About Us

As Co-founder and director Robert is part of the driving force behind our multidisciplinary approach. Robert has been strongly influenced by his mother, a chartered physiotherapist with 40 years’ experience. Robert graduated as an Osteopath in 2000 and subsequently furthered his education with postgraduate courses in medical acupuncture, electrotherapy and clinical Pilates (with the renowned Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute). Among Robert's special interest is the management of patients with chronic low back pain prompting him to have published a book on the subject aimed at being a detailed guide for patient's (and physical therapy students) trying gained better understanding of the non surgical and surgical options;  BACK PAIN DECODED, available in print (and on Kindle) from Amazon. Robert is also involved with the education and support of other practitioners and clinics, he is UK lecturer and trainer on Class IV Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, TECAR Therapy, and spinal MRI analysis. In 2024 Robert was appointed chairman of the Waltham Forest Osteopathic Group (comprised of Osteopathy clinic owners and associates in the Waltham Forest area).

Darren teamed up with Robert in 2006 and together they established Spine Plus’s London based chain of clinics. Prior to forming Spine Plus, Darren had been a national level badminton player and personal trainer, training many celebrities in London’s West End. Darren studied at the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) where he was awarded the coverted student of year award in 2002. This was followed by training with the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) and courses in electrotherapy. Darren has a keen interest in clinical diagnostics and specialises in spinal, sports and work related injuries.

Ann is our head physio and the clinic manager at Chigwell. Ann used to work for the prestigious and world renowned “Bobath Centre”, she has many years experience as both a physiotherapist and a physiotherapy manager in the NHS and private sectors. Ann, who is Robert’s mother, works closely with our osteopaths and they with her, she helps coordinate the smooth running and patient management at all our clinics.

Dr. Sajid Butt MB BS, FCPS, FRCR. is one of the most experienced and well respected interventional radiologists in the UK specialising in musculoskeletal disorders, as well as working for the The Harley Street Spine Clinic he has lead role working for the NHS at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hosptial (RNOH), Stanmore. Dr Butt works in an advisary capacity to the therapists and clinicians at the clinic, he reports on all our MRI scans and other imaging and performs on-site image guided injections for our patients if and when this is required.

Ben is one of our most senior osteopaths, having worked at our Chigwell clinic for over 15 years. Ben is recognised by all (major) medical insurance companies including BUPA and AXA PPP. Having supplemented his osteopathic training with post graduate courses in medical acupuncture and electrotherapy, Ben is able to offer treatment for a wide range of conditions using a combination of various approaches. His special interests lie in classical osteopathy and treatment of the elderly.

BOOK ONLINE WITH BEN IN CHIGWELL

Akin originates from Turkey and in 2018 graduated from the University College of Osteopathy with a Masters in Osteopathy.  From a young age, he knew he wanted to be an osteopath having been treated by one following several injuries after a horse riding incident. Additionally, he has many years experience in sports massage, medical acupuncture/dry needling, Kinesio and active taping which he can use to enhance his osteopathic treatments. Akin always aims to provide therapy with both enthusiasm and professionalism in an effort to encourage wellness in all his patients. Languages: English & Turkish.

BOOK ONLINE WITH AKIN - IN CHGWELL    |    BOOK ONLINE WITH AKIN - IN WOODFORD

Matthew is a highly skilled Osteopath who uses his attention to detail to help with each and every one of his patients who come to see him here at spine plus. Matthew is very passionate about his approach to Osteopathy and how it can help all patients with their symptoms. Matthew’s passion and drive to promote Osteopathy was highlighted when he was selected to be joined by a  few other elite students to study and train in Melbourne’s prestigious Victoria university. It was here in Melbourne that Matthew first learnt  about the wonders of how shockwave therapy , acupuncture, dry cupping, intervertebral disc distraction (IDD) and ultrasound therapy could help him with his patients presenting symptoms.  

BOOK ONLINE WITH MATTHEW - IN CHGWELL    |    BOOK ONLINE WITH MATTHEW - IN WOODFORD

Louise’s treatment approach is patient-centered and aims to integrate your goals and priorities into a taliored treatment plan that will enhance your capacity to adapt and recover. Having worked as a personal trainer for over 12 years she thrives on empowering her patients to make healthy lifestyle choices and guide them in preventative steps to achieve their goals for future health. Louise works at our Chigwell Clinic on Wednesday and Saturdays and at our Woodford clinic on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

 BOOK ONLINE WITH LOUISE - IN CHIGWELL | BOOK ONLINE WITH LOUISE IN WOODFORD

Having worked as a massage therapist for over 10 years Lidiya qualified as Osteopath from The College of Osteopaths (5 years programme) where she also worked in their teaching clinic in Borehamwood. Lidiya is highly motivated, enthusiastic, deeply committed to her patients, and driven to help them mprove movement and manage pain.

BOOK ONLINE WITH LIDIYA IN CHIGWELL  | BOOK ONLINE WITH LIDIYA IN GIDEA PARK

Emily is a passionate and enthusiastic physiotherapist who brings a distinctive blend of professional training and personal athletic experience to her practice. Her years competing in elite-level netball sparked a deep curiosity about the causes and impacts of injury, as well as the most effective methods of rehabilitation. 

Emily has a broad interest in managing a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, joint conditions, and chronic presentations. 

Outside the clinic, Emily applies and refines her knowledge through her own athletic pursuits, particularly her interest in Hyrox training, where she enjoys testing and evolving the techniques she uses with patients.

BOOK ONLINE WITH EMILY IN CHIGWELL | BOOK ONLINE WITH EMILY IN WOODFORD

Inan joined us in 2024, as a qualified sports therapist and strength and conditioning coach. Inan brings a wealth of experience having previously worked at prestigious central London clinics such as Spine works and ProBack. Inan’s experience has centred on one to one exercise rehabilitation to help consolidate treatment outcomes and prevent relapses following an injury. Inan has also completed our in house training program under the director ship of our clinics director Robert Shanks and is competent at delivering soft tissue treatments including sports massage and medical acupuncture, together with foot scan and gait analysis, bespoke 3D printed orthotic prescriptions, as well as Electrotherapy including Class IV Laser, (radial & focused) shockwave therapy as well a TECAR Therapy for Advanced treatment of back pain, muscle, tendon and sports injuries.

BOOK ONLINE WITH INAN IN WOODFORD

Adele is a registered Osteopath, graduating from NESCOT with a Masters in Osteopathic medicine, adding to a degree from Brunel in Sports Science (Coaching). Adele has many years experience participating in high level competitive sports including basketball, netball and martial arts. Adele has also been a sports massage therapist for 3 years, building a solid client base while studying at university, She has a keen interest in sports injury and rehabilitation and is excited to gain more knowledge with post-graduate courses in shockwave and dry needling.

As a highly experienced and qualified Postural Alignment and Corrective Exercise Specialist, Veena’s work involves identifying muscular imbalances in the body and then designing personalised corrective exercise programs. Veena is highly passionate about her work and is a valuable source of feedback and advice to the rest of our clinical team.

Terry who works at the Bow clinic is renowned for his “magic hands” – he is a naturally gifted sports massage and deep tissue massage therapist. Terry has a reputation for no-nonsense, firm, effective sports massage. Terry has helped several national level athletes and sports people achieve their goals.

Kerry is a remedial sports massage therapist with experience of working in 5* hotels and with elite fighters.

She is a mixed martial artist herself and former financial planning analyst with a great understanding of the ailments that come with being very active as well as being deskbound.

Kerry is enthusiastic with helping people ease their aches and pains and understanding movement patterns.

Her goals are to not only help restore mobility and get people moving pain free but also to educate her clients on how to improve their posture and heal optimally from injuries outside of the treatments provided.

Xenia is a Senior Ayurvedic Therapist and Well Being Coach. She has more than 12 years experience in massage therapy, facilitating in Ayurvedic Medicine workshops and CPD courses around the world. Her background in Movement/Dancing and Yoga enriched her knowledge in body awareness. Passionate and energetic, Xenia encourages her clients to find the root of their body and mind imbalance, supporting their over all wellbeing, providing high standards of practice. Treatments are quite individualistic, so pressure can be adjusted according to the client’s needs. Xenia specialises in various musculo-skeletal conditions such as Sciatica, Neck/Shoulder pain. Migraine, Anxiety, Stress, Fatigue, Nutrition, Psychosomatic disorders and Nutrition. Languages: English & Greek.