meet the physiotherapy team in cheltenham
Keeping Cheltenham Moving, One Patient at a Time
Your Expert Physiotherapy Team in Cheltenham
Meet the expert team in Charlton Kings who help keep Cheltenham moving. At Straight Back Physio, our HCPC‑registered physiotherapists bring years of hands‑on experience across musculoskeletal and sports injuries, respiratory rehabilitation, post‑operative recovery, and long‑term condition management. Each clinician has their own strengths, passions, and specialist skills — but they’re all driven by the same goal: helping you feel stronger, move better, and regain confidence in your body.
Expert care from a team you can rely on
Our Gloucestershire physiotherapists are the kind of team who cheer you on, lift you up, and make even the toughest rehab days feel lighter. We celebrate your milestones, share a laugh when you need it, and genuinely care about getting you back to the activities you love. Every physio brings their own personality and expertise to the clinic, but we’re united by one mission: making your recovery feel supportive, friendly, and far less daunting.
STUART FOSSELLA
BSc Hons Physiotherapy, BSc Hons Sports Science
Stuart is the kind of physiotherapist who brings energy, precision, and a genuine love of problem‑solving into every session. Stuart specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports injury rehabilitation, and performance‑focused strength work, making him a go‑to physio for active patients and anyone looking to move with more confidence. He’s calm, encouraging, and endlessly patient, but he’s also the person who’ll challenge you just enough to help you reach your potential.
Areas of Focus and Expertise:
- Running Injuries: A main focus, helping runners overcome issues and return to their sport, often utilizing running analysis.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Expertise in assisting patients with recovery after surgery, particularly hip and knee replacements.
- Back Pain Management: Helping people overcome and manage back pain.
- Treating the Root Cause: Focused on detailed examination and treatment to find the underlying issue, not just addressing the symptoms.
Stuart is committed to helping clients regain strength, confidence, and mobility in a supportive environment, empowering them with the tools to prevent future issues.
Interests Outside the Clinic:
When not working, Stuart enjoys being outdoors, which includes running with his dogs, mountain biking, and spending quality time with his two children.
SARAH FOSSELLA
BSc Hons Physiotherapy
Sarah is one of those physiotherapists who instantly puts people at ease. With a calm, reassuring approach and a talent for explaining even the trickiest rehab concepts in a way that just makes sense, she’s become a favourite among patients looking for steady, supportive guidance. She’s passionate about helping patients return to the activities they love — whether that’s running, gardening, or simply moving through the day without pain. Thoughtful, thorough, and genuinely invested in every person she works with, Sarah brings both expertise and heart to the Charlton Kings clinic.
Areas of Focus and Expertise:
- Orthopaedics and Sports Injuries: A special interest in the assessment and treatment of orthopaedic issues and sports-related injuries.
- Female Athletes and Adolescents: Passionate about supporting female athletes and guiding adolescents through their recovery process.
- Post-Surgical Patients: Dedicated to helping patients regain strength and confidence after surgical procedures.
- Physiotherapy and Pilates: A proud member of the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI), she frequently blends physiotherapy techniques with Pilates principles to help clients achieve their physical goals.
- Patient Approach: Known for her calm, reassuring approach and commitment to helping patients achieve lasting results.
Professional Background:
Sarah has extensive experience, including time working alongside Stuart Fossella to provide comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy services for students at Cheltenham College.
Interests Outside the Clinic:
Life outside the clinic for Sarah is about balance, which includes treasuring time with her family and dogs, and challenging herself by training for and taking part in ultra-marathons.
SOPHIE Lyon
masters MUSCULOskeletal physiotherapy
Sophie is known for her thoughtful, patient‑centred approach: she listens closely, explains things in a way that feels simple and empowering, and tailors every plan to what truly matters to the person in front of her. With a strong background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and a particular passion for helping people rebuild strength after injury, she blends hands‑on treatment with clear, confidence‑boosting guidance. Whether she’s helping someone return to sport, recover from surgery, or simply move through daily life with less pain, Sophie’s mix of expertise, encouragement, and genuine care makes her a standout part of the Straight Back Physio team.
Areas of Focus and Expertise:
- Musculoskeletal Conditions: Specialises in helping people manage a wide range of musculoskeletal issues.
- Sports Injuries: Dedicated to treating and rehabilitating injuries sustained through physical activity.
- Chronic Pain: Experienced in developing strategies for the long-term management of chronic pain.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Supports patients through recovery following surgery.
- Patient Approach: Known for being energetic and approachable, with a focus on improving everyday mobility and easing pain to boost patient comfort and confidence in daily life.
Unique Insight:
As a former national swimmer, Sophie offers first-hand insight into the demands of high-level sport and the specific challenges of injury. This background helps her design tailored rehabilitation programs that genuinely fit each patient’s needs.
Interests Outside the Clinic:
Sophie maintains a highly active lifestyle, enjoying various outdoor pursuits including CrossFit, surfing, running, and taking on triathlons. She believes that staying active keeps her connected to the same goals she supports in her patients: moving well, feeling strong, and enjoying life.
Georgia Esson
BSC Hons Physiotherapy
Georgia brings a bright, reassuring presence to the clinic — the kind of physio who makes recovery feel achievable from the very first conversation. She listens closely, celebrates every win, and supports patients through the tougher moments with patience and genuine care. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing long‑term pain, or working toward a specific goal, Georgia’s mix of expertise, encouragement, and calm motivation makes her an invaluable part of the Straight Back Physio team.
Areas of Focus and Expertise:
- Rehabilitation: Georgia has a special interest in rehabilitation, supporting patients through every stage of their recovery journey.
- Patient Approach: She is dedicated to guiding gentle exercises, celebrating progress, and being a friendly face for patients.
- General Physiotherapy: Dedicated to helping clients stay healthy, active, and confident in their movement.
Professional Background:
Having grown up locally, Georgia completed her studies at the University of Gloucestershire. She has a strong background in physiotherapy and is excited to be part of a team focused on quality care.
Interests Outside the Clinic:
Georgia is always on the go. Her personal interests include keeping fit, exploring new places, and taking on physical challenges such as HYROX.
Chris Williams - respiratory
masters advanced clinical practice
Chris is our go‑to expert for all things respiratory physiotherapy — a calm, highly skilled clinician who helps people breathe easier, move with confidence, and feel more in control of their health. He has dedicated his career to supporting patients through every stage of respiratory recovery, from early rehabilitation to long‑term condition management.
With many years spent working in Intensive Care within the NHS, Chris has developed exceptional expertise in complex respiratory care. His background spans respiratory rehabilitation, long‑term lung conditions, post‑operative recovery, and breathlessness management. Whether he’s guiding someone through airway‑clearance techniques, supporting recovery after illness, or helping improve day‑to‑day function, Chris blends clinical precision with genuine compassion. He’s a vital part of the Straight Back Physio team — and a reassuring presence for anyone navigating respiratory challenges.
Areas of Focus and Expertise:
- Rehabilitation after critical illness - supporting recovery following ICU admission or prolonged hospital stay.
- Pre- and post-surgical optimisation - maximising respiratory health before surgery and reducing complications aftrwards.
- Airway clearance techniques - hands on treatment and self-management strategies for long-term respiratory conditions.
- Breathing pattern disorders - assessment and treatment to restore efficient, comfortable breathing.
- Long-term respiratory condition management - helping people maintain function, independence and confidence in daily life.
Interests Outside the Clinic:
Outside of work, Chris enjoys staying active through gym training and HIT. A keen cyclist he has completed Land's End to John O'Groats and London to Paris in 24-hour charity rides. He loves spending time with his family, especially his two young boys, who keep him busy and reinforce why practical, achievable rehabilitation matters.