About – Helen Portsmouth

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Who I am?

I am Helen Portsmouth, I am passionate about people, about helping them find their way to better movement choices, in order to reduce pain, to move easily and with fluidity, to better understand the movements they have and how these movements may or do impact on and in their lives.

As a physical therapist I am dedicated to promoting health, healing and well-being through appropriate movement programmes, facilitation methods (massage and clinical rehabilitation) and discussions.

I have worked in and with movement for over 40 year; as a teacher, a coach, a massage therapist and clinical rehabilitator.

I have also performed personally at either top /premier league levels; volleyball / badminton or have represented Yorkshire. playing county in Hockey

And now I swim regularly, run and attend an yoga class, as well as doing the classes I plan and teach.

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I consider myself as an empowering professional, where I would like to think I can listen, plan for and deliver information to my clients, building a rapport which can nurture an inclusive environment where clients can experience what is happening in and to their bodies. In becoming pain free, better movers both with understanding.

I specialise in manual therapy and clinical rehabilitation to release tension, understand why a structure might be under pressure and to return balance to a body

I work with a range of people, from children to the elderly as well as those who partake in sports like; golf, tennis, swimming, running, walking, though many clients are not active.

I also work with clients who are preparing for or are recovering from surgery.

“I have known Helen Portsmouth for 16 years, ever since I went to her because of severe shoulder pain. I had been treated elsewhere for what was thought to be a frozen shoulder. After two appointments, Helen suggested I see my doctor and, 4 months later, I had extensive surgery to remove a soft tissue sarcoma from my armpit. Left undetected, it might have resulted in the loss of my arm, or worse.Since then, I have been helped by Helen to address problems arising after the surgery and also for a recent broken collarbone. I have found her to be very generous with her time, providing detailed exercise plans for maintaining progress between massages.She explains things clearly and is always friendly and encouraging when my efforts are flagging.I have no hesitation in recommending Helen wholeheartedly.”
- Denise

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How I Got Here

As a movement therapist I am passionate about helping you move better and live healthier. For over 40 years, I’ve empowered individuals of all ages and abilities to find pain-free movement choices. Through manual therapy, personalised programmes, and a collaborative approach, I hope to help you reduce pain, improve flexibility, and achieve your goals; whether you’re an athlete, recovering from surgery, or simply seeking to move with ease, I’m here to guide you on your journey.

I have a BEd Honours degree in Physical Education, Biology and Dance from which I taught in schools for 8 years where I taught and coached a wide variety of sports, activities and dance as well as teaching GCSE and 'A' level PE.

Whilst teaching I did a MSc in Sport and Exercise Science and went on to a Senior Lectureship at De Montfort University as it was then, for 5 years.

I went on to examining ‘A’ Level Physical Education too, where I examined for OCR as well as playing National League Hockey too.

I qualified as a Massage Therapist with the LSSM in 2003/4 which re-ignited my interest in biomechanics, exercise physiology and sports psychology. So when I met Joanne Elphinston for the first at a conference in Bedford I had literally found myself. From that point on I immersed myself in her Clinical Rehabilitator Training and became a Certified JEMS Practitioner in Clinical Rehabilitation in 2012.

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During my time with the JEMS principles I would like to think I have increased my knowledge base, refined my understanding of biomechanics, motor learning, physiology, philosophy and psychology. All of which inform my work and my life – I embody the JEMS principles on a daily basis for myself too – so my clients can have a confidence in what they find out about themselves and support to embody what they discover to be pain free, better movers with understanding.

“Helen’s knowledge of the human body, coupled with her listening and observational skills give her a unique ability to diagnose, treat and advise clients to help realign, relieve pain, strengthen and to continue to use their bodies in an efficient way day to day. I would not go anywhere else for help, she is amazing.“

- Jennie