Chartered Physiotherapy In Ulverston
Hi, I’m Les Potter (BSc Hons), a registered and chartered Physiotherapist based in Barrow, and the founder of Ulverston Physio.
A question I’m often asked is how I got into physiotherapy. Well, it all started when I was 14. I remember watching a VHS tape in 1990 of Barrow AFC player Paul Ferris receiving a knee massage. I was amazed at how it helped him get back on his feet, and I thought, “Wow, that’s incredible!” Of course, physiotherapy isn’t just about massage, but that was my first introduction to it.
Paul was frequently in the treatment room and, unfortunately, had to retire early due to injury. Interestingly, Paul went on to become a physiotherapist himself, working notably at Newcastle United Football Club.
A few years after my initial interest in physiotherapy, I personally experienced a misdiagnosis from various therapists, including a physiotherapist, for what was eventually identified as greater trochanter bursitis. The issue was finally resolved by a sports therapist who had an exceptional understanding of anatomy and injury mechanics. His clinical reasoning, which had been lacking in previous treatments, led him to accurately identify the problem.
This therapist utilised a combination of ice, massage therapy, exercises, and corrective orthotics—since my right leg was shorter than the left. The success of this approach intrigued me, especially when I reflected on why it worked so well compared to previous attempts. I concluded that poor knowledge and weak clinical reasoning had contributed to the earlier failed treatments.
This experience inspired me to help others achieve positive injury rehabilitation outcomes. I pursued numerous courses, covering massage therapy, injury assessment, treatment, and management, up to diploma level. During my studies, former Morecambe Physiotherapist David Edge recognised my potential and encouraged me to join a football club to gain hands-on sports injury therapy experience.
That’s how Barrow & District Physiotherapy was born.
My time at Barrow AFC and the club’s culture of perseverance and belief in success were incredibly formative. Being part of that environment, combined with completing the FA Diploma in Treatment and Management of Injuries, made me realise that success, while achievable, requires hard work, grit, and determination.
Reflecting on my journey, I knew I had to enhance my skills, which led me to pursue a Physiotherapy degree. The path wasn’t easy. Despite my experience and qualifications in sports injuries, I had to complete an adult learning access course to earn enough credits for university. Every unit over two years required a distinction, and I achieved this goal, qualifying me to apply for the Physiotherapy degree.
However, before applying, I needed experience in healthcare, so I worked for two years as a Neuro Support Worker. This role helped me develop practical experience, and eventually, I applied to my first-choice university—The University of Salford. One of my proudest moments was being accepted into their Physiotherapy program. I believe my passion, persistence, and background played a significant role in my successful interview.
In 2017, I proudly completed my degree, and by early 2018, I was offered a role in the NHS on my first attempt. My goal was to apply my knowledge, gain experience, and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. For three years, I did just that, collaborating with skilled Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Doctors, and Consultants. My work focused on geriatric physiotherapy, primarily fall prevention and reducing hospital readmission, both on wards and within the community.
This invaluable experience has shaped my practice and led me to where I am today, continuing to deliver patient-centered care at Barrow & District Physiotherapy.
Despite my fulfilling work within the NHS, I felt a strong pull to return to a musculoskeletal environment where I could treat injuries across all age groups, applying both my background in sports injuries and my experience as a Physiotherapist. In 2021, I decided to take the leap and leave my NHS role to become a self-employed Physio in Barrow. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but I was confident in my ability to succeed.
That’s how Barrow & District Physiotherapy was born.
Starting with very few clients—since no one knew about me—I worked hard to build the practice. Nearly 12 months after leaving the NHS, my clinic had grown significantly and became more than sustainable, which was a huge source of inspiration.
However, what truly inspires me is seeing my clients follow my advice, engage with their rehabilitation programs, and ultimately make full recoveries. Watching them achieve their personal goals is incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces the importance of client-centered care in everything I do.
Due to the success of the Barrow Physio and Sports Massage Therapy and Injury Clinic, Barrow & District Physiotherapy developed a Sister clinic in Ulverston at The Little Green Clinic in October 2024, following 3 successful years in Barrow. The Barrow injury clinic continues full time as normal and the Ulverston injury and sports massage therapy clinic runs for 2 days per week. Providing the same high quality care and treatment as it has done from the very beginning.
My past experiences have motivated me to push forward, develop further, improve continuously, inspire others, and strive to be a good person.
I wouldn’t have reached this point without my qualifications and five years of experience in sports, along with a Physiotherapy degree and three years working in the NHS.
Learning is a lifelong journey, and my current goal is to become the best private physiotherapist I can be while delivering high-quality treatment programs from this day forward.
