Meet the Team
Come and meet the team at BounceBack Physiotherapy in Abu Dhabi. We our proud to have a dedicated team of highly skilled physiotherapists and dietician’s. All of our health professionals are licensed by the department of health (DOH) Abu Dhabi.
Meet our team below and click to see their individual physiotherapist / dietician profiles and experience. If you have any queries or questions please feel free to contact us.
- Astrid WalshSenior Physiotherapist
Astrid Walsh – Physiotherapy
BSc (Hons)Physiotherapy
With more than 10 years of professional experience, Astrid completed her physiotherapy degree at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, Australia. UQ is highly regarded worldwide for its physiotherapy research and studies.Astrid enjoyed 10 years working as a physio within the Australian Military treating a variety of complex musculoskeletal, sports, orthopaedic and women’s health conditions. During that time, Astrid also worked with the Australian Military men’s and women’s rugby and touch football teams, including international competitions.In 2019, Astrid decided to leave the military life and moved with her husband and children to the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Australia where she worked at Beerwah Active Physio specializing in musculoskeletal outpatients and dry needling. In late 2019, Astrid moved with her family to Abu Dhabi for a new adventure. Astrid has a strong background in sports and exercise and is married to an avid age-group triathlete.
Astrid joined BounceBack Physiotherapy June 2020 and is looking forward to putting her vast experience to use, helping provide first class physiotherapy to the Abu Dhabi residence.
Personal
Astrid loves the outdoors and enjoys spending time with her young family exploring and going to the beach.
Professional Membership
DOH – Abu Dhabi
- Simon CaseSenior Physiotherapist
Simon Case – Physiotherapy
BSc (Hons), MCSP, ACPSM
Simon completed his BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy at Bournemouth University, UK (2008). After graduation he started working in the NHS as a Junior Physiotherapist. He undertook a variety of roles fundamental in his professional development as a Physiotherapist.
Following the NHS Simon focused on orthopaedics, musculoskeletal outpatients and sports injuries and was lucky enough to work at the BMI Bath Clinic with some very highly skilled physiotherapists, surgeons and nursing staff who helped support his leaning and development.
Alongside clinic work Simon worked weekends and evenings with a local rugby team, providing pitch side physiotherapy at training sessions.
Moving to the UAE
In 2011 Simon decided to expand his experience and horizons and concluded a move may be what he needed.
Six weeks later Simon moved to Dubai and accepted a job as Senior Physiotherapist for a major hospital and its satellite clinics.
Later Simon was offered a position at Dubai Physiotherapy and Family Medicine Clinic. Due to the excellent reputation and the opportunities it presented Simon accepted and worked there for just over 3 years.
He also worked for the UAE National Rugby Team, as Lead Physiotherapist a role he continued for two seasons.
In addition he undertook a brief role working with a springboard diving squad in Dubai and was often in attendance at many of the triathlons and marathons as well as the annual Dubai Rugby 7’s tournament providing physiotherapy support.
In 2015 Simon and Tim established BounceBack Physiotherapy Treatment Centre in Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Both worked hard to develop a highly skilled team, providing the very best physiotherapy standards to the Abu Dhabi community.
Personal
Simon enjoys travelling and being outdoors. He enjoys skiing, golf and is a keen technical diver. He is currently trying to learn Spanish.Current Professional Memberships
ACPSM – Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (UK)
MCSP – Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (UK)
DOH – Department on Health Abu Dhabi (UAE) - Tim FletcherSenior Physiotherapist
Tim Fletcher – Physiotherapy
BHMvt, MPhys, MAPA
With more than 10 years professional experience, Tim’s undergraduate was completed in rural Australia, where he undertook a Human Movement degree and majored in Exercise Science at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. Following its completion in 2002, and with the desire for more study he then completed a Masters degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney.
In Tim’s first job, he enjoyed 4 years of learning from two of the best physiotherapists in Newcastle, Australia, which included both private practice and hospital experience. It was here that Tim also established the clinic’s hydrotherapy function and gained experience in the Mckenzie method of treating spinal pain and also pre and post natal Physiotherapy for pregnant mothers at Newcastle Private Hospital.
Following this, Tim and his now wife headed to the West coast of Beautiful Ireland where he worked at the Baily Point Physiotherapy clinic and specialised in Musculoskeletal outpatients and dry needling.
Moving to Dubai in 2008, Tim worked for Dubai Physiotherapy and Family Medicine for 6 years where he worked at events such as Dubai 7’s, Dubai Marathon and began treating PGA golfers.
In 2015 Tim and Simon established BounceBack Physiotherapy Treatment Centre at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Both worked hard to develop a highly skilled team, providing the very best physiotherapy standards to the Abu Dhabi community.
Personal Bio
Tim enjoys all sports.
Following a rugby contract in Galway Ireland in 2007, Tim’s rugby career continued as he played for the Jebel Ali Dragons. In his time representing the UAE at both Fifteens and Sevens rugby, he was also extremely privileged to be named the first ever captain of the UAE, whilst at the annual Dubai Sevens tournament, a tournament that is a part of the Sevens World Series.
His goal is to get his golf handicap into single digits in 2015, he also enjoys to travel and has recently taken up triathlons due to being a washed up rugby player!
Current Professional Memberships
- Joanne BlackwoodSenior Physiotherapist
Joanne Blackwood – Physiotherapy
MSc Orthopaedic Medicine, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP, HCPC, HAAD
Joanne Blackwood (Physiotherapy) completed her BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy in 2002 at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. She worked initially for the NHS completing basic rotations, including paediatrics, out patients and orthopaedics, and progressed to senior level specialising in musculoskeletal problems. Since 2006 she worked privately in the UK in both private clinics and for one of the largest private hospitals in the UK Nuffield Health.
Her work in private clinics enabled her to treat patients of all ages, including paediatrics, and treat a variety of injuries, particularly spinal problems, shoulder, knee and biomechanical problems. She was also able to treat many local sports teams and athletes. While working for Nuffield Health she attained the positions of out-patient lead physiotherapist, regional clinical lead (South UK) and advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapist where she worked with complex cases, facilitating referral for diagnostics and consultant referral directly as required. She also taught courses on orthopaedic medicine at a nation-wide level to fellow physiotherapists.
In 2011 Joanne completed her MSc in Orthopaedic Medicine at the University of Middlesex/Society of Orthopaedic Medicine, London. During this time, she took a particular interest in tendon problems and had her research into knee tendon problems was published in the medical journal ‘International Musculoskeletal Medicine’. She continues to take an interest in tendon problems and also enjoys treating all musculoskeletal injuries.
Joanne has completed many other courses as a physiotherapist, including acupuncture, and is confident using this to treat musculoskeletal injuries as well as auricular to treat generic health problems.
Joanne joined BounceBack Physiotherapy in Jan 2017.
Personal
Joanne moved to Abu Dhabi in 2015 and enjoys living here with her husband and 2 young boys. She is a keen runner, fitting it in where possible around family life, and has developed a passion for yoga. She also enjoys walking her 2 dogs.
Current Professional Memberships
MSCP – Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (UK)
HCPC – Health and Care Professions Council (UK)
HAAD – Health Authority Abu Dhabi (UAE)Additional Qualifications
- MSc Orthopaedic medicine
- Published in International Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Foundation acupuncture (UK)
- Auricular acupuncture (UK)
- Evidenced based treatment of spine/shoulder/knee/ankle
- Grade 5 manipulations
- Taught orthopaedic medicine courses at a national level (UK)
- Jennifer DodgeSenior Physiotherapist
Jennifer Dodge – Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Jennifer Dodge (Physiotherapy) completed her Bachelor Degree in Physiotherapy from The University of Newcastle in Australia. Throughout her studies and following graduation, her passion for sports injury management led her to work with a range of teams and athletes. Her Physiotherapy career began in private practice as well as working with The Sydney Swans AFL team and Olympic athletes.
Jennifer travels regularly to the United States to further improve her studies with professional sports teams. Including the MBL, NFL, NBA and NHL.
In 2015 Jennifer relocated to Abu Dhabi and spent her first 1 and half years as Head of Physiotherapy for the Shoulder and Upper Limb Clinic at Burjeel hospital, managing a diverse caseload of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. Continuing her passion for working with the shoulder and orthopaedics she continued studies and work in the United States working with the Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Shoulder clinic in 2016.
Jennifer joined BounceBack Physiotherapy in 2017.
Her Special Interests include:
- Sports Medicine rehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Return to sports rehabilitation.
- Orthopaedics
To support her physiotherapy treatment she uses her knowledge from Postural Restoration, Dry Needling, Exercise Therapy and Kinesiology Taping.
Year of First Medical Qualification
2011Personal Profile
Jennifer is a keen surfer. She enjoys travelling the globe to find the best waves. The Maldives is one of her favourite places to travel.Current Professional Memberships, national and international
HAAD – Health Authority Abu Dhabi (UAE),
AHPRA – Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AUS)
APA – Australian Physiotherapy Association
SMA – Sports Medicine Association
Additional Qualifications
- Dry Needling
- Running Biomechanics
- The Sporting Hip and Groin Level 1
- Occupational Health and Safety Physiotherapy
- Level 1 and 2 Sports Physiotherapy
- Kinesiology Taping
If you are currently under treatment at BounceBack Physiotherapy and wish to contact your physiotherapist directly, please find their email address above under their profile. Please remember to include your full name in the subject line. During clinic hours our physiotherapists will be busy with patients and may not respond immediately to emails.
For more urgent matters, please see our Contact Page