Cornwall Physiotherapy | Appointment Request Form |

Ros qualified from St. Thomas’ Hospital in 1972. She worked for several years for the renowned Dr James Cyriax in his private practice in Wimpole Street, where she gained an excellent grounding in the examination and treatment of musculo-skeletal problems, with particular emphasis on manipulation.

Ros’ home city of Plymouth was the obvious next move, where she worked as a Senior Physiotherapist heading up the new GP referral scheme. She also studied with an equine chiropractor, and started to treat horses and dogs as well as humans! She also helped her father, well known Chartered Physiotherapist Gordon Hackworthy, from whom she gained a lot of practical experience. Ros’ grandfather was also one of the first Chartered Physiotherapists, who also had a private practice in Plymouth.

After her marriage in 1980, Ros started her private practice in Wadebridge, later moving to Little Petherick. In 1991 she started Hawksland Physiotherapy Centre, it is ideally situated within easy reach of Wadebridge with good parking, and it is now one of Cornwall’s leading physiotherapy clinics.. In these beautiful surroundings Ros has equipped the centre so that the most complex of cases ranging from chronic back pain to acute sports injuries can be managed. Treatments offered include acupuncture, manipulation, ultra-sound and laser therapy, and Theraflex – the latest equipment to mobilise the spine, the only clinic in Cornwall to offer this exciting new treatment.

Ros has a deep interest in horses and riding, and is particularly interested in helping riders with positional problems. She is planning to start some rider fitness and exercise classes in conjunction with Lakefield Equestrian Centre. She also treats horses and dogs for spinal and limb problems, and is a Category A Member of ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy)

Ros has a wealth of physiotherapy knowledge and experience in treating a wide range of injuries. She feels strongly about maintaining the highest clinical standards and has invested in the latest equipment, keeping herself up to date with modern techniques.

Stella graduated from the University of the West of England in 1999 and from there built her expertise in the management of musculoskeletal conditions at Southmead Hospital Bristol - a large teaching hospital and a Regional Orthopaedic centre, nationally renowned for this speciality. Stella took a lead in the day-to-day running of the department and in the teaching of junior staff members. Her role also involved worked closely with Orthopaedic consultants and local GPs, rehabilitating patients after joint surgery, accidents, work related pain and fractures.

Whilst in Bristol, Stella specialised in back and neck pain, and after 2004 worked as one of the senior spinal specialist physiotherapists. In this role she was responsible for managing complex acute and chronic spinal conditions. She ran a back exercise class as well as a weekly pilates group. In addition she practices acupuncture which she uses to complement her physiotherapy treatment. Working for 'Professionals Abroad' Stella has spent two periods both practicing physiotherapy and managing physiotherapy provision in the Katmandu valley in Nepal.

In 2007 Stella completed her masters in musculoskeletal manual therapy from Coventry University, where she gained membership to the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).The MACP qualification attests that a standard of excellence in examination and treatment has been reached. During her final year masters dissertation she researched the effects of physiotherapy on neck pain for which she received a Distinction.

Stella's personal interests are running and swimming. She ran at national level for several years and has also represented England. This has led to her special interest in sports injuries. She developed this by working for Bristol City football club’s centre of excellence, gaining experience in treating acute sports injuries. She also travelled with the GB Ultimate Frisbee team to the World Championships working as the physiotherapist for the elite men's team.

Stella moved to Cornwall with her husband in January 2008 and is delighted to be joining Mrs Rosalind Boisseau at the Hawksland Physiotherapy Centre.