Meet Our Team!!
Nicola Cockburn
Owner, Founder and Specialist Physiotherapist
I have over 15 years of experience working in the NHS specialising in neurological and care of the elderly physiotherapy. Ranging from inpatient care, stroke rehabilitation, day hospital, co-ordinating falls classes, continence physiotherapy and running the Neurological Outpatient service at Liberton Hospital in Edinburgh.
During my maternity leave to have my third child and taking a career break, I needed a specialist operation in which the recovery was challenging. This put my life goals and worklife balance at the forefront of my mind. The challenges facing the NHS with patients requiring to be discharged as soon as they were medically stable was not allowing the time to let me provide the highest quality of rehabilitation to patients of allow them the opportunity to reach their full functional potential. Therefore I thought - I need to make a change! Its time to be brave and leave the NHS to provide physiotherapy rehabilitation to patients in their own homes to really make a difference to their quality of life and be the physiotherapist I love and dreamed to be!! And that was how HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd was born!!
I have never once regretted taking this daunting step and the business has grown in strength with welcoming Dr Preethi Hassan Shivnngowda, Arlene Easton and Amanda Bell to the team!! New exciting plans still lie ahead so watch our blog and social media for updates!!
Dr Preethi Hassan Shivannagowda
Senior Physiotherapist
Hello, I'm Dr. Preethi Hassan Shivannagowda, Ph.D., and I bring over five years of experience and expertise in physiotherapy to HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd, focusing on various patient care areas, including neurological rehabilitation, paediatric rehabilitation, and women's health.
I've had the privilege of working closely with patients in wards, intensive care units, and home care settings, delivering hands-on therapy to promote healing and well-being.
My passion lies in early intervention and detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in newborns, aiming to support their healthy development from day one. I strongly believe that prompt intervention can positively impact a child's future.
Additionally, I specialise in paediatric rehabilitation, aiding children in achieving independence and mobility. I'm committed to ensuring every child reaches their fullest potential.
Furthermore, I'm dedicated to neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, assisting patients in regaining functionality and improving their quality of life.
Moreover, I have a special interest in women's health, understanding and addressing the unique healthcare needs of women at every stage of life, from antenatal to postnatal care and menopause.
In addition to my experience, I hold certifications in dry needling, cupping (both dry and wet), and instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation, further enhancing my ability to provide comprehensive care to my patients.
Shiny Vijay
Senior Physiotherapist
As a dynamic physiotherapist with extensive hands-on experience across a wide spectrum of patient care areas, including wards, intensive care units, neurological rehabilitation, paediatric rehabilitation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, sports injuries and home care physical therapy, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of healthcare delivery.
My dedication to improving patient outcomes is evident in my specialised expertise in cardiac rehabilitation and women's health ( antenatal and post natal care, hysterectomy etc.) where I have honed my skills to provide tailored interventions in assisting and support to individuals facing unique challenges to regain the functional abilities and return to activities of daily life.
Additionally, my certifications in Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM), Cupping
Therapy, and needling techniques further enhance my ability to deliver holistic care and innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of my patients. With a passion for continuous learning and a commitment to compassionate, patient-cantered care, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
I believe that every individual deserves personalised care that addresses their specific needs and empowers them on their journey to recovery and wellness. My approach to physiotherapy is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practice, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique circumstances.
Arlene Easton
Technical Instructor Physiotherapy Assistant
Arlene has worked within the NHS for 34 years and has worked as a Technical Instructor Physiotherapy Assistant for the last 25 years in NHS Borders. She has a wealth of knowledge & understanding, working in care of the elderly, orthopaedics, mental health, learning difficulties, amputees, neurology as well as running Falls Prevention Classes, SONAS groups & Parkinsons Disease exercise groups.
Amanda Dick
Technical Instructor Physiotherapy Assistant
Hello everyone, my name is Amanda Bell and I'm very excited to be joining the HomePhysio by Nicola Team! I've worked as a Technical Instructor Physiotherapy Assistant since 2015 in both NHS Borders and NHS Lothian.My passion is providing rehabilitation to all and helping people meet the goals that are important to them. I look forward to working with you all soon!