MEET THE TEAM
Will knew from a young age that he wanted to follow his father (Brendan) into physiotherapy. “Growing up with my dad working as a physiotherapist gave me a positive insight about what the job has to offer, and I've always been interested in how the body works." He graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Hertfordshire in 2011 and, in 2015, obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Manipulative Physiotherapy from Curtin University, Western Australia. Will has also completed an advanced sports rehab program in Portugal.
Will first joined The Wells Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic team in 2011, where he specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. In addition to treating patients at the clinic, he attends to paediatric cases at Tonbridge School, rehabilitating a variety of injuries or general pain concerns, and Beechwood School, where he supports their elite football programme.
When not at work, Will enjoys spending time with his family – “being a new parent has opened up a world of joy!” He also loves to play golf and has recently taken up tennis.
WILL BURKE
Physiotherapist/Director
Russell has been a member of The Wells Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic since 2020, and joined the clinic with an abundance of experience. After graduating with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Brighton in 2008 and completing his postgraduate study in Sports Medicine at the University of South Wales in 2015, Russell sharpened his skills working in both traditional clinic environments and professional sports settings.
He has previously worked with teams in the British Premier League and Championship, and continues to support the British Para Cycling team – where he is one of only three internationally qualified medical classifiers in the UK. Formerly an elite cyclist and runner, Russell remains a keen sportsperson – and his own experiences with injury drive his desire to help others. “I believe that through supportive education, guidance, and person-centered treatment, we can really help people improve their quality of life.”
RUSSELL SHINGLES
Physiotherapist
NICK IRELAND
Physiotherapist
Nick graduated with a degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Brighton in 2011. Specialising in treating musculoskeletal conditions, he began his career in the NHS, before joining The Wells Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic in 2014. Nick initially worked as a full-time member of the team for three years and now splits his time between seeing Wells Physiotherapy patients and managing a small team of physiotherapists at a private hospital in Kent. "I enjoy the caseload mix this offers me," he shares.
Nick particularly relishes treating knee and shoulder concerns, and has a keen interest in strength and conditioning work. He is also highly experienced in areas including gait analysis and acupuncture. One aspect of working as a physiotherapist that Nick particularly likes is "empowering people to actively improve their conditions and injuries."
Outside of the clinic, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and keeps fit by playing football and tennis.
BRENDAN BURKE
Physiotherapist
With a wealth of experience under his belt, Brendan founded The Wells Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic in 1992. After graduating from Bath University in 1982, he began his career working in NHS teaching hospitals. A move to Australia with his family in 1988 saw Brendan take up a role at a private practice, where he expanded his knowledge working alongside some of the world’s best physiotherapists and put his skills to use rehabilitating elite sportsmen and women. Upon returning to the UK in 1992 he decided to establish his own clinic – and the rest, as they say, is history!
When he’s not busy treating patients, Brendan remains sporty and particularly loves cycling, shooting, and fly fishing. He also has a passion for motorbikes and playing his classical guitar.
After graduating with a first-class degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Hertfordshire in 2022, Ben launched his career with us at The Wells Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic. With a “long-standing interest in the human body and a desire to help people”, he says that becoming a physiotherapist was the ideal path to take!
In addition to treating patients at the clinic, Ben also works as the physiotherapist for the Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club, where he treats a range of injuries and ensures the players remain in optimum condition. Being an ‘occasional’ rugby player himself, Ben understands the need for a good physiotherapist! He also enjoys playing cricket and is a keen golfer.
BEN ROBERTS
Physiotherapist