This month marks one year since Gareth Watkins joined the team at The Lymington Chiropractic Clinic, and we couldn’t be prouder of the impact he’s had.
While Hannah Day has been on maternity leave, Gareth has been a reassuring and expert presence — providing outstanding massage therapy and enhancing our clinic’s offerings with specialist rehabilitation therapy.
A former Army soldier, rugby player, and now a dedicated sports therapist for Horndean Football Club, Gareth brings both discipline and empathy to every session. His deep understanding of movement, recovery, and performance makes him a trusted therapist for anyone looking to recover from injury — or just move and feel better, every day.
What Is Rehabilitation Therapy?
Rehabilitation therapy is about more than just recovering from an injury — it’s about restoring functional movement, preventing re-injury, and helping you get back to the activities you love.
Whether you’ve:
- Pulled a hamstring on the golf course,
- Strained your back lifting grandchildren,
- Or want to build strength for walking the dogs in the New Forest . . .
. . . Gareth designs tailored rehab plans that support your goals — whether that’s getting back to sport, gardening, cycling, sailing, or daily life without pain.
The 4 Stages of Recovery
Rehabilitation follows a clear, structured approach — no matter your age or ability:
1. Acute Phase – Reduce pain and inflammation
Think ice, rest, support, and early gentle movement.
2. Subacute Phase – Restore range of motion and activate muscles
Stretching, mobility work, and early strengthening begin here.
3. Strengthening Phase – Build resilience and balance
Progressive loading and reconditioning of muscles and joints.
4. Return to Activity – Back to sport, work, or walking with confidence
High-level, functional training specific to your daily life or performance needs.
When Should You See a Sports Therapist?
You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from seeing Gareth. You should consider seeing a sports therapist if you:
- Are recovering from injury or surgery
- Experience persistent joint or muscle pain
- Want to prevent injury as you get more active
- Need help preparing for a sporting event or post-race recovery
- Want to stay strong, mobile, and independent as you age
Movement Matters: The 7 Primary Movement Patterns
Gareth’s work is rooted in the seven foundational movement patterns that shape how we move every day — not just in sport, but in life:
- Squat – Sitting and standing from chairs, getting in and out of cars
- Hinge – Lifting children or shopping without straining your back
- Lunge – Stepping onto uneven woodland trails or into boats
- Push – Pushing open heavy gates or swings at the playground
- Pull – Pulling ropes while sailing or lifting a dog into the car
- Rotation – Twisting during golf or reaching for a seatbelt
- Gait/Carry – Walking dogs in the forest or carrying bowls gear
For our over-55s community, mastering these patterns helps to reduce falls, improve confidence, and ensure strength for grandchildren, gardening, and golf alike.
What Patients Are Saying About Gareth Watkins
At Lymington Chiropractic Clinic, our patients’ feedback speaks volumes about the care they receive — and when it comes to sports therapist Gareth Watkins, their words say it best.
A Vital Part of Athletic Success
For Cathy, Gareth has become a key figure in her training and recovery routine. Preparing for Hyrox and powerlifting competitions requires dedication, and Cathy credits Gareth with helping her stay injury-free throughout intense training blocks:
“He’s been an important part of my training and recovery over the last year . . . With regular treatments, my recovery has been much faster. He genuinely cares about helping you feel and perform your best.”
— Cathy Wanniaratchy, 5* Google Review
Expert Care You Can Trust
Steve came to Gareth after aggravating an old knee injury — and left with not just a stronger knee, but renewed confidence:
“What he doesn’t know about knees isn’t worth knowing. I’ve progressed from a knee I really didn’t trust to one that is now strong again. Gareth is a really nice guy and great to work with. Strongly recommended.”
— Steve Wilson, 5* Google Review
Long-Term Relief Without the Guesswork
Another patient was skeptical when Gareth used kinesiology tape to treat their knee pain — but quickly became a believer:
“I wasn’t convinced . . . until that evening. For the first time in months, I had a full night’s sleep. Within three days, the pain was gone. I haven’t taken a single anti-inflammatory since!”
— Lindsay Morgan
This same patient now sees Gareth every two weeks for a deep tissue massage and general “MOT” to support an active lifestyle:
“His efforts ensure I can still carry on abusing my body on a regular basis!”
Relaxation and Rejuvenation in One Session
Whether it’s for performance, recovery, or simply well-being, Gareth’s treatments leave a lasting impression. Anita shared her appreciation after just two sessions:
“Each time I’ve left the room feeling relaxed and at the same time reenergised — if that’s possible! I’ve recommended you to everyone I know.”
— Anita, email testimonial
Why Patients Keep Coming Back
Another massage client summed it up beautifully:
“I walked out feeling so much better. Not only did the muscle cramps in my leg ease, but I had more overall energy and a sense of well-being. Gareth explains everything in great detail and makes sure you feel supported throughout.”
Experience It for Yourself
Gareth combines expert knowledge with genuine care, making him a go-to for anyone needing sports therapy, injury recovery, or simply a great massage. Whether you’re training hard, managing persistent pain, or looking to stay active and mobile, Gareth’s treatments are designed to help you feel, and function, at your best.
Look out for Gareth’s videos and Functional Fitness Checklist — coming soon! Gareth explains the 7 Primary Movement Patterns and how they relate to everyday life and he has a very useful Morning Movement Sequence to do while making your morning cuppa, addressing each of the movement patterns and easing us all into our day.
Your Next Step Toward Recovery & Resilience
Whether you’re recovering from injury, looking to enhance your sporting performance, or simply want to move better and feel stronger in everyday life, Gareth is here to support your journey.
Look out for Gareth’s videos and Functional Fitness Checklist — coming soon! Gareth explains the 7 Primary Movement Patterns and how they relate to everyday life and he has a very useful Morning Movement Sequence to do while making your morning cuppa, addressing each of the movement patterns and easing us all into our day.
Your Next Step Toward Recovery & Resilience
Whether you’re recovering from injury, looking to enhance your sporting performance, or simply want to move better and feel stronger in everyday life, Gareth is here to support your journey.
Call 01590 679560 or book online to arrange an appointment with Gareth.
Let’s celebrate his first year with us by making your next year your strongest yet.