Dave Nelson
Chartered Physiotherapist
My name is Dave Nelson, and I am the owner of The Physio Works clinic. I’m based in the Scottish Borders and serve the local community of Peebles, Cardrona, Innerleithen, Walkerburn. I also treat patients from Edinburgh, Penicuik and Galashiels. I specialise in treating musculoskeletal injuries with a particular interest in sports injury rehabilitation. Alongside my private clinic I work as an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner at a local GP practice in the Tweed Valley so have good links to the Borders General Hospital and their supporting services.
Prior to becoming a physiotherapist, I served in the British Military as an Army Commando reaching a high level of physical fitness. Therefore, I understand the frustrations of an injury and the desire to get back to a high level of physical fitness.
Although I treat all musculoskeletal conditions, I specialise in sports injury rehabilitation. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working with the military, fire fighters, and professional athletes from the Rugby, football and athletics community. So have a broad based knowledge to help your specific injury get back up to full fitness.
I am also a certified yoga instructor and teach three times a week. The emphasis on improving biomechanics, strength, flexibility and postural awareness are similar to my physiotherapy treatment approach so there’s a natural alignment and crossover between both practices.
Professional Credentials
Professional Experience
After leaving the army I gained a Sports Science degree at Bangor University and went on to attain a Masters in Rehabilitation Science at Glasgow Caledonian University, qualifying as a Chartered Physiotherapist.
On leaving University I started my career as a physio working for the Health Board in Jersey and in the NHS in North Wales. After that, and for a large part of my career, I was mainly working for the British Military rehabilitating the Royal Marines, Army and Navy personnel throughout the UK and Germany. I also worked in Professional Rugby Union as a physio for Edinburgh Rugby Club while they were in the Pro Guinness League.
My other main area of experience has come from rehabilitating injured fire fighters through the Fire Fighters Charity. I have worked at two of their three UK centres at Penrith in Cumbria and Littlehampton in West Sussex and still provide online support for fire fighters.
I have worked as a physio in both Private and Public Health sectors so have a broad range of experience treating musculoskeletal injuries with both manual and exercise therapy for people from all walks of life.
Licenses & Certifications
- Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
- Member of the Health and Care Professions Council
education background
Sports Science Degree – Bangor University in North Wales 1996 – 1999
Qualification: 2:1 honour degree
Masters in Rehabilitation Science –
Glasgow Caledonian University 2001 – 2003
Qualification: Master’s degree and registration as a Chartered Physiotherapist