Rehabilitation & Sports Therapist Nic Perrem
I chose to become a Rehabilitation & Sports Therapist because…
Since childhood I found the way the human body worked interesting. Coupled with a love of sport and exercise this led to me into my first job after school where I trained as a fitness instructor.
After a few of years I completed training to qualify as a GP referral practitioner which allowed me to work with patients who were living with chronic disease and illness. This experience then spurred me to go to university as a (slightly) mature student to complete my undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy.
I’m still amazed by the complexity of the human body, how it works and with ways to try and fix it when things go wrong.
What has surprised me most about my profession
The people I have met. My patients surprise me every time I’m in clinic whether it is by the physical abilities they show or their resilience to overcome the injury they are suffering from.
I learn something from every patient I have the pleasure to meet and hope that they feel that what I teach will help with their personal journey through injury back to optimal health, fitness and well-being.
The unexpected hurdles I’ve had to face
Lots… probably too many to list here!
Working in professional sport can be challenging for its expectations when so much is at stake. As can working in private practice – you never know what challenges the next new patient you meet will be facing until they walk through the door.
Another challenge is that Sports Therapy is a relatively new health profession in comparison to others and not many people know of it. The Society of Sports Therapists was founded in 1990 – their website http://www.society-of-sports-therapists.org can help you to gain a greater understanding of what Sports Therapy is and what a Graduate Sports Therapist does.
The unexpected benefits I have enjoyed…
The people I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way. I have also been lucky and been able to travel a little, see some great sporting events up close and personal and be part of some great teams.
My most momentous moment
Honestly, bumping into patients after they have stopped seeing me and finding out that they are now back doing the activities that they loved to take part in before they were injured.
Also being appointed into my “day job” as a University Lecturer where I am also able to conduct, publish and present research is another personal achievement.
A glimpse of wisdom I can you offer about health/ the body
In 1705 the medical writer Francis Fuller said “If some of the benefits accruing from regular physical activity could be procured by one medicine, then nothing in the world would be held in more esteem than that medicine” I would suggest that is as true now as it was then.
Outside of work I love to
Enjoy life! Sport both watching and playing. I also like being outside, walking and being active. I enjoy music, comedy and the odd west end show. For my sins I am also currently a part time PhD examining post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis, I’m not sure that I “enjoy” this but it is definitely takes up a lot of my time and is teaching me more about my discipline and even more about myself.
What will always brings a smile to my face?
Food – who doesn’t like a chocolate biscuit 🙂
To book an appointment with Nic call 020 8943 2424
