“I believe in treating patients the way I would like to be treated, with compassion and respect.”
Sam Bhide is an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (APP) with over 17 years of experience in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy. She qualified in 2006, earned a master’s degree in MSK Physiotherapy in 2010, and holds certifications as both an Injection Therapist and Independent Prescriber. Sam is the Founder and Clinical Director of Physiozen Ltd., where she leads with a holistic approach that integrates physiotherapy, Pilates, and digital health tools. Her patient care philosophy is rooted in empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
She serves on the executive committees of the Primary Care Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine Society (PCRMM) and the Advanced Practice Physiotherapy Network (APPN). Sam is also actively involved in national guideline development and currently contributes to a consensus committee for Polymyalgia Rheumatica. As an advocate for professional education, she frequently presents at healthcare conferences and leads clinical webinars. She is also a reviewer for the Rheumatology journal .
Sam’s expertise is backed by a robust academic foundation, including a Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Sheffield Hallam University (2010). Over the years, she has continually expanded her skills, becoming an independent prescriber in 2022, a diplomate member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (FSEM) in 2021, and a qualified injection therapist since 2016 and independent prescriber (2022). Her commitment to professional development is evident in her completion of various specialized courses, including spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and peripheral injections.
In her recent NHS role in Kingston and in primary care, Sam leads the management of complex MSK cases, including the administration of joint injections, prescribing medications, and ordering diagnostic investigations like X-rays and blood tests. Her role extends beyond clinical practice; she is deeply involved in quality improvement projects, such as reducing diagnostic delays in axial spondyloarthropathy as a NASS primary care champion. Sam also plays a significant role in educating the next generation of physiotherapists, serving as a Health Education England trainer and a guest lecturer at Coventry University.
Sam’s clinical expertise is complemented by her leadership at Physiozen Ltd., a holistic physiotherapy and wellness practice she founded. Physiozen is the realization of Sam’s long-held dream to create a service that integrates physiotherapy, Pilates, and wellness education under one roof. Here, she offers a comprehensive approach to patient care that addresses not just physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and environmental factors. Her practice reflects her philosophy that “If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.”
Throughout her career, Sam has been recognized for her contributions to the field. She has received several prestigious awards, including the CSP Volunteer of the Year commendation in 2023, the Silver Changemaker Award from NASS in 2023, the GHP Holistic Physiotherapist of the Year in 2022, and the SME Best Digital Physiotherapist Award in 2023. Most recently, she was named the Southwest Region Holistic Physiotherapist of the Year in 2024 and was a finalist in the UK Start Up Awards for the same year.
Beyond her clinical and leadership roles, Sam is an active contributor to public health education. She regularly presents at conferences, contributes to media campaigns, and has been featured in various publications including BMJ Careers, The Guardian, and The Telegraph. Her work emphasizes the importance of strength, balance, and overall wellness in daily life, and she continues to advocate for the benefits of physiotherapy through multiple platforms.
Currently, Sam is working on her forthcoming textbook, “MSK Essentials in Primary Care,” which is set to be published in 2025. This publication aims to serve as a vital resource for primary care professionals, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in the field of physiotherapy.
Outside of her professional life, Sam is passionate about dancing and is a qualified dance instructor. She dreams of opening a dance and Pilates studio to further promote health and wellness through movement. Balancing her NHS work, Physiozen, and family life, Sam finds joy in dancing with her little one and hiking in her spare time.
