About Rowan
I’m Rowan Thorpe, a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with over 14 years of clinical experience. I originally trained in South Africa, where I completed my BSc in Physiotherapy and later an MPhil in Exercise and Sport Physiotherapy. I’ve now been working in the UK since 2017, across private practice, the NHS as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, and as a Lecturer in Physiotherapy. Throughout that time, I’ve supported both patients and clinicians to better understand movement, pain, and rehabilitation.
But I’m not just a clinician - I’ve also been a patient.
I’ve had three significant knee injuries over the years and, as a result, now have some early osteoarthritic changes despite only being in my mid-30s. I know the frustration of setbacks, the fear around scan results, and the questions about what the future might look like.
What I also know is that an OA diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of being active.
I’m still a keen runner, a regular gym-goer, a dog walker, and more recently a cold-water dipper. My knees aren’t “perfect” - but they are strong, capable, and allow me to live the life I want to live. That lived experience deeply shapes how I work.
Across my career, I’ve worked with people at every stage of their osteoarthritis journey - from those newly diagnosed, to people who’ve been told they are “too young” or “too active” to be struggling, to those trying to delay or avoid surgery. I bring evidence-based practice, but also realism, empathy, and optimism.
I don’t see osteoarthritis as a sentence to slow down. I see it as a condition that can be understood, managed, and worked with.
My approach blends research, strength and conditioning principles, and honest conversations about load, lifestyle, and long-term joint health. I’m particularly passionate about helping people rebuild confidence in their bodies, return to the activities they love, and realise that “wear and tear” doesn’t define their future.
PhysiOA is built on both professional expertise and personal experience, and that combination is what allows me to guide others in moving beyond osteoarthritis.
About
Helping you stay active, confident, and in control
PhysiOA was created to support people with hip and knee osteoarthritis who want more than vague advice, rushed appointments, or the sense that surgery is the only option.
I work with individuals who want to keep moving, whether that means running, cycling, playing sport, staying strong for family life, or simply continuing to do the things that matter to them without fear or uncertainty.
At PhysiOA, the focus is on long-term independence, evidence-based rehabilitation, and helping you feel confident in your body again.
Why I started PhysiOA
PhysiOA grew out of a repeated dissatisfaction I saw in traditional osteoarthritis care.
Too often, people with hip or knee OA are:
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Given very limited time to understand their condition
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Exposed to fear-based messaging about “wear and tear”
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Progressed quickly towards injections or surgery
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Left without a clear, structured plan for staying active long-term
While surgery absolutely has a place for some people, many are never given the opportunity to properly explore exercise-based rehabilitation, education, and self-management strategies that can be highly effective when delivered well.
I wanted to create a service that gives people the time, structure, and ongoing support they need, not just to feel better in the short term, but to build confidence and resilience for the future.
My approach
PhysiOA is built around a simple principle: active, informed rehab leads to better long-term outcomes.
That means:
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Exercise is the foundation, not an afterthought
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Passive treatments are used only as an adjunct where appropriate
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Education and understanding your condition are essential
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The goal is independence, not endless appointments
A strong emphasis is placed on self-efficacy - helping you understand what’s happening in your joints, what is safe, and how to progress with confidence rather than fear.
What I offer
PhysiOA provides:
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1:1 remote physiotherapy for hip and knee osteoarthritis
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Structured rehabilitation programmes
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Evidence-based exercise prescription, tailored to your goals
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Education and guidance, including advice on bracing or other adjuncts where appropriate
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Ongoing support between sessions so you’re never left guessing
Group programmes and a wider PhysiOA community are also in development, with the aim of making high-quality OA care more accessible and supportive over time.
Looking ahead
PhysiOA is designed to grow into more than just appointments.
Over the coming years, the aim is to build:
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A wider education platform
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A supportive community for people with hip and knee OA
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Accessible programmes that help people stay active, confident, and informed.