The treatment philosophy of Back-on-Track is simple :
"To effectively and appropriately manage injury, thus allowing the rider every chance to continue through the race weekend, as long as the rider retains sufficient function to remain in control of his motorcycle and not be a danger to himself and others"
Motorcycle racing in the late 80's and early 90's - the era of the 500cc 2 strokes and riders such as; Wayne Gardner, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey and of course Mick Doohan to name but a few, was a generally savage affair. The nature of these riders injuries was almost common knowledge; Doohan and his leg, Schwantz and his wrist, Rainey's spinal injury. The list is endless.
In the technical age we live in the current 800cc motogp machines are faster than ever, yet safer to ride with fewer serious injuries. Motorcycle racing remains a dangerous activity with the deaths in recent years of Daijiro Kato in motogp, Chris Jones in British 125's, Ollie Bridewell in BSB and Craig Jones in WSB. The medical facilities in both World superbikes and MotoGp are exceptional, for that we have Dr Claudio Costa to thank for his work in developing the "Clinica Mobile".
The Medical backup for the British Superbike series has in recent years been driven forward By Mr Toby Branfoot Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedics and his colleagues. The loss in 2005 of Chris Jones was tragic, yet thanks to the Chris Jones riders fund the BSB medical team now have a mobile xray machine so riders can be assessed quickly and without delay at the circuit.
When thinking back to Leon Camier's leg injury or even Yukio Kagayama's pelvic injuries, then this medical back-up becomes even more crucial.
Surprisingly until 2008, there was no provision of Physiotherapy for the riders to access over the BSB race weekends. Unless the Physio's are directly employed by the individual teams or riders themselves.
We started to develop a Physiotherapy service in 2008 and are continuing to further develop it in 2009. We work closely with the already excellent BSB medical team. We shall be present at all rounds of the 2009 Championship, and will be based at the Medical Centre at each circuit.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Richard M Hughes BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP MSOM Dip Inj Therapy
I graduated in 1998 with a degree in Physiotherapy from Keele University. My professional interests are Sports Injuries, Spinal disorders and musculoskeletal conditions.
I work as an Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, specializing in spinal conditions, however I also enjoy treating Sports Injuries. I am based "Physio at the Lodge" in Nantwich, Cheshire not far from Oulton Park.
Prior to commencing my Physiotherapy training, I enjoyed a successful cycling career that included winning numerous British Championships, competing in the Commonwealth Games in 1990 & 1994 and the World Championships in 1988, 1989 & 1991.
Unfortunately after suffering a back injury and undergoing spinal surgery in 1992, my cycling career was cut short. It was at this time that I discovered Physiotherapy, and the seed was planted. In due course I gained a place to study at Keele, met Noel on the first day and the rest is history.
My motorcycle career has included several road bikes and some track days. My current ride is a KTM supermoto.
My treatment philosophy is to accurately identify, and then proactively treat the cause of the problem, thus facilitating a logical long-term solution and minimizing the risk of symptom recurrence.
Noel Harding BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP
I served 6 years in RAF before graduating in physiotherapy from Keele University in 1998.
After working in Bangor for 2 years, I returned to the specialist Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, Shropshire. I have extensive experience of musculoskeletal Physiotherapy including; outpatients, spinal injuries, post surgical rehab and sports injuries.
I currently work in musculoskeletal outpatients and sports injury rehabilitation, working along side Mr Dai Rees - one of the UK's top sports knee surgeons.
I have enjoyed motorcycle sport since childhood having attended numerous events since the 1980's. My motorcycle career has included several road bikes, regular track day attendance and have competed at club level motorbike racing. I have always enjoyed a physical challenge. Achievements have included; New York Marathon, half ironman UK, half ironman Monaco and Ironman Switzerland in 2006
I believe in a positive dynamic approach to patient rehabilitation by good assessment and realistic goal setting whilst challenging the patient to achieve the best possible outcome!
Samantha Ball BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP MSOM ACPOM Dip Inj Therapy
I graduated in 2000 with a degree in Physiotherapy from Brunel University in West London. My professional interests are Sports Injuries, musculoskeletal disorders and rehabilitation back to sport. I was drawn to study physiotherapy after a initial degree in human physiology failed to give me the 'hands on' and practical application of knowledge I wanted.
I began my physiotherapy career at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, a large district general hospital, and experienced all aspects of outpatient physiotherapy including a couple of stints on the orthopaedic wards, the gym, hand therapy and hydrotherapy. I also provided physiotherapy services for local Rugby teams.
I currently work treating soldiers for the MOD in Aldershot and at a private physiotherapy and sports injury clinic. This demands accurate and timely assessment and treatment of injury, and an in depth knowledge of sports rehabilitation to get them back to operational fitness. Many of the soldiers compete in Elite service level sporting competition, national, international level and even Olympic level sport. This means comprehensive rehabilitation is extremely important, and I help to achieve this with good links between myself, the remedial therapists and PTI's (physical training instructors).
I have always had a passion for everything two wheeled, and finally started riding motorbikes in 1999. Like every obsessive, my garage is bursting at the seams and contents include an RVF 400, a green laner, minimoto, 70's monkey bike and SV650 race bike.
I raced in the minitwins series with Bemsee in 2005 and 2006 and currently am a track day instructor for 'Focused Events'. This year I am hoping to compete in a couple of minitwins rounds, free weekends permitting!
My treatment philosophy is accurate assessment, then focused holistic rehabilitation to enable a speedy return to optimum fitness and function.
We are the Back-On-Track team, an integrated part of the dynamic medical team providing medical care in a highly stimulating and exciting environment.