Nat is an experienced physiotherapist with a strong background in both musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, gained across private practice and multi-specialty hospital settings. He is highly skilled in carrying out detailed assessments, providing accurate diagnoses, and developing evidence-based treatment programmes tailored to each patient’s needs. His practice combines advanced clinical reasoning with a patient-centred approach to deliver the highest standards of care.

​

In addition to his clinical caseload, Nat will be leading and supporting our physiotherapy-led exercise classes, helping patients build strength, confidence, and independence in a supportive group setting. He has also been involved in research projects and international presentations, highlighting his commitment to professional development, innovation, and service growth.

​

Nat’s expertise across MSK, neurological rehabilitation, and exercise class delivery, combined with his collaborative approach, makes him a valuable addition to our expanding team. His knowledge, compassion, and dedication will further strengthen the services we provide to patients throughout the Scottish Borders.

Nat is an experienced physiotherapist with a strong background in both musculoskeletal and neurol... Read More

Shariqa is a HCPC-registered physiotherapist with over three years of experience specialising in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, women’s health, pain management, and post-operative recovery. She completed her MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy in the UK, where she developed advanced knowledge in manual therapy, chronic pain management, and exercise rehabilitation.

Her career has taken her across hospital, military, and private clinic settings, allowing her to support a wide variety of patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and complex rehabilitation needs. She has worked alongside multidisciplinary teams in both inpatient and community environments, gaining valuable insight into holistic care planning and the importance of tailoring therapy to each individual. ​

Shariqa also has a strong interest in women’s health physiotherapy. She provides specialist support in areas such as postnatal recovery, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and exercise during menopause, empowering women to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Her compassionate and patient-centred approach helps women feel confident and supported through every stage of care. ​

In addition to hands-on techniques such as manual therapy and soft tissue treatment, Shariqa is skilled in prescribing personalised exercise programmes, mobility training, and lifestyle advice to promote long-term health and independence. She is equally passionate about patient education, believing that knowledge and understanding play a key role in recovery and prevention.

Dedicated to her ongoing professional development, Shariqa combines the latest evidence-based practice with empathy and understanding. Whether supporting someone after surgery, managing long-term conditions, or addressing women’s health needs, she is committed to helping every patient move better, feel stronger, and live a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Shariqa is a HCPC-registered physiotherapist with over three years of experience specialising in ... Read More

Nicola Cockburn Director, Founder and Specialist Physiotherapist

I have over 15 years of experience working in the NHS specialising in neurological and care of the elderly physiotherapy. Ranging from inpatient care, stroke rehabilitation, day hospital, co-ordinating falls classes, continence physiotherapy and running the Neurological Outpatient service at Liberton Hospital in Edinburgh.

During my maternity leave to have my third child and taking a career break, I needed a specialist operation in which the recovery was challenging. This put my life goals and worklife balance at the forefront of my mind. The challenges facing the NHS with patients requiring to be discharged as soon as they were medically stable was not allowing the time to let me provide the highest quality of rehabilitation to patients of allow them the opportunity to reach their full functional potential. Therefore I thought - I need to make a change! Its time to be brave and leave the NHS to provide physiotherapy rehabilitation to patients in their own homes to really make a difference to their quality of life and be the physiotherapist I love and dreamed to be!! And that was how HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd was born 3 years ago!!

Nicola Cockburn Director, Founder and Specialist Physiotherapist I have over 15 years of experi... Read More

We’re delighted to welcome Claudia Forbes-Walker to the HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd team. Claudia has completed her BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science at the University of Stirling and holds an ITEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Massage. She is continuing to expand her skills with further training in areas such as dry cupping, sports taping, and personal training, with a long-term goal of progressing to an MSc in Physiotherapy.

Claudia brings hands-on experience from working in clinical settings alongside chiropractors and from running her own massage and sports coaching business. Her treatments are always tailored to individual needs, whether the focus is on injury recovery, reducing pain, relaxation, or performance optimisation.

With her background as a former Scottish Enduro Champion and mountain bike coach, Claudia has a unique understanding of movement, performance, and rehabilitation. She combines this with a caring, client-centred approach that puts comfort, trust, and wellbeing at the heart of every session.

We’re excited to have Claudia on board and know her skills, enthusiasm, and positive energy will be a fantastic addition to our growing team.

We’re delighted to welcome Claudia Forbes-Walker to the HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd team. Claudia ha... Read More

Wendy Graham Technical Instructor Physiotherapy Assistant

Wendy brings over 20 years of experience from her role in NHS Borders, where she supported people in hospitals and the community to live more independently and safely at home. She has worked with a wide range of patients, particularly those recovering from stroke, illness or managing long-term conditions.

​

At HomePhysio By Nicola, Wendy supports our physiotherapists by carrying out home treatment sessions, assisting with therapy programmes, and offering practical advice to help people stay active and confident in their own homes, progressing their long term goals.

She has a strong background in stroke rehabilitation, falls prevention, group-based rehab, and equipment assessments, and is particularly skilled at making meaningful changes that improve day-to-day life.

​

Friendly, down-to-earth, and highly experienced, Wendy is known for her calm approach and ability to build trust with clients and families. She understands how important it is to feel safe and comfortable in your home environment—and works hard to make that a reality for the people she supports.

​

Outside of work, she enjoys walking and exploring the beautiful Borders countryside.

Wendy Graham Technical Instructor Physiotherapy Assistant Wendy brings over 20 years of experien... Read More

Shirley Gray Senior Physiotherapist

Shirley is a highly experienced physiotherapist whose career spans almost 40 years across the NHS and private practice. She has worked extensively in orthopaedics, neurology, falls prevention, and mental health rehabilitation, with a particular passion for delivering physiotherapy in the community.

​

Since qualifying in 1986 from Queen’s College, Glasgow, Shirley has held senior and specialist posts across Scotland and England. Her roles have included Clinical Specialist in Neurology, Team Leader in Community and Mental Health, and Lead Practitioner in a private clinic. She has worked in hospitals, care homes, mental health units, and patients’ own homes—leading services, mentoring staff, and developing new treatment programmes. She also has a strong background in service audits and quality improvement, with proven success in securing better outcomes and resources for patients.

​

Shirley believes that home-based physiotherapy is one of the best ways to understand a person’s true needs and tailor realistic, effective treatment plans. She loves the challenge of complex cases, values collaboration with colleagues, and is known for her compassionate, practical approach.

​

Having lived and travelled around the world with her family, Shirley brings warmth, perspective, and a few great stories to every visit!!

Shirley Gray Senior Physiotherapist Shirley is a highly experienced physiotherapist whose career... Read More

Dr Preethi Hassan Shivannagowda Specialist Physiotherapist

Hello, I’m Dr. Preethi Hassan Shivannagowda, Ph.D., and I bring over five years of experience and expertise in physiotherapy to HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd, focusing on various patient care areas, including neurological rehabilitation, paediatric rehabilitation, and women’s health.

I’ve had the privilege of working closely with patients in wards, intensive care units, and home care settings, delivering hands-on therapy to promote healing and well-being.

My passion lies in early intervention and detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in newborns, aiming to support their healthy development from day one. I strongly believe that prompt intervention can positively impact a child’s future.

Additionally, I specialise in paediatric rehabilitation, aiding children in achieving independence and mobility. I’m committed to ensuring every child reaches their fullest potential.

Furthermore, I’m dedicated to neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, assisting patients in regaining functionality and improving their quality of life.

Moreover, I have a special interest in women’s health, understanding and addressing the unique healthcare needs of women at every stage of life, from antenatal to postnatal care and menopause.

In addition to my experience, I hold certifications in dry needling, cupping (both dry and wet), and instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation, further enhancing my ability to provide comprehensive care to my patients.

Dr Preethi Hassan Shivannagowda Specialist Physiotherapist Hello, I’m Dr. Preethi Hassan Shivan... Read More

We’re very pleased to welcome Lynn to HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd as a Technical Instructor Physiotherapy Assistant. Lynn is an experienced and versatile professional with a strong background across health, social care, and therapeutic services. She is passionate about taking a holistic approach, supporting people to achieve their goals, and improving quality of life through practical therapy, compassionate care, and motivational encouragement.

​

Lynn has worked most recently as a Community Link Worker with Scottish Borders Council, managing a caseload of individuals and families, providing home visits, and supporting people to access falls prevention classes, seated yoga, aqua aerobics, and other wellbeing activities. This role highlighted her ability to assess individual needs, promote independence, and help people rebuild confidence and connection within their communities.

​

Prior to this, Lynn spent several years with NHS Borders. In this post she adapted therapy techniques to meet individual needs, advised on home accessibility, introduced assistive devices to support mobility, and worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care. Her earlier work as a Health Visitor Support Worker gave her valuable skills in child development assessment and family support, adding to her well-rounded understanding of health across all ages.

​

Lynn also brings a foundation in therapeutic massage and beauty therapy, where she delivered advanced massage techniques for stress relief and adapted treatments for individual needs. This gives her an additional layer of expertise in relaxation, wellbeing, and holistic care — qualities she continues to integrate into her physiotherapy support work.

​

Her career has also included roles supporting people with neurological conditions, volunteering with families and community groups, and working in care leadership. Across every role, Lynn has shown herself to be dependable, adaptable, and deeply committed to enhancing the wellbeing of those she works with.

​

We’re excited to have Lynn join our growing team — her combination of a caring nature, clinical experience, community focus, and holistic approach will be invaluable as we continue to support patients in clinic, in exercise classes and at home across the Borders in their homes.

We’re very pleased to welcome Lynn to HomePhysio By Nicola Ltd as a Technical Instructor Physioth... Read More

We are delighted to welcome Ruth to the HomePhysio By Nicola team. Ruth graduated from the Glasgow School of Massage in 2023 and has since developed advanced skills in deep tissue massage, oncology massage, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), scar therapy, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage, and relaxation massage. Her wide-ranging expertise means she can support clients with everything from easing muscle tension and improving mobility, to promoting healing, reducing swelling, and enhancing overall wellbeing.

​

Ruth’s career began in nursing, qualifying in 2007 and working in hospitals across the UK, from Shetland to Cornwall. She has extensive experience across medical and surgical settings, spending six years as a Cancer Nurse Specialist and more recently working as Charge Nurse in the Emergency Department at NHS Borders. This background has given her an in-depth understanding of the body, pain, and rehabilitation, alongside a compassionate approach to care.

​

Her move into massage therapy was driven by her desire to provide people with the time, attention, and personalised treatments that are often difficult to achieve in busy healthcare settings. Combining her clinical expertise with holistic techniques, Ruth is able to deliver safe, effective, and supportive therapies for people at all stages of life, including those living with cancer, recovering from surgery, or seeking relief from stress and tension.

​

Ruth is passionate about creating a calm, welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable and cared for. Every treatment is individually tailored, ensuring that whether the goal is pain relief, relaxation, recovery, or improved wellbeing, clients leave feeling better both physically and emotionally.

We are delighted to welcome Ruth to the HomePhysio By Nicola team. Ruth graduated from the Glasgo... Read More