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What sparked your interest in sports rehabilitation? 

My interest in sports rehabilitation was sparked during my time as a dancer. Dancing for over 30 hours a week, whilst also teaching and performing, I experienced several injuries. Unfortunately, the care I received was often general and not tailored to the specific demands of my body as a dancer. This lack of specialised support left me feeling frustrated, and I noticed many fellow dancers facing similar challenges. Over time, I realised there was a real need for rehabilitation that catered specifically to active individuals like dancers, athletes, and performers. This inspired me to change my career path and pursue sports rehabilitation, with the goal of helping others return to the activities they’re passionate about, with the right kind of care. 

What were you doing before you embarked on the Sports Rehabilitation course? 

"Before embarking on the Sports Rehabilitation course, I started with an HND in Sports Therapy at City of Glasgow College, which was a two-year programme. A couple of months before I completed it, I was thrilled to learn that the College had finally secured approval for a BSc (Hons) in Sports Rehabilitation. It was incredibly exciting news, as it gave me the opportunity to build on my foundation and pursue a more advanced qualification in the field. "

What made you decide to sign up to Scotland’s only Sports Rehabilitation degree? 

I enrolled because it seemed like the best option available to me. Firstly, I live in Glasgow, so Queen Margaret University wasn’t too far away. Additionally, the course content appeared incredibly interesting, and far more advanced than the HND course I had completed. I believed it would provide me with greater opportunities to further my career and develop the skills needed to succeed in the field. 

This four-year degree is split across two institutions. Where did you study the first two years of the course before coming to Queen Margaret University for the final 2 years? City of Glasgow College or Edinburgh College? How did you find the experience? 

The first two years of the degree were at City of Glasgow College. Unfortunately, this was during the COVID pandemic, which meant we missed out on a lot of hands-on experience. However, by the third year, which was split 50/50 between the College and Queen Margaret University, the majority of our lectures became practical. This gave me an amazing opportunity to catch up on the practical skills I had missed. The college lecturers were very supportive and helped us become more proficient by providing study rooms where we could practise and prepare for assessments. 

In addition to lectures, we were also required to undertake work placements. My first placement was with a local football club. After the placement ended, I stayed on with the team, working as their therapist—and I’m still working with them to this day! 

The fourth year fully took place at QMU, but the lectures were organised well, requiring no more than two days a week on campus. During my final-year placement, I worked with a local community sports and leisure club, as well as a girls’ football academy. These work placements were an amazing opportunity to develop a wide range of skills essential for Sports Rehabilitation. They also gave us the chance to explore different roles within the industry and gain valuable experience. 

How did you find the transition from college to university? Tell us about your learning experience on the course at QMU? 

The transition from college to university was definitely a step up, as the requirements were much higher. We had weekly tasks to complete and were also expected to read articles prior to lectures. At first, it felt like a lot to manage, but it all made sense eventually. Being prepared for lectures meant I had a better understanding of the material being discussed. I was already familiar with the topic, which made it easier to engage in discussions with classmates and lecturers, and it also encouraged me to explore the subject further. 

For me, as someone whose first language isn’t English, academic writing, journal analysis, and critical thinking were on a completely different level. I remember feeling unsure whether I could manage it at first. However, QMU offers incredible support. We had PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Sessions), which were led by physiotherapy students. These sessions were really helpful, particularly for discussing case studies and getting guidance on coursework. 

Additionally, the Effective Learning Service at QMU was a fantastic resource. They offered drop-in sessions and booked appointments - helping with various aspects of study skills development. This support made a huge difference in helping me build confidence and improve my academic abilities. 

What parts of the degree course did you most enjoy? 

It’s hard to pick just one part of the degree course, as so many aspects were both interesting and beneficial. The practical sessions were particularly enjoyable and provided valuable hands-on experience. Every so often, we also had the opportunity to see how researchers work in a lab and learn about tools like force plates, which was fascinating. Another highlight was the intermediate sports first aid course, which was incredibly useful and engaging. 

Interestingly, I also enjoyed having different lecturers for the same subject. It was really interesting to see how various practitioners approached the same issue. This allowed us to compare their methods and perspectives, giving us a broader understanding and insight into different ways of working. 

What was most challenging? 

Finding a balance between life and study. The course itself was incredibly interesting, so even when it was challenging, I didn’t find it troubling. All the study materials were easily accessible, but they did require a lot of time. 

What made it particularly difficult was that when I started the Sports Rehabilitation course, my son was only six months old, so I was constantly tired and sleep-deprived. I spent 2-3 days a week at uni or college, and on the days without lectures, I focused all my time on my son. This meant that I could only study at night when he was asleep. 

In those two years, I really honed my time management skills, juggling full-time studies with raising a young child. I actually remember those years feeling like I was on autopilot, just managing to get through everything. 

What different groups did you have the opportunity to work with and how did you help them? 

During my placement with the council leisure centres, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of different groups. One group I worked with consisted of individuals who needed to lose weight, either before surgery or due to health conditions such as diabetes. I also worked with older adults who had recently experienced a stroke or had cardiac issues, helping to lead exercise classes tailored for this population. 

In addition, I spent a considerable amount of time on football pitches, assisting athletes with their injuries. Each group presented unique challenges, but it was rewarding to help them with their rehabilitation and support them in achieving their health and fitness goals. 

What kinds of things did you do to gain experience and increase your employability? 

"I believe I’m quite proactive, so as soon as I started my placement with a football team, I made an effort to be as useful as possible. I took the initiative to complete a sports first aid course, and within a couple of months, I was covering for my supervisor when she needed time off. Whenever an opportunity to take on more responsibility arose, I made sure to seize it and make the most of it, as I knew it would help me gain valuable experience and increase my employability. "

Tell us about winning your scholarship and your current role? 

 Your current employer created a role specifically for you? Tell us how that come about? Tell us about your current role? 

Currently, I’ve been awarded a sponsorship covering 50% of my tuition fees for the MSc in Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine at the University of Glasgow. 

Initially, the University of Glasgow was seeking to hire someone specifically for a strength and conditioning coach role. However, I took a chance and applied for the position. Although they felt I wasn’t the exact fit for that role at first, they asked for some time to reconsider. A month later, they invited me for an interview, and after that, they reached out to offer me a role. They informed me that they had managed to secure another scholarship because they were impressed with the skills and background of sports rehabilitators. I suppose I was quite lucky! 

In exchange for the scholarship, I run Sports Rehab clinics for their performance teams and sports bursary students. I also work with the first men’s and women’s rugby teams during their home games. 

This job has been the most interesting in my short career, so far. First of all, the Glasgow University Sports Association has outstanding facilities, including a cardio gym, resistance gym, spin studio, a private gym exclusively for performance athletes, a swimming pool, and outdoor facilities. With all the equipment I could possibly need, my job becomes more exciting and less restrictive. 

The clinics I run are for all performance athletes across the various clubs, so I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of athletes, including professional snowboarders, cricket players, horse riders, and more. This gives me the chance to gain varied and valuable professional experience. While it’s not without its challenges - sometimes athletes use sport-specific terms that I don’t immediately understand, so I have to ask them for clarification, and then do further research on their movements and rehab needs - the role is incredibly rewarding. 

It’s a challenging yet exciting experience, and it’s proved to me that in this industry, you never stop learning. 

Tell us about winning the prestigious British Association of Sports Rehabilitators and Trainers Bill McLoughlin? What does the award recognise? 

My previous QMU lecturer, Judith Lane, encouraged me to apply for the British Association of Sports Rehabilitators and Trainers Bill McLoughlin Award. As part of the application process, I had to write an essay outlining my contributions to sports rehabilitation as a student. I was absolutely overjoyed when I found out I had been selected as the recipient of this prestigious award. 

I believe my hard work and dedication over the four years of my studies played a significant role in receiving the award. Not only did I complete my HND and degree, but I did so while balancing the challenges of motherhood. During my second year of study, I had a child, which added a unique set of responsibilities to my already demanding schedule. I didn’t have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mum, as I enrolled at Queen Margaret University straight after finishing college. Instead, I was juggling a full-time university course, part-time work, and raising my child - an experience that often left me sleep-deprived but determined to succeed. 

Receiving the Bill McLoughlin Award felt incredibly special as it recognised all the effort I had put in, despite the challenges I faced. It was a true honour to have my hard work, perseverance, and sleepless nights acknowledged in such a meaningful way. 

What’s the most rewarding part of working in sports rehabilitation and why do you think the role is important? 

The most rewarding part is seeing the incredible progress athletes make during their recovery journey. Athletes require a unique level of care, support, and approach compared to the general population, especially when they’re injured. They are usually very active, and a key challenge is finding ways to allow them to continue exercising without compromising their recovery. This is essential, as maintaining fitness levels during rehabilitation helps prevent further decline in their performance and makes the recovery process smoother and faster. 

What’s truly fascinating is how quickly athletes can recover. While everything I learned at university provided me with valuable guidelines for rehabilitation, I’ve come to realise that these are really just starting points. High-performing athletes are in peak physical condition, and their bodies are able to heal and adapt much faster than what is typically expected. Initially, I couldn’t believe how quickly some of them recovered from injuries, and I thought certain athletes might just be exceptional cases. But after working with high-performance athletes for several months, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly they return to play after severe injuries - some that, in other circumstances, might require much longer recovery periods. 

What continues to amaze me is the resilience and determination these athletes show. The speed and efficiency with which they progress through the stages of rehab and regain full performance is nothing short of inspiring. They don’t just recover - they come back stronger! It’s a constant reminder of the power of the human body, and it reinforces how important rehabilitation is in the world of sports performance. I find it extremely fulfilling to play a part in that process and witness their recovery journey from start to finish. 

How are you advancing your knowledge and experience in sports rehabilitation and what do you aim to achieve over the next few years?  

Currently, I am pursuing an MSc in Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine at the University of Glasgow. This is a two-year course, and alongside my studies, I’ll continue running rehab clinics for performance athletes. I hope to complete my MSc by 2026. 

In terms of my future, I’d love to continue working in a role similar to the one I have now, focusing on performance athletes. I’m really enjoying the work and the challenges it brings, and I feel that I’m growing a lot in this area. However, I’m also open to new opportunities and challenges, as you never really know where life might take you. In two years’ time I hope that sports rehabilitation in Scotland will be more widely recognised and valued, which could bring new possibilities for my career. 

Ultimately, I aim to continue advancing my knowledge and experience in the field by staying involved in both my studies and practical work. I want to develop my expertise, particularly in the rehabilitation of elite athletes, and expand my skills to keep up with the evolving landscape of sports science. Long-term, I see myself making a meaningful contribution to the field, particularly in helping bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance enhancement. 

What advice would you give anyone thinking of doing the BSc (Hons) Sports Rehabilitation? 

It’s definitely not an easy journey, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The course requires a lot of dedication - there’s a significant amount of studying to do, not just in the classroom, but also preparing for lectures and completing assignments. You’ll also need to spend a considerable amount of time on placements, where you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience. This is vital for developing your clinical skills, but it’s also where you’ll learn how to work under pressure in real-world settings. 

The job itself can be physically demanding. You need to be prepared for the physical side of rehabilitation, as you’ll often be involved in exercises with clients or athletes. It’s not just about understanding the theory; it’s about being able to apply it in a practical environment. As a rehabilitator, you need to have a solid grasp of general strength and conditioning protocols and a good understanding of sports and the athletes you work with. But what I believe sets a successful rehabilitator apart is the ability to build relationships with clients and athletes. 

One of the most important skills to develop is the ability to work effectively with others, both as part of a multidisciplinary team and directly with clients. Empathy is crucial in this role, as you will often be working with people who are struggling with injuries. Being able to understand their situation, offer reassurance, and guide them through the rehabilitation process with compassion can make all the difference in their recovery. Ultimately, sports rehabilitation is about more than just helping people get back to full fitness - it’s about supporting them through their recovery with care and understanding. 

Sum up your experience of your course in three words. 

Challenging, rewarding, and transformative!