Specialist Spinal Expertise

Kathryn Palmer is a Spinal Specialist Physiotherapist working at Band 8a level within the NHS, with over 25 years of clinical experience. She holds an MSc in Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy from the University of Brighton, awarded with Merit and a Distinction for her dissertation. Kathryn is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Kathryn has worked at specialist level in spinal care for several years, assessing and managing persistent spinal pain, nerve-related symptoms and more involved neurological presentations. She has completed the Eurospine Diploma and advanced training in imaging, and works closely with primary, secondary and tertiary services, including pain clinics and orthopaedic teams.

Her career includes senior roles within the NHS and Ministry of Defence, with experience in clinical governance, service development and professional education. Kathryn has also contributed to humanitarian physiotherapy work with non-governmental organisations and has published research on hip and knee biomechanics in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. Her academic achievements include the Peter Long Headley Court Trustees Academic Prize and the MACP Student Research Award.

In the last year, Kathryn also completed her hip and knee competencies in the NHS, this broader knowledge strengthens her spinal assessment, particularly when symptoms overlap or wider lower-limb mechanics may be contributing. 

Specialist Areas of Clinical Practice

Kathryn assesses and treats the full range of neck, thoracic and lower-back conditions, from recent episodes through to persistent or recurring symptoms that have not improved with previous treatment.

Her work includes neck pain, headaches associated with the cervical spine, pain around the shoulder blade or extending into the arm, thoracic and rib-related pain, persistent lower-back pain, sciatica and other nerve-related symptoms. She also supports people with more involved spinal or neurological presentations and those requiring rehabilitation before or after spinal procedures or surgery.

Assessment considers the clinical history, neurological function, movement, strength and response to activity or loading. Kathryn also considers whether symptoms may be arising from a nearby joint or another part of the musculoskeletal system rather than assuming that every presentation is solely spinal.

Where further investigation may alter management, Kathryn can advise on appropriate imaging pathways and interpret imaging findings alongside the clinical assessment. She can also liaise with GPs, pain services, orthopaedic teams and other specialist services when further medical input or onward referral is required.

If your particular condition is not listed, Kathryn can still help. A specialist assessment can clarify the likely source of your symptoms and guide the most appropriate rehabilitation or next step.

Evidence-Based Spinal Rehabilitation

Kathryn’s treatment approach places a strong emphasis on helping patients understand their condition and take an active role in their recovery.

Rehabilitation is tailored to the diagnosis, current symptoms and activities each patient needs or wants to regain. It may include movement retraining, progressive strengthening, neurological rehabilitation, activity modification and graded return to work, exercise or sport.

Kathryn also holds additional qualifications in Orthopaedic Medicine, acupuncture and Pilates instruction. These approaches may be incorporated selectively where they support the wider rehabilitation plan.

Manual therapy may be used where clinically helpful, particularly when pain or stiffness is limiting movement. However, treatment remains focused on building longer-term confidence, strength and physical capacity rather than relying on passive treatment alone.

What Kathryn Enjoys Treating

“I have a particular interest in spinal rehabilitation, including persistent back and neck pain, nerve-related symptoms and more involved spinal presentations.

I enjoy helping people understand their condition and take an active role in their recovery. Developing rehabilitation programmes that are practical, progressive and focused on returning to meaningful activities is something I find particularly rewarding.

My aim is to give each person a clear understanding of their symptoms and a structured way forward, helping them rebuild confidence in movement and achieve lasting improvements in function.”

A Little About Kathryn

Outside the clinic, Kathryn enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle, including trail running, hiking, cycling and a wide range of water sports.

She also values spending time with her children and understands how important long-term health and mobility are for maintaining an active and fulfilling life.

That perspective shapes her clinical approach and her commitment to helping patients return to the movement, independence and activities that matter to them.

Book Your Specialist Appointment With Kathryn

Specialist spinal appointments with Kathryn are available at our Rowlands Castle clinic. Appointments include detailed assessment, a clear explanation of the likely source of your symptoms and an individually tailored treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Book Online With Kathryn →

Online booking is available for self-funding spinal appointments with Kathryn. If you have WPA insurance, please contact us before booking.

Kathryn’s specialist spinal clinic runs on Fridays and appointments may book several weeks in advance. If no appointments are showing online, please contact us, as additional availability may sometimes be possible.

View the Rowlands Castle Clinic →