Starting a new venture is never easy, but in 2013, Sarah Kinsella took a leap of faith and opened ASK Physio in Stevenage Old Town. With 17 years of experience as a Physiotherapist at the Lister Hospital, Sarah felt ready for a new challenge. The years spent in the NHS provided her with excellent training and valuable connections with local healthcare professionals. This experience and confidence gained from a successful private hydrotherapy service set the stage for ASK Physio.
Sarah’s journey began in 1996 when she qualified as a Physiotherapist. For nearly two decades, she dedicated herself to helping patients at the Lister Hospital. However, in 2010, the hospital’s hydrotherapy pool closed, prompting Sarah to establish a private hydrotherapy service. This venture thrived for three years, giving her the confidence to open her own clinic.
“When I decided to set up ASK Physio, I was keen to stay in Stevenage,” Sarah recalls. “I had formed good links and relationships with local GPs, Orthopaedic Consultants, and Rheumatologists. When looking for premises, I had four options, but only one was in the heart of the Old Town. I was keen to become part of the Old Town community.”
ASK Physio has since become a beloved part of the community, offering a blend of clinic-based physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy.. Sarah’s husband, Steve, is the Practice Manager, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Sarah’s passion, however, lies in rehabilitating patients after significant injuries. She finds immense satisfaction in helping people regain their lives.
“Rehabilitating people following significant injuries, such as car accidents, is extremely rewarding,” Sarah says. “It’s wonderful to see someone get back to what they love doing. We use the pool a lot for rehabilitation. It allows people to do more than they can on land and gives them a mental boost as well as physical benefits.”
Sarah’s dedication to health and fitness is evident in her work. She believes in promoting these values to her patients, encouraging them to live healthier lives. Her commitment has not gone unnoticed, and ASK Physio has grown significantly over the years. From a small clinic, it has expanded to a team of ten, including Steve as the Practice Manager and Sports Massage Therapist, eight part-time Physiotherapists, and specialists like Cat, who focuses on hand and scar therapy.
“We recently celebrated our 11th anniversary,” Sarah shares with a smile. “We’ve now seen over 6,000 people from Stevenage and the surrounding areas. We help them with their aches, pains, and injuries. Our team is strong, and we’re delighted with our local reputation. There are no plans to expand or become a franchise. I believe that small and local is best!”
This philosophy of staying small and local is central to ASK Physio’s success. The personal touch that Sarah and her team provide sets them apart from larger, more impersonal clinics. Every patient is treated with care and attention, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.
One of the unique aspects of ASK Physio is its use of hydrotherapy. The hydrotherapy pool allows patients to perform exercises that might be too difficult on land. This method not only aids physical recovery but also provides a significant mental boost. Patients often find the water relaxing, helping them to feel better overall.
“Our pool is a great adjunct to treatment,” Sarah explains. “It allows people to do more than they can on land and gives them a mental boost as well as physical benefits.”
ASK Physio’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation is evident in its range of services. From physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to sports massage and specialist hand and scar therapy, the clinic offers a wide array of treatments. This diversity ensures that patients receive tailored care that meets their specific needs.
Sharon, one of the part-time Physiotherapists, provides domiciliary or home visit services. This flexibility is crucial for patients who may find it difficult to travel to the clinic. By offering home visits, ASK Physio ensures that everyone has access to the care they need.
“We continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs of our patients,” Sarah says. “Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible care, whether it’s in the clinic, at the pool, or in a patient’s home.”
Sarah’s commitment to her patients and her community shines through in every aspect of ASK Physio. Her journey from the NHS to running a successful private clinic is a testament to her dedication and hard work. The relationships she has built over the years, both with patients and other healthcare professionals, are a crucial part of the clinic’s success.
Just after the business started, the clinic won “Best New Business” at the Hertfordshire Business Awards, and has since gone on to win other awards with the health and wellness category, as well as customer service categories.
As ASK Physio celebrates its 11th anniversary, it’s clear that Sarah and her team have created something special. The clinic is more than just a place for physical rehabilitation; it’s a community where patients feel supported and cared for. Sarah’s belief in staying small and local has paid off, and ASK Physio continues to thrive as a cherished part of Stevenage Old Town.
So, next time you find yourself in need of physiotherapy or just want to learn more about how to live a healthier life, consider visiting ASK Physio. With their dedication, expertise, and personal touch, you’re sure to receive the care and support you need. Here’s to many more years of helping the community get back on its feet!
