Meet the team at straight back physio
At Straight Back Physio we are a close knit team of physiotherapy and sports injury experts, who are passionate about helping you to move freely and feel great.
Discover more about our local physiotherapist team of chartered physiotherapists, acupuncturists, sports massage therapists, and pilates instructors below.
STUART FOSSELLA
Founder and Lead male Physiotherapist
BSc Hons Physiotherapy, BSc Hons Sports Science
I have plenty of physiotherapy experience, having worked for the NHS and the Nuffield Hospital, as well as Cheltenham Town Football Club and Cheltenham College. My strengths are helping people with running injuries, back pain, and post-surgical rehab, especially for hip and knee replacements. I use hands-on therapy and personalised exercise plans to help people get back to doing what they love. When I’m not at the clinic, I love spending time with my two children, running with my dogs and mountain biking.
SARAH FOSSELLA
Founder and Lead female Physiotherapist
BSc Hons Physiotherapy
During my physiotherapy degree, I experienced different clinical settings, but always had a soft spot for outpatient orthopaedics and sports. After graduating I worked at Gloucestershire NHS Trust before moving into the outpatient orthopaedics field. I now have a passion for working with female athletes, post-surgical patients and adolescents. I’m a member of the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute, and I love using my knowledge of both disciplines to help my patients reach their physical goals. When I’m not at the clinic, I love spending time with my family and dogs, as well as training for and running ultra-marathons.
SOPHIE BROWN
Physiotherapist
masters MUSCULOskeletal physiotherapy
I am an experienced Physio with a Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and over seven years of MSK experience working within the NHS and privately. I specialise in treating musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries, chronic pain, and post-operative rehabilitation. My clinical approach combines manual therapy, exercise-based rehabilitation, and patient education to support recovery.
As a former national swimmer, I bring a unique understanding of sports-related injuries and performance demands, allowing me to deliver tailored rehabilitation programs for patients.
Outside of the clinic room I enjoy being outside and challenging my fitness with CrossFit, surfing, running and triathlons.
Luis De Sousa
Sports Massage Therapist
BTEC Level 4 in Sports Massage
As the result of a desire to change careers along with a keen interest in health and fitness I embarked on studying sports massage in 2009. Since I’ve worked with the renowned Rosslyn Park Rugby club in Barnes and at multiple health clinics throughout London. I moved to Cheltenham in 2015 where I joined The Nuffield Hospital. Here I worked closely with Dr Jaques, a doctor who has been involved with sports medicine for the past 30 years. Dr Jaques is the Director of Medical Services at the English Institute of Sport (EIS), which provides medicine and sports science services to summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic athletes. He and his physiotherapy team regularly referred patients to me for muscle tissue work.
