Pedro began his career in Portugal in 2004, where he qualified with a BSc in Physiotherapy, and undertook specialist training in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy while working in a variety of settings including hospitals, private clinics and with professional sports teams. During this time, Pedro also established his own private clinic and lectured at the physiotherapy school.
Since 2014, Pedro’s career has taken him to clinics, hospitals, and universities across the world from the UK to China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq. As a Wellbeing Team Lead and Consultant Physiotherapist for BP in Iraq, he specialised in Occupational Health for 3 years before moving back to the UK in 2020.
Most recently, Pedro has been working as a First Contact Practitioner in NHS GP surgeries across Southwest London, as well as supporting physiotherapy students during their placements as Clinical Educator. Throughout his varied career, Pedro has gained experience working with people from different cultures and backgrounds and with a wide range of physical problems. He provides expert diagnosis and management of all musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and sports conditions and uses a wide range of ‘hands on’ techniques including, soft tissue treatments, joint mobilisation/manipulation, Dry Needling or Kinesio Taping. He also offers personalised exercise plans for patients to continue their rehabilitation independently at home. Pedro is Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) registered. He takes great care in supporting patients at each step in their recovery journey, from the early stages of diagnosis, through treatment and back to work, sports and the other activities they enjoy.
In his spare time Pedro enjoys playing football, having played all his life since the age of 6 years old and for a long time at a high level, Pedro still enjoys playing 2 or 3 times a week with friends. Travelling is other of his passions, being fortunate to experience living in 8 different countries allowed Pedro to travel across the world, placing South America and Africa on the top of his list with Portugal as favourite destinations.
What led you into wanting to become a chiropractor/ physio?
Having played football at a high level for many years, I experienced and witnessed the detrimental impact that injury can have on a person’s sporting performance and their daily life. This inspired me to pursue a career in physiotherapy, combining my passion for sport and my interest in helping people to recovery.
What has surprised you most about the profession as a practitioner?
The way that the physiotherapy profession has grown and changed in the 18 years that I have been practising. The evidence base from which we work is constantly evolving with new research being done every day. Keeping abreast of the latest research into physiotherapy is key to ensuring we are providing patients with the most up to date and effective treatments available.
What have been the unexpected hurdles you have had to face?
Adapting to working across a wide range of different countries and clinical environments has been a challenge but also a learning opportunity. It has required me to develop my practice in line with my clients’ needs, finding new ways to help them access and understand their treatment, managing their expectations around the recovery process and empowering them in their recovery journey.
What have been the unexpected benefits you have enjoyed?
I didn’t expect that being a physiotherapist would take me to so many different places both geographically and clinically. I have had the privilege of meeting and supporting patients from many different cultures and backgrounds. I have worked in hospitals, private clinics and universities across the world, in Europe, the Middle East and China. This has been and continues to be an adventure in which I am constantly learning and growing as a practitioner.
What has been your most momentous moment?
It is difficult to choose one moment as I have been fortunate to have had lots of wonderful opportunities in my career. Opening my own clinic in Portugal was a particularly rewarding moment and moving abroad to work for the first time was also an exciting time.
What glimpse of wisdom can you offer about health/ the body?
To feel well, it is important to self-care – to sleep well, eat well and keep hydrated! All these aspects play a part in your recovery process.
Keep moving, it’s good for your mental and physical health and the best way to do this is to find an activity that you enjoy.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy in life?
I play football 2-3 times a week but also enjoy watching matches live and on TV. I also love travelling with South America and Africa at the top of my list. Portugal is, of course, another of my favourite destinations.
What will always bring a smile to your face?
Travels, sunshine and beach, nature and animals, spending time with my family and friends.
