Tanya Owen, Chartered Physiotherapist

Professional Experience

I qualified as a physiotherapist in 1999 and initially gained experience in all core physiotherapy areas before specialising in neurosciences and neurology in 2003. I have worked within the specialism in acute hospitals, rehabilitation units through to community-based rehabilitation and in the private sector. Throughout my career I have worked with clients with a variety of neurological conditions including but not limited to brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and cerebral palsy.

I currently work in private neurological physiotherapy practice and set up my own practice in 2014.

I worked part time in brain injury case management for two years.

In 2010, I took on the post of Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in neurology and neurodisability (Band 8a) in a busy London community neurology service. The team provided therapy services for people with a wide range and complex neurological conditions and presentations. This role encompassed leadership on best practice, evidence based physiotherapy, formal supervision and clinical teaching for a team of therapists and I provided mentorship for a Masters research student.

I had a second temporary move to New Zealand, where I lead on improvements to community based service delivery and service development initiatives as well as providing physiotherapy for people with needs for both rehabilitation and long term conditions.

From 2005 to 2007, I worked as a senior physiotherapist in a specialist spinal injuries unit, based in Auckland, New Zealand. The role incorporated both inpatient rehabilitation and out-patient services which included outreach work to different parts of North Island New Zealand. This team provided holistic assessment consultations locally giving specialist advice to clients, local therapists and medical practitioners. The focus of this team was to ensure people living with spinal cord injury were continuing to live well and their particular needs were being met.

Professional Development

In 2009 I completed a Masters in Global health and development, with a focus on disability, through University College London. This provided an opportunity to develop further depth of knowledge in the relationships between disability, culture, gender and society. The Masters culminated in research into lived perspectives on accessing healthcare for women and men with disability on a small island. The experience and learning at Masters level has given me a further depth of knowledge and skills in the wider constructs around living with neurological disability aiding greater understanding of client’s individual life-long experiences.

I continue to maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending clinical courses and clinical and medico-legal conferences regularly.