About Rachel
Experienced Physiotherapy. Personalised Care.
Hello, I'm Rachel Thompson, founder of West Malvern Physiotherapy.
I'm a Chartered Physiotherapist with 25 years of experience helping people overcome pain, recover from injury and return to doing the things they enjoy. Throughout my career, I've worked across the NHS, private healthcare, occupational health, rehabilitation, medico-legal practice and higher education, giving me a broad range of clinical experience and a strong understanding of how musculoskeletal conditions affect every aspect of a person's life.
At West Malvern Physiotherapy, my philosophy is simple: every patient is unique. I take the time to listen, understand your goals and provide a thorough assessment before creating a personalised treatment plan that is tailored specifically to you. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a long-standing injury, experiencing a new problem or looking to improve your mobility, my aim is to help you achieve lasting results—not just temporary relief.
My Experience
Since qualifying with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Coventry University in 2001, I have continued to develop my knowledge through postgraduate study and ongoing professional development, including completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Advancing Practice at the University of Birmingham.Over the past two decades, I have been fortunate to work in a variety of senior clinical roles, including:
- Senior Physiotherapist within the NHS and private healthcare.
- Owner of a small successful private physiotherapy practice.
- Senior Occupational Health Physiotherapist supporting employees across a wide range of industries.
- Senior Triage Physiotherapist, providing expert telephone assessments and guiding patients towards the most appropriate treatment pathway
Medico-legal and disability assessment roles, producing high-quality clinical reports and complex case assessments.
- Lecturer at the University of Birmingham, supporting the education and development of future healthcare professionals.
These roles have strengthened my clinical reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills, allowing me to assess complex conditions with confidence and provide evidence-based, patient-centred care.
My Approach
I believe the best physiotherapy combines expert assessment, practical advice, hands-on treatment where appropriate and rehabilitation that fits into everyday life.
My goal is not only to help reduce pain but also to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to understand your condition, recover well and reduce the risk of future problems.
I pride myself on offering honest advice, realistic expectations and a friendly, supportive environment where patients feel listened to and involved in every stage of their rehabilitation.
A Passion for Healthy Ageing
Alongside treating a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, I have developed a specialist interest in healthy ageing.
Professionally, I have spent many years working with people recovering from illness, injury and surgery, as well as supporting individuals to maintain their mobility, balance and independence throughout later life. Time and again, I have seen how improving strength, confidence and movement can have a profound impact on a person's quality of life.
Personally, this area is especially important to me. Experiences within my own family reinforced my belief that maintaining strength, balance and mobility is one of the greatest investments we can make in our future health. It inspired me to look beyond treating injuries alone and focus on helping people remain active, independent and confident for as long as possible.
This passion has led me to develop dedicated Healthy Ageing services, including Postural & Balance MOTs, balance and strength classes, falls prevention programmes and educational resources. These services sit alongside my core physiotherapy practice and are designed to help people take a proactive approach to their long-term health and wellbeing.
Whether you're seeking treatment for an injury today or looking to invest in your future health, my goal is the same: to help you move better, feel stronger and continue enjoying the activities that matter most.
I look forward to welcoming you to West Malvern Physiotherapy.