Northwich Physiotherapy Clinic 
Meet the therapy team at Weaver Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

Richard Mason – Specialist Musculoskeletal Chartered Physiotherapist & Specialist Running Injury Physiotherapist

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy | HCPC Registered | MCSP


With over 20 years of clinical experience, Richard Mason is a highly experienced Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of running-related injuries, lower limb conditions and performance-limiting musculoskeletal issues. He works with runners of all levels — from recreational athletes to competitive performers — delivering expert, results-driven care focused on long-term outcomes.


Richard has built an extensive and diverse career across the NHS, private practice, occupational health and the Ministry of Defence. Notably, he spent 10 years delivering elite rehabilitation to service men and women within the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, managing complex injuries in high-performance environments where resilience, precision and return-to-duty outcomes were critical. This experience has shaped his advanced, performance-focused approach to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.


As a recognised Running Injury Specialist in Cheshire, Richard has completed over 1,000 detailed biomechanical running and gait assessments. Using advanced video gait analysis and comprehensive movement screening, he identifies inefficiencies in running mechanics, training-load errors and key injury risk factors that contribute to pain, breakdown and reduced performance. He regularly treats complex and persistent running injuries including Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints), patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee), IT band syndrome, hamstring injuries and stress-related bone injuries — guiding runners safely from diagnosis through to full return-to-running.


Richard also has extensive expertise in ACL injury management and post-operative rehabilitation, delivering structured return-to-sport and return-to-running programmes that prioritise strength, control, confidence and long-term resilience. Every treatment plan is fully individualised and may combine hands-on physiotherapy, movement re-education, progressive strength and conditioning, load management and performance-focused rehabilitation to optimise both recovery and future injury prevention.


Alongside his clinical expertise, Richard brings over 30 years of competitive running experience. He has competed at a high level, achieving a marathon personal best of 2:22:32 at the 2001 Flora London Marathon, alongside personal bests of 8:28 (3km), 14:43 (5km) and 24:23 (5 miles). This lived experience provides him with a deep understanding of the physical, psychological and training demands of running, allowing him to connect with patients on both a clinical and performance level.



Steve Woods -  Specialist MSK Chartered Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy | HCPC Registered | MCSP

Steve Woods is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Chartered Physiotherapist who qualified in 2014 from the University of Salford with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. He brings a strong clinical background combined with first-hand elite sporting experience, having previously played professional football for clubs including Northwich Victoria, Stoke City, and Torquay United.

Steve’s passion for physiotherapy was born from his own sporting career, where he experienced the demands of high-performance sport, injury management, and rehabilitation first-hand. This has shaped his practical, results-driven approach to assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Since qualifying, Steve has gained extensive experience across a wide range of clinical settings including the NHS, GP surgeries, and private outpatient clinics. He specialises in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular clinical interest in spinal disorders, back pain, neck pain, and postural-related conditions.

Steve is an active member of a spinal special interest group and regularly undertakes additional postgraduate training and CPD courses to ensure his practice remains fully evidence-based and aligned with the latest advances in spinal rehabilitation and manual therapy.

He takes a thorough, patient-centred approach, focusing on identifying the root cause of pain and dysfunction while delivering tailored rehabilitation programmes designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence.

Outside of clinical practice, Steve enjoys spending time with his family and is actively involved in grassroots football, where he coaches a local boys’ team — continuing his passion for sport, performance, and athlete development.

Diana Satalova -  Specialist MSK Chartered Physiotherapist

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy | HCPC Registered | MCSP

Diana graduated from the University of Brighton in 2011 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and brings over 14 years of extensive clinical experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. She has developed a broad and highly specialised skill set, with expertise in biomechanics, neurokinetic therapy, breathing therapy, functional movement, and acupuncture.


Diana takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to physiotherapy, with a strong focus on identifying and treating the root cause of pain rather than simply managing symptoms. She considers every aspect of a patient’s health, including movement patterns, posture, lifestyle, sleep quality, stress levels, and training or work demands, to create highly personalised and effective treatment plans.


Her clinical work centres on restoring optimal movement, correcting postural dysfunction, and addressing muscular imbalances to support long-term recovery, injury prevention, and sustained performance. Diana treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and is passionate about helping patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence in their bodies.


Outside of clinical practice, Diana enjoys hiking, learning new languages, and continually expanding her knowledge of health, breathwork, and human movement. Her commitment to ongoing professional development ensures her patients benefit from the latest advances in modern physiotherapy and rehabilitation.


Marcus Grady  - Specialist Chartered MSK Physiotherapist -BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy | MSc Advanced Physiotherapy | HCPC Registered | MCSP


Marcus Grady is a Specialist Chartered Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with a strong academic background and extensive clinical experience in both sport and healthcare settings.


He completed his undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Salford before progressing directly into postgraduate study in Advanced Physiotherapy, while simultaneously providing physiotherapy support to Warrington Wolves Women’s Academy U16s and U19s.


Marcus later joined the NHS, working within a musculoskeletal outpatient department where he gained comprehensive experience managing both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. His role involved delivering evidence-based rehabilitation programmes alongside patient education and long-term condition management.


With a background as a Northwest regional boxer and experience in rugby league and university football, Marcus has been immersed in sport, exercise, and rehabilitation from a young age. This has shaped his passion for physiotherapy and his commitment to helping patients return to full function, performance, and pain-free movement.



Michael Smith - Musculoskeletal Therapist - BASRaT Registered | MSc Strength & Conditioning | BSc Sports Rehabilitation | Qualified Personal Trainer

Michael graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Rehabilitation from Plymouth Marjon University before completing a Master’s degree in Strength & Conditioning at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in 2025. He is also a qualified Personal Trainer, enabling him to deliver high-level rehabilitation, return-to-sport programmes, and performance-based strength and conditioning.

A former academy-level basketball player, Michael’s sporting background sparked his passion for sports injury rehabilitation and athletic performance development. He has since worked with a wide range of athletes, including professional basketball players, netballers, runners, footballers, and recreational sports participants, alongside clinical placements within both the NHS and private healthcare settings, treating patients of all ages and abilities.

Michael specialises in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, combining hands-on therapy with evidence-based exercise prescription to achieve long-term results. He also has a keen professional interest in golf rehabilitation, helping golfers improve mobility, power, and injury resilience while optimising swing mechanics and performance.

Outside of clinical practice, Michael remains highly active, continuing to play competitive basketball, training regularly in the gym, and enjoying golf. His commitment to ongoing professional development ensures his patients benefit from the latest evidence-led rehabilitation and conditioning methods.


 Rachael Jones - Sport Therapist UCLAN first class honours  MSST 

Rachael Jones is a skilled and motivated Sports Therapist who graduated from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in 2023 with a First Class Honours degree in Sports Therapy. She is a member of the Society of Sports Therapists (MSST) and is fast developing a strong professional reputation as a Massage Therapist, recognised for her clinical skill, professionalism, and patient-focused approach.

Rachael’s interest in sports therapy stems from many years of training in martial arts, which sparked a passion for biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance. This background has given her a strong understanding of the physical demands placed on the body and the importance of high-quality rehabilitation and recovery.

During her studies, Rachael gained valuable experience working with Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Union Club, providing pitch-side first aid, injury assessment, and strapping and taping for the second team. Following graduation, she further developed her expertise in a clinical massage setting, delivering professional sports massage for a wide range of clients.

Rachael takes an evidence-based approach to treatment, combining manual therapy and rehabilitation principles to support recovery, reduce pain, and enhance performance.
 Jon Firman - Sports Massage Therapist

Jon works with a wide range of clients — from athletes and runners to gym-goers, manual workers, and desk-based professionals — tailoring every treatment to the individual’s body, lifestyle, and goals. His approach focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of muscular tension, stiffness, and movement restriction, rather than simply providing short-term relief.

Jon has worked hard over the last 6yrs building a strong reputation and is currently studying towards his Level 5 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development and delivering the highest standard of care.

His clinical skill set includes:
      •     Sports Massage & Deep Tissue Massage
      •     Soft Tissue Release Therapy
      •     Cupping Therapy
      •     IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation)
      •     Trigger point and myofascial techniques

Jon’s treatments are designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, enhance recovery, and support long-term performance and injury prevention., with good clinical outcomes Whether you’re managing a long-standing problem or simply want to stay active and pain-free, Jon provides professional, results-driven treatment in a friendly and supportive environment.

OUR ADMIN TEAM

Our team aims to make the patient journey within clinic as welcoming and as pleasant as possible 

MICHELLE 

PRACTICE MANAGER
Michelle comes from a hospitality and retail management background. She is extremely client focused ensuring our patients get the best possible service whilst visiting the clinic. 
She is responsible for the day to day running of the practice, including customer focus training, legal ins and outs and accounting. She is always looking for ways to improve the whole customer experience whilst keeping costs down, ensuring we give a great service at extremely competitive prices. 
Away from the clinic, Michelle enjoys the outdoors, walking and spending time with her family