About Us
Physio West was founded by Darren James and Paul Minty, who are both part of the musculoskeletal physiotherapy team at the Royal United Hospital Bath. Their motivation stemmed from realising that the care they provided within the NHS often surpassed the experiences their patients reported receiving outside of it. This realisation compelled them to establish a physiotherapy practice that delivers exceptional levels of care, guided by the latest research, with a primary focus on serving their local community. Their vision was to create a service that is not only cost-effective but also highly effective in promoting the well-being of their patients.
To further enhance the range of services and treatment options available for the valued patients they treat, they made a deliberate effort to diversify the team. In this endeavour, they welcomed Johanna Bird, an accomplished Osteopath, and Jane Flanders, a highly skilled pelvic health physiotherapist. Both Johanna and Jane bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, enriching the practice with their specialised expertise. This expansion ensures that they can cater to a wider spectrum of patient needs, delivering comprehensive and personalised care across various disciplines.
Our Ethos is rooted in providing you with the best possible care, aiming to truly understand your needs and the impact your symptoms have on your life. Drawing upon our extensive knowledge and experience, we strive to equip you with the relevant information necessary to understand your condition fully. By working together, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored specifically to you, empowering you in your journey towards recovery.
Meet the Physio West team
Darren James - Specialist Physiotherapist - Co-Director
Darren is an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner who specialises in addressing issues related to the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. With 18 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Darren has garnered expertise across various specialty areas, including musculoskeletal, orthopaedics, and sports physiotherapy. His commitment to professional development led him to achieve a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy from the University of Bath, equipping him with advanced skills and comprehensive knowledge to offer the highest level of care to his patients.
At the Royal United Hospital Bath, Darren serves as the dedicated hip specialist physiotherapist. In this role, he collaborates directly with orthopaedic consultants in the hip team while also being an invaluable member of the outpatient physiotherapy team. Additionally, Darren extends his expertise to Sulis Hospital in Bath, where he works alongside consultants specializing in hip, knee, and shoulder issues. Prior to establishing Physio West, Darren operated independently, delivering specialised physiotherapy services under his own name since 2020.
Paul Minty - Specialist Physiotherapist - Co-Director
Paul is a specialist Musculoskeletal physiotherapist who also works at the Royal United Hospital Bath. Within this role, he works closely with orthopaedic consultants in a specialised orthopaedic sports and dance injuries clinic. Over the course of 8 years, Paul has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience, successfully treating a diverse range of musculoskeletal conditions.
To further his skills and expand his catalogue of treatments, Paul has undertaken multiple specialised training courses focusing on shoulder, hip, knee, and low back pain, as well as tendon and running-related injuries. By continuously enhancing his knowledge base, Paul ensures his patients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments available.
Paul's true passion lies in providing advanced level rehabilitation, which involves a combination of home and gym-based programs tailored to each individual's needs. By creating bespoke exercise programming, Paul helps his patients reach their goals and maximise their recovery potential whether your returning to high levels sport or just need to be able to carry the shopping. Paul specialisation is in the rehabilitation of lower limb injuries, with a special interest in knee ligament injuries.
Johanna Bird - Osteopath
Johanna obtained an Integrated Masters in Osteopathy in 2011 from the European School of Osteopathy and has worked in a variety of practices since. Before this, Johanna gained a law degree, then worked in a number of fields, including pressurised office and sporting environments. This has given her a unique understanding of the demands each can place on a person. Her specialisms also include working with age related changes to the body.
Each assessment is patient centred. The emphasis of treatment is on pain relief and maximising function, coupled with providing as full an explanation as possible of the presenting complaint, along with advice to help the patient become self-sufficient and minimise future problems.
Jane Flanders - Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Jane is a clinical specialist physiotherapist with a focus on pelvic health physiotherapy. With 12 years of extensive experience as a practicing physiotherapist, Jane has established herself as a trusted expert in her field. Currently, she serves as a clinical specialist physiotherapist in Perinatal care at the Royal United Hospital Bath. Prior to this role, Jane led the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy services at both the Royal United Hospital Bath and Sulis Hospital Bath.
Jane's dedication is evident through her continuous pursuit of specialised knowledge and skills. She has undertaken multiple advanced level accredited pelvic health courses, equipping her with a wealth of specialist experience and expertise. Currently, Jane is further enriching her understanding of pelvic health through her pursuit of a Masters in Pelvic Health with Brunel University.
Jane's is extremely passionate about her work she strives to ensure that individuals of all ages and stages of life, regardless of gender, receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Her unwavering commitment to her patients and her expertise in the field make her a valued resource for anyone seeking quality pelvic health physiotherapy services.