5 Minutes With… Sophie Griffiths, Phase Physiotherapy

26 November 2025 — jessica-bailey

We spoke with Sophie Griffiths, a Bristol based Chartered Physiotherapist with over 18 years experience in the NHS. Sophie specialises in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and cancer rehabilitation, with expertise in breast cancer physiotherapy. In this blog, Sophie shares her story, her approach, and what clients can expect when they come for treatment with her.

Tell us about your organisation? 

My physiotherapy practice, Phase Physiotherapy, is based in Backwell, North Somerset. I began working with private physiotherapy clients after an 18-year career in the NHS. My background was in Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic physiotherapy within outpatient services. At the time, the Trust I worked for did not have a dedicated cancer physiotherapy service, so women experiencing shoulder problems after breast cancer treatment were often referred to the general musculoskeletal department.

I found it deeply frustrating that these patients had endured so much discomfort and functional change, often for long periods. Many were fearful of moving or returning to activities they once loved. I felt passionately that their concerns were just as valid as any other musculoskeletal condition and deserved the same level of professional care and expertise. With the right education and treatment, these symptoms could be significantly improved, and patients could feel empowered to manage any longer-term effects.

Back then, research and clinical knowledge in this area were limited. Although progress has been made, there is still much further to go. Access to specialist breast cancer physiotherapy also remains unequal across the UK, with many regions still lacking appropriate services. I sincerely hope to see this change in the near future.

Over the years, I have continued to develop my expertise through specialist exercise training, scar therapy, and ongoing learning within musculoskeletal care. I later moved to another NHS Trust to work exclusively within oncology outpatient services, and for the past two years, I have focused entirely on treating patients in the breast cancer setting.

What services do you offer people living with or affected by cancer?

I offer rehabilitation to clients following cancer treatment. This can include any combination of scar therapy, personalised exercise programmes, manual therapy and physical activity advice. As each person is unique in their symptoms, goals and needs, so is their treatment plan.

Who are your services aimed at supporting?

I support a variety of adult clients, following injury, surgery or through cancer rehabilitation. I understand the complexity of the recovery process and the need for bespoke and holistic care.

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do?

The most rewarding aspect of my role is empowering people to return to what they love. When they tell me they had their first game of tennis following their treatment, that they now understand how to plan their day with their grandchildren without exacerbating their fatigue, or that they went to their usual salsa class and didn’t notice their arm aching afterwards, that’s what makes me tick.

What would you say to those who are considering getting in touch with you but are nervous or apprehensive?

I understand it is daunting for people making changes to their health, sometimes revisiting or discussing difficult issues, facing personal challenges. I am always happy to have a free consultation first, to answer any questions, see if physio is right for them or that it is the right time to engage. The pace of the sessions is just as bespoke as the treatments I offer, so if a gentle approach is needed, that’s just fine.

Do you have testimonials from people that have used your services?

This was part of an email sent to my team in the summer before I left my NHS post:

“Sophie has been absolutely brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, professional, caring and fully engaged in me and my situation. Not only has she been treating a very painful frozen shoulder but has gone out of her way to help with further treatments for this condition, the patient is central to her work ethic. When she says she will contact someone she does, she follows up on everything in a timely fashion and I felt at all times that I was in very safe caring hands. My appointments with Sophie were never rushed and she was extremely thorough and always listened to me – I’ve seen physios in other parts of the country due to previous issues and I can say they’re not a patch on Sophie! I have a huge abdominal scar which, through her help and advice on how to care for it, has improved no end. As you can imagine, this is very important to how I feel and look.”

Can you tell us about your team?

It’s just me, however I am well connected in the local area with other specialists and organisations so I will always say if I feel a client’s needs may be better met elsewhere or that we need another specialist’s input.

Can you describe your organisation in three words?

Caring, supportive and honest.

And finally, how are you funded and what can people do to support you if they would like to? 

I am a private physiotherapy practice so my clients are self-funding or via their health insurance. However, I am also a partner therapist for Bosom Buddies Bristol and their members can access physiotherapy with me through their complementary therapy voucher scheme.

You can find out more about Sophie’s services on her website www.phasephysio.co.uk.

If you’d like to discover further cancer rehabilitation, therapies and treatments in your area, please search on Cancer Care Map’s homepage using your postcode.