have to be: “Trust me, I’m a physiotherapist”
