Will Ashby MSc, BSc (Hons)

Performance Testing Specialist – Climbing & Strength Profiling

Will is our go-to Performance Testing Specialist at Quay Kinetics Physio. With a First Class BSc in Sport & Exercise Therapy and a Master’s degree in Sport & Exercise Medicine from Exeter University, he combines strong academic training with practical experience in elite environments including the Royal Marines and Exeter Chiefs Rugby.

Will specialises in objective strength testing, asymmetry profiling, and climbing-specific performance metrics using tools such as the Tindeq Progressor, grip dynamometry, and structured movement testing.

He is passionate about helping climbers and active individuals understand their strengths, uncover hidden weaknesses, and build targeted plans to improve performance and reduce injury risk.

Outside the clinic, Will is an avid outdoorsman — having hiked New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail — and enjoys climbing at Boulder Exe, trail running, and golf.

Will Ashby MSc, BSc (Hons) Performance Testing Specialist – Climbing & Strength Profiling W... Read More

Daniel van Woerkens – Physiotherapist (MScPT, BScH, HCPC, CSP, MACP Affiliate)

Dan is a dedicated Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who brings a calm, evidence-based approach to helping people move and feel better. With a Master’s degree from Brunel University London and a background in Kinesiology from Queen’s University in Canada, Daniel has a solid academic and practical foundation in human movement, injury rehabilitation, and patient-centred care.

He currently also works within the Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust as a Band 6 MSK Specialist Physiotherapist, and has experience managing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions across both community and NHS outpatient settings.

Dan has a particular passion for working with athletic populations and outdoor enthusiasts. As a keen climber and runner himself, he understands the mental and physical toll of injury and is skilled in developing progressive rehab plans tailored to your lifestyle and goals. Whether you’re managing an overuse injury, returning to your sport, or simply looking to stay active and pain-free, Daniel combines education, hands-on therapy, and smart exercise prescription to help you get there.

He is an Affiliate Member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP), and continues to develop his skills through ongoing CPD and collaboration with expert colleagues.

Daniel is predominantly based at our Boulder Exe location in Exeter, where he works with climbers, runners, and a wide variety of patients seeking expert musculoskeletal (MSK) care.

Daniel van Woerkens – Physiotherapist (MScPT, BScH, HCPC, CSP, MACP Affiliate) Dan is a dedicate... Read More

Carmen is a Chartered Physiotherapist with broad experience treating musculoskeletal conditions across a wide range of patients, from active individuals and athletes to those managing persistent pain or returning to movement after injury or illness.

She takes a calm, thorough and individualised approach, focusing on understanding the whole picture and tailoring rehabilitation to each person’s goals, lifestyle and level of activity. Carmen enjoys working with more complex presentations and supports patients with spinal, joint and soft-tissue conditions, as well as balance problems and dizziness when appropriate.

Carmen holds a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and an MSc in Sport & Exercise Medicine (Distinction). She is HCPC registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Her background includes NHS practice and experience supporting medical teams in both community and sporting environments.

In addition to her musculoskeletal work, Carmen has undertaken further training in vestibular rehabilitation, sports massage, and taping and strapping. She welcomes both new and returning physiotherapy patients.

Carmen is a Chartered Physiotherapist with broad experience treating musculoskeletal conditions a... Read More

Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist & Clinic Owner

Jennifer Searle is a senior musculoskeletal physiotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, known for her thoughtful, thorough, and evidence-based approach to care. She is the founder and lead clinician at Quay Kinetics Physio, where she works with people experiencing complex, persistent, or recurring musculoskeletal problems, as well as those looking to return confidently to sport, work, or everyday life.

Jennifer qualified with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of Hertfordshire in 2005 and began her career within the NHS at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. Since then, she has worked across a wide range of clinical settings in both the UK and Australia, gaining extensive experience in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions across all ages, backgrounds, and activity levels.

Over the course of her career, Jennifer has developed a particular interest in spinal and nerve-related pain, persistent and fluctuating symptoms, and complex presentations that do not fit neatly into a single diagnosis. She is especially experienced in working with people who may have “tried physio before” but feel they never fully understood what was driving their symptoms or how to manage them long term.

How Jennifer Works

Jen’s approach is centred on clinical reasoning, pattern recognition, and long-term thinking, rather than quick fixes or rigid treatment protocols. Her assessments are detailed, collaborative, and individualised, with a strong emphasis on understanding the whole picture — including lifestyle, work demands, training load, stress, sleep, and previous injury history.

She focuses on:

• Clear, thorough assessment and diagnosis

• Identifying drivers of pain, not just treating symptoms

• Load management and progressive, appropriate rehabilitation

• Education and reassurance to build confidence and self-efficacy

Knowing when to intervene — and when not to over-treat

Jen believes that good physiotherapy should help people understand their bodies, feel reassured about what is safe, and make informed decisions about their recovery — both now and in the future.

Advanced Training & Specialist Experience

Jennifer also holds an MSc in Sport & Exercise Medicine (Sports Injury) from Manchester Metropolitan University, reflecting advanced postgraduate training in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions. She is a Chartered Physiotherapist registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is also qualified in acupuncture through the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Since completing her MSc, Jennifer has continued to develop her expertise through further specialist training and was awarded Diplomate Membership of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (UK) in 2021, recognising her advanced clinical knowledge, breadth of experience, and ongoing commitment to high-quality musculoskeletal care.

Alongside running her clinic, Jen spent four years working part-time as a Spinal Extended Scope Practitioner, collaborating closely with Exeter’s leading spinal surgeons. In this role, she assessed and managed patients with complex spinal and nerve-related conditions, supported non-surgical care pathways, and helped guide decisions around imaging, planning for surgery and onward referral where appropriate. This experience continues to strongly inform her clinical decision-making today.

For over 13 years, Jennifer has also worked within high-performance climbing environments, delivering physiotherapy services embedded within climbing centres (The Quay Climbing Centre and more recently at Boulder Exe). This has given her extensive experience managing complex, load-related and overuse injuries, and supporting long-term rehabilitation in individuals who place high physical demands on their bodies — experience that translates directly to both sporting and non-sporting patients alike.

Earlier in her career, Jennifer worked with British Basketball and was part of the multidisciplinary medical team at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While she values her experience in elite sport, she brings the same level of care, attention, and professionalism to every individual she works with, regardless of background or activity level.

Leadership & Mentorship

As clinic owner and lead clinician, Jen sets the clinical standards at Quay Kinetics Physio and is actively involved in mentoring and developing other physiotherapists within the team. She is passionate about delivering high-quality, ethical care and creating an environment where patients feel listened to, supported, and guided — not rushed.

Jennifer transitioned to full-time private practice in 2021 and now works exclusively within her clinic. She continues to engage in ongoing professional development to ensure her practice remains current, reflective, and grounded in the best available evidence.

Jennifer works with a limited number of patients each week to ensure a high level of clinical attention, continuity of care, and thoughtful progression.

Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist & Clinic Owner Jennifer Searle is a senior musculoske... Read More

Laura Rutterford - Chartered Physiotherapist (BSc, HCPC Registered)

Laura is a Chartered Physiotherapist with over 16 years of experience in private practice, having qualified from Keele University in 2009. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and has been running her own clinic since 2013, treating a wide range of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

She has a special interest in hip injuries and rehabilitation, inspired by her own personal journey through hip surgery. In recognition of her contributions to global education and support around hip health, Laura was awarded the title of “Hip Legend” by the Global Hip Hope Network.

Alongside her MSK work, Laura also specialises in paediatric physiotherapy, supporting children and families living with long-term health conditions. She has worked with a children’s charity for the past three years, providing tailored rehab, education, and ongoing support.

She is also passionate about working with runners, having delivered pilates sessions, injury treatment, and expert advice at the National Running Show at the NEC Birmingham.

Laura’s approach focuses on empowering people to understand their own bodies, combining hands-on treatment with clear guidance and personalised rehabilitation. Whether your goal is pain relief, performance, or getting back to the activities you love, she’ll help you get there.

Now working in Exeter, Laura is excited to be part of the Quay Kinetics Physio team and looks forward to supporting the health and wellbeing of the local community.

Laura Rutterford - Chartered Physiotherapist (BSc, HCPC Registered) Laura is a Chartered Physiot... Read More