Activate Physio @ The Linskill Centre, North Shields

Fantastic experience: I reached out to Activate Physio in a really bad way, suffering from a herniated disc in my lower back and severe sciatica. I’d already seen another physio which only made things worse and I genuinely feared surgery was on the cards. Andrew Swinburne agreed to see me urgently and even stayed back after hours for my initial assessment where he identified the disc causing issues straight away. He was very thorough, clear, and honest assuring me he could help but that it wouldn’t be an overnight fix. He put me on a treatment plan which was around 8 weeks altogether and I started noticing improvements from the very first session. Now I’m more or less fully recovered and have been discharged. On my last appointment Andrew made sure I had the right tools and exercises to keep building my strength back up as I’d lost a lot of strength down the affected leg and ankle. Honestly cannot thank him enough for turning this around for me — truly worth every single penny and 100% recommend him to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Elizabeth was fantastic with my 9-year-old daughter, who had a recurring knee injury. She was kind, patient and explained everything in a way my daughter could really understand. The diagnosis was spot on and the rehab plan has completely resolved the issue. We’re really grateful—highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: I can not thank SJ enough. From the first session I felt cared for and looked after. Not just another client. SJ took the time to listen to me and after an extensive elevation he diagnosed the problems I have having with my shoulder and hip. An excellent treatment program followed with regular sessions. Moved forward 4 months and I was able complete at the IBJJF British Open pain free and took a Silver medal home. Now 10 months later I have the greater range of movement and strength since my early 20s. All thanks to SJ’s expertise and guidance.

Fantastic experience: Both my husband and I have been to see Andrew Swinburne at Activate Physiotherapy and we couldn’t be happier with the treatment we have had. Andy has been very helpful, always responsive, following up with emails on exercise regimens post appointment. We both highly recommend him.

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Activate Physio with various issues over 6 years. Every time both SJ and Tom have dealt calmly and efficiently with the problem and most important clearly explain what is going on, which motivates me to do my stretches and leads to a faster recovery. They are both smiley and chatty to compliment their immense knowledge and skill.

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable, attentive and very friendly. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Activate, they have treated me multiple times and are always very helpful and welcoming. Tom helped me with long term shoulder injury and enabled me to lift pain free again. Great team.

Fantastic experience: After a serious break of my humerus I attended weekly physio with Tom who was so helpful. He gave me exercises and worked with me in restoring movement to my arm. His easy going and friendly personality meant that it was easy to ask questions and get the most out of the sessions. I now have full movement and am able to carry out normal day to day living. I would recommend Tom 100%. Thank you Tom.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely brilliant. First class. Never a problem that can not be solved by this team. Myself and my husband are both professionals and have used SJ and his team for Years. Superb.

Fantastic experience: I can strongly recommend the services of Activate Physio. Cain helped me regain full fitness and self confidence after a recurring achilles injury. He was attentive and patient in his dealings with me, always clear in his explanations and encouraging and supportive throughout, particularly when I suffered a minor setback mid treatment. The exercise recovery programme was perfectly judged in its progression and the trust that I was able to put in Cain’s skill and professionalism was well rewarded.

Fantastic experience: After losing a lot of weight, I have been suffering with my shoulders after exercise. SJ is a life saver. Extremely professional, skilled and friendly. I have never had physio before and with one session, he had already arranged a plan that has improved my movement and reduced the risk of pain in the areas I've been suffering. He has worked with the areas affected and offered insight into the why and how and provided me with a routine and exercises that have already shown an improvement. 100% recommend to anyone who requires advice or treatment. Treatment room and offices are private and high quality/modern with a lot of equipment. I also believe prices are very reasonable for the treatment and quality you will receive.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic. The treatment and advice is always first class. Consistently improved my recovery and outlook toward training. I recommend Activate at every opportunity.

Fantastic experience: Massive improvements from my first session till my last with Cain Wilkinson, i had some significant discomfort with my knee thinking i may have done some ligament damage. The exercises Cain gave me to work on over several weeks helped a lot especially with regaining stability around my knee.

Fantastic experience: I've been receiving PT through SJ . It's second to none. I come away every time feeling energised and making gains. I also wanted to mention Helen, who arranges all appointments. Helen is fantastic, working with you proactively to find appointment times. Professional, courteous. I cannot recommend enough. Thanks so much Paul

Fantastic experience: Liz has helped my daughter through a pretty tough sporting injury over the last few months. We can’t thank her enough. Caring, supportive and genuinely such a lovely person with fantastic knowledge of how to treat and talk to children. I can’t recommend enough.

Positive experience: Excellent care. Detailed first review asking all the relevant and appropriate information to help them and you in the long run. Some great exercises to get on with in between reviews, ensuring that customers keep up with the exercises and movement and take note of their feelings. I am enjoying BBC owning and I am seeing the positive effect and I would definitely recommend to my friends and family. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: Lizzie is a paediatric physio, really great rapport with young patients and amazingly they do what Lizzie says and do the exercises!

Fantastic experience: Excellent service, SJ really knows his stuff and ensured I had the speediest and best recovery, but also very informative so you learn how to better take care of your body and past injuries

Fantastic experience: I’ve have been attending the practice when needed for over a year and have found the service to be exceptional and very professional. I can highly recommend Andy S who is extremely knowledgeable and very approachable and friendly with it, always going the extra mile for you where he can. Easy to find with ample parking. P

Fantastic experience: I can't recommend SJ more! His professionalism and knowledge is second to none. He really takes time to understand my situation and symptoms and genuinely wants to accommodate any activities or sports alongside my rehab. Very happy with my progress. Above any form of physical rehabilitation, I always leave feeling genuinely reassured. I have every faith in SJ and would highly recommend him

Positive experience: SJ is very experienced sport physiotherapist. I can in few years back with frozen shoulder and really bad neck. My frozen shoulder is fully treated and my neck pains are more manageable with fortnightly massage session with SJ. Highly recommend him

Fantastic experience: Visited Cain to help with a shoulder injury. Received treatment and great advise. Shoulder is now great with no issues.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Activate Physio, Tom Duffy is my physio- takes time to listen to issues, provided program of stretches for home and to ensure I could get back to gym. Great service

Fantastic experience: An absolutely brilliant service! Andrew Swinburne has been an incredible help in ensuring I have a smooth recovery post ACL reconstructive surgery. Over a year long period Andrew has supported me through my rehabilitation ensuring I have the best success post op! A huge mental and physical support and I couldn’t recommend more! This is the second time I’ve used Activate Physiotherapists for rehab and they provide an excellent and professional service. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Fantastic experience: I can't rate SJ highly enough. I have been going to see him for countless injuries, big and small, over the last 10 years. His insight and intuition into physiology and body mechanics are second to none and I have complete faith in his ability to see me through recovery from any injury. Unlike other physios I had seen in the past, I really value SJ's approach to rehab, which always involves making modifications to the activity you're doing, not stopping it completely. He is also a lovely person and I actually really enjoy going to see him, even though it sometimes hurts! :)

Fantastic experience: By far the best physio I’ve been to. Professional, friendly and most importantly get me fixed quickly!

Fantastic experience: Been seeing Andy at Activate since I tore my ACL 3months ago. He’s been absolutely faultless from start to finish. Takes a cautious, evidence-based approach to his work and it has been worth every penny as I continue my rehab. I recommend Andy and Activate to everyone I’ve spoken to who has experienced injury.

Fantastic experience: Excellent massage with Tom. Probably the best massage I've ever had.

Fantastic experience: Without Andy’s knowledge (and patience!), I wouldn’t feel as good as I do now. I’d almost forgotten what it was like to be active but pain free!

Fantastic experience: Finally pain free! Andy is super knowledgable, friendly and accommodating. Couldn’t recommend more highly

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Activate Physio. Tom was my physio and he was brilliant from the outset. An injury on what appeared to be my arm was soon identified by Tom as actually being caused elsewhere. From struggling to hold a cup at a certain angle, after several sessions I’m now completely pain free and back in the gym functioning as normal. Tom is extremely knowledgeable, good at what he does and a really nice guy to chat with too.

Fantastic experience: I have been Seeing Andrew Thiewell for years now. He has the knowledge and skills beyond his profile. He's not only a friend but I also call him my body mechanic, as he just knows what's wrong and how to fix me. Every referral who has seen him has only fantastic feedback. I highly recommend him and the team to anyone in any kind of physical pain.

Fantastic experience: Really appreciate my sessions with SJ. He is very knowledgeable and I'm seeing improvements with my injury with his help

Fantastic experience: I went to Activate after a football injury. Cain diagnosed as a hamstring tendon strain and after 4 consultations and various exercises I'm fitter than I was before! Great service and knowledge from Cain. I would certainly recommend. 5 stars!

Fantastic experience: I went to see Cain with an unstable ankle that I’d been struggling with for over a year, he got me back to playing football and upping my weekly running miles in no time. Top guy, even better physio!

Fantastic experience: Cain was just brilliant. Spent so much time with me going through a rehab plan for an ongoing injury and has made careful adjustments to ensure I’m getting the best possible treatment. Looking forward to our next block of sessions. Highly recommend !!! All the best, Jamie

Fantastic experience: I injured my knee while playing football back in February and got put in touch with activate in March, Cain has been excellent in helping me recover, he quickly identified the problem (the popliteus muscle) and understood the mechanics of the injury, provided plenty of different tailored rehab exercises to help me recover, once it had recovered I was given numerous exercises and workout plans along the way to strengthen up, my progress was tracked along the way and all of the sessions/exercises were perfectly tailored to what I needed Massive thank you to Cain for all of the help and further support, much appreciated!

Fantastic experience: Cain has helped me with a bludging disc in my lower back. He gave me a great access meant which lead me to take further action by getting a mri which confirmed his initial assessment. Cain then put together a fantastic rehab plan which was highly detailed and easy to follow. This has help ease my pain and return to some activities. Overall great work by cain and can’t thank him enough!

Fantastic experience: Cain is a fantastic physio. His attention to detail and knowledge in the subject is unflawed. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I came in with a bad knee and saw Cain. He was very friendly, full of knowledge and a great guy. He was fantastic with helping with my recovery for my knee, I would definitely go back and refer my friends to use their services.

Fantastic experience: Professional and friendly service. Would highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Cain 'CFiz' Wilkinson was absolutely superb. My lower back issues, specifically Facet joint syndrome, was causing me a lot of grief. But CFizs plan has helped me back into crossfit where I'm smashing PB's. Shining bright like a diamond. Cheers Ta

Fantastic experience: I was recommended SJ from my CrossFit Coach after several people I knew have had treatment from him. His knowledge is second to none. He was very attentive in listening to my issues I had with my lower back. Importantly he doesn’t fob you off and forget about you after your appointment. I love the fact that he has a good relationship with my CrossFit coaches and liaises with them both regarding my physio and how to adapt my training in the gym. He ensures to see you at the appropriate time after given exercises/treatment plan to see the development in progress of the injury. Highly recommend him to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Every visit, no matter if it was to help my shoulder, wrist or back has been informative and extremely helpful.

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience at Activate Physio with Tom. From initial consultation to each session received, the service has been professional with amazing results. Following an injury to my inner elbow, I was unable to complete basic tasks without pain. Following my treatment plan, exercises to complete at home and advice, I am back in the gym and exercising as normal. Highly recommend. Hopefully I'll not have to return, but wouldn't hesitate in doing so if required. Thank you Tom.

Fantastic experience: SJ has really helped me to get my shoulder moving again and is quite efficient in giving proper advice and guidance as your physio journey goes. Kind folks and great service.

Fantastic experience: I've been to Activate over the years for various injuries and they've been amazing at 'fixing' me but my most recent experience with Andy swinburne was a more proactive and preventative approach which was completely invaluable. I signed up for a marathon at the start of 2022 and regularly caught up with Andy to assess how I was moving, any niggles and being an accomplished runner himself was able to advise when I should and shouldn't push through these niggles. Without his support, my first marathon would not been have been anywhere near as successful or enjoyable as it was!

Fantastic experience: Really impressed with Alex’s approach of ensuring you leave stronger than when you arrive rather than just making you temporarily feel better. Alex managed to get me from not being able to run, due to an Achilles tendon issue, to being able to get through and get a better time than I expected in the Great North Run. Would 100% recommend!

Fantastic experience: I came to Alex after having my first baby. I was getting pain in my wrist from carrying the baby, which was making chores and childcare challenging. I also wanted to safely increase the intensity of my workouts so I could perform my sports at the level I was before getting pregnant. Alex was incredible. A great listener and very knowledgeable. He made me feel comfortable and was so encouraging. Only 2 sessions in and my wrist was feeling so much better. Thanks to Alex's guidance and support I'm also feeling much more confident doing the sports I love.

Fantastic experience: First class! I have only been seeing SJ for a few weeks with a long standing knee problem and the progress I have made is unbelievable. Very clear explanation of the root cause of my problem and how to resolve it. Genius!

Fantastic experience: A very thorough and professional service, SJ and Tom are extremely knowledgeable and tailor each session to your individual needs. I can't recommend Activate Physiotherapy enough!

Fantastic experience: I couldn’t fault the service at Activate! I attended a few physio sessions for some hip pain, Tom was fantastic at giving a diagnosis and helping me to improve my rehab exercises. I will continue to use these exercises until I can manage to get back to physio in the future. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I first visited Activate Physio for an issue I was having with my back. Prior to this I was suffering for many months visiting doctors and having MRI scans but no one seemed to help me in any way. I booked in at activate physio and saw Andy Thirlwell. He correctly saw I was weak at a particular part in the back and we worked on strengthening this issue. This was after many months of receiving treatment from different physiotherapists. I now have no more back pain and back to my normal self. I highly recommend you visit Activate Physio before you see anyone else. SJ and his team are highly knowledgeable and friendly, and have helped me out not only with my back issue but also with my patella tendinopathy. Don't hesitate to get in contact with them, I wish I had known about them much earlier!

Fantastic experience: SJ at Activate Physio was recommended to me as someone who could sort out a running injury. "He has good hands" I was told, and indeed he has, but he also has lots of sophisticated equipment with which he did a detailed assessment of my running gait and physique. He identified the underlying problem and set me a series of strengthening exercises to do. What he was particularly good at was explaining the exercises: when I couldn't visualise them he videoed himself doing them and sent me the video. I have now made a complete recovery and am back running again.

Fantastic experience: I was recommended to go to Activate Physio by a friend and thank my lucky stars that I did. I thought I had a back problem and booked Tom Duffy for a 1 hour assessment session at the end of November. I was initially impressed by the website, telephone calls and email follow-ups. As a fellow allied health professional (radiographer) I felt he gave me a very thorough assessment, both physical and discussion re symptoms, lifestyle etc. Tom recommended an MRI scan, which he requested. Within 3 days I had been contacted re the MRI scan and within the week the report was through. Tom contacted me by telephone, gave me the report and recommended my immediate attendance at the RVI A&E Dept. Within the hour I was there, admitted and had urgent surgery on my spine within a few days which made me pain free. 7 weeks later I am now well on the long road to recovery. Without the professionalism of all the staff at Activate Physio I dread to think what may have happened. Thank you all at Activate Physio.

Fantastic experience: First experience at Activate Physio today, treatment by Mick for an initial sports massage assessment. I have to say, this is best sports massage I’ve had around here. Mick was super helpful, knowledgeable and an interesting guy who understood my areas of pain and helped mitigate these pains, providing advice on how to prevent these going forward. I would highly recommend, and will be returning!

Fantastic experience: Fantastic at sorting out your injury and then allowing active recovery.

Fantastic experience: I came with my baby, worry about her development. Good examination and explanation. Highly recommended