Being a professional athlete, the one thing you dread hearing is ​‘fracture.’ I thought just the one last year would be enough, however, I was very unlucky and after recovering from a bike accident in March and getting fit and ready to race, I, unfortunately, broke my 5th metatarsal. After a lot of tears and feeling sorry for myself I have managed to overcome both injuries and have gradually built up my miles and am ready to race.

However, none of this would have been possible without Pure Sports Medicine

Physiotherapist Neil Smith and Head of Strength and Conditioning Dean Sutton are the teams I have been and continue to work with. I still see Neil once a week to ensure I don’t get any niggles and check my body is all in shape. It’s amazing what Physio’s can find; for example, you may think you have a problem with your knee, but once the Physio’s have assessed you, you may find it’s actually your foot that’s the issue or your back is out of line.

Another huge benefit that PSM has is the Alter G machine. I was able to return to running on this anti-gravity machine before I was able to run outside, as the machine allows you to run on a treadmill but at a %of your body weight, so you’re not putting all your weight through your feet on each step. Hardly any other facilities offer this equipment and this is one of the reasons why I chose PSM. It was a lifesaver for me!

Finally, Dean Sutton is the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Pure Sports Medicine and he knows everything. I see him once or twice a week and he is making me stronger and stronger. I strongly believe that if you do the right strength exercises in the gym, you will avoid injuries. Without the strength work your muscles are so much weaker so when you run, your body will tire quickly and strain more easily. If you’re near the Threadneedle Street Clinic, pop in and speak to Dean and in just one session with him, he’ll show you the right exercises to do that will help you so much. The gym space they have is great and if you’re training or in prehab/​rehab with the team where you can go at any time to do the exercises set out for you. It helps to have the gym there alongside the other Clinicians and Sports Doctors as they all work together so you can be referred to the right people.

I can’t thank Pure Sports Medicine enough for the help and support they have given me so far and I really wouldn’t be injury free now and upping my miles to marathon race fit without them, so thank you. Make sure you pay them a visit because you will not be disappointed.

If you’d like to book an appointment with Pure Sports Medicine and see how we can help you achieve your goal’s like Heather, book online or give your closest clinic a call.