MARK HEFFERNAN
BSc MCSP
Physiotherapy Services
​
Offering Physiotherapy at several locations in Kent and at your home
ABOUT ME
Mark HeffernanÂ
Chartered PhysiotherapistÂ
BSc MCSP
As a county level track athelete and hurdler in my youth I soon learned how important Physiotherapy was. For me now county level competitions are a thing of the past, but what I do know is that mere return to some range of movement post injury is not enough and not what you should ever settle for. I still train hard today myself and I know that if you've had an injury you will always want to get back to your pre-injury fitness. I have been a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist for 15 years now and a qualified Sports Masseur and Coach for 20 years. The first 5 years of my career were spent working in the NHS where I specialised in outpatients physiotherapy. As part of my rotations I also worked with the Elderly, Children, Intensive Care Units for both Adults and Premature Babies, Orthopaedics, Neurology and Hydrotherapy. For the last 10 years I have worked as the Kent Police physiotherapist where I treat everything from work related injuries and post surgery recovery to people taking part in marathons/Ironman triathlons.
​
I will carry out a full and thorough examination, give a diagnosis, explain the findings and discuss with you the treatment options. The intervention agreed upon is designed to get you back to full health/sport/work, in the shortest possible time. Future injury reduction advice will also be given.
​
In addition to my work with the force I run my own practice and home visit service. I first qualified as a sports massage therapist in 1997 and still combine my skills in this discipline with physiotherapy today to treat athletes of all abilities who wish to minimise the risk from hard sustained training.
​
I have worked closely with athletes of all ability, footballers, track athletes, triathletes and people who just want to exercise and keep fit. Notably I was the personal physio for Martin Brockman - International Commonwealth Decathlete and Ian John-Lewis - boxer and now world class boxing referee.
​
I also specialise in injury prevention and as such can present an injury reduction seminar for your staff who wish to minimise the potential of injury while in the workplace.
​
I work from various locations around Maidstone and Medway Towns, including Bob Prowse Gym Maidstone, The Sweatshop Maidstone, Cliffe Woods and I can also come to your house.
Services
I will draw on my 20 years of experience to use a range of the following treatments, that best suit your condition.
Sports & Remedial Massage
Massage is essential in aiding you to return to full health. Injury leads to a decrease in joint range, pain, dysfunction and muscle spasm. When the injury has healed, if the muscle spasm is not dealt with, imbalance occurs and compensatory patterns emerge leading to increased risk of further injury and more time away from training, work or hobbies.  Early intervention decreases the likelihood of the injury becoming chronic and more debilitating.
As a way of injury reduction, regular sports and remedial massage enables me to inform you of any muscular problems that may be developing.
Mobilisations
Muscles are used to faciliate the free movement of limbs around their joints.
Muscle tension can reduce a range of movement in a limb and lead to the joint not operating correctly which in turn can lead to wear and tear on a joint, particularly common place in the knee. In such cases, muscle tension should be addressed with the aim of mobilisation being to break up the adhesions in the muscle causing the joints to be pulled out of alignement thus reinstating a normal range of movement in the joint.
Manipulation & Traction
As a way of injury reduction, manipulation compliments regular sports and remedial massage and enables me to inform you of any muscular problems that may be developing. At this point changing training sessions or work postures may be all that is needed to prevent the injury from becoming chronic. Traction is used for low back problems such as herniated discs. A few sessions on this equipment, which is under your full control can be greatly beneficial in helping return the herniated disc to its pre-injury position.
Electrotherapy
Interferential therapy is effective in reducing swelling of an injured joint and decreasing pain. This is used along with remedial massage to maximise the effect of treatment.
Ultra sound can be effective in the treatment of ligament injuries and is also available.
Exercise and Stretching
A structured exercise and stretching program helps you to return to full activities and reduces the chance of injury recurrence. Good foundation exercises along with a stretching regime are required for you to continue in an upward trajectory with training and good health. I am a qualified football coach, personal trainer and sports masseur and have worked with World Class/Elite Athletes, as well as Park Runners and Sunday Footballers.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an ancient japanese technique, is great for relaxation and de-stressing. It can also be used to treat particularly stubborn spasmed musculature which may not be responding well to remedial/ sports massage.
TESTIMONIALS
Here are just some of the kind words I have received from my clients over the years
2 years ago I tore a disc in my back whilst digging the garden, in under 6 months Mark had me back to running, what's more he diagnosed my existing knee condition which enabled me to run my first marathon and now compete in triathlons, thanks Mark you really have changed my life.
James Evans
Martin Brockman - International Athlete
I have known Mark for several years and have been fortunate enough to have received physiotherapy treatment from Mark following major spinal surgery. Mark's ability to assess and treat my injury culminated in a significantly quicker recovery time and his natural ability to communicate the issue to me as a client was exceptionally professional.
Marc Cananur
I have been involved in sports at a high level and also used to be in a physically challenging role with demanding rigours on the body. Throughout my career I have picked up some serious injuries and some minor discomforting injuries. I have seen Mark for many years now no matter which injury has been aggravated. I have been highly impressed with his attention to detail and being able to pinpoint the affected areas and then delivering a course of treatment, getting back to work or making life a bit more comfortable with sleeping or general pain relief. He has a natural style to put the person at ease whilst working on the injury. The feedback from other people I have spoken to who have had treatment from Mark has also been excellent.
Balwinder Singh - Chair of the Gravesend Sikh Temple
We have known Mark for nearly 20 years, having a son with complex needs, Mark has been our person we turn to for therapy input, he is a very professional and compassionate physiotherapist, who has extensive knowledge and experience. Mark is very calm when he works with children and always wants the very best for them, he has a great sense of humour which our son particularly loves, he also interacts at the child's level and always manages to achieve the best from them and for them. We would highly recommend Mark to work with any child that needs physiotherapy.
Jon, Tasha, Aidan
I have known Mark for many years throughout my life as a runner. Over the years Mark has treated me, mended me, massaged me and motivated me whenever I have needed him. Recently whilst training for a marathon I experienced a few niggles which Mark managed to not only fix but also was flexible to see me whenever my schedule allowed. I thoroughly recommend Mark for both his treatments and pre/post race massages.
Jen
I've used Mark's physiotherapy skills for a number of years and for a number of different injuries and concerns. He's not only demonstrated skill and expertise in solving every problem I've presented him with but has been proactive with long-term suggestions to ensure that that the problem doesn't come back. When you turn fifty and still lead an active sporting life you need a top-class physiotherapist and Mark's the best I've ever used.
Darren
I started visiting Mark after a hamstring tear two years ago. The care and rehab advice I received was excellent and since then I always go to him for any concern or niggle that I have. I find that not only does he work wonders with keeping my body prepared for my training and competitions but he is also fantastic with my mental preparation and making me believe in myself. He bends over backwards to accommodate my needs fitting around training and work and his knowledge is endless. I would recommend Mark to anyone.
Jodie
I was literally bent over in half when I first saw mark , I was just about able to walk , after seeing him on many occasions and mark sticking by me throughout, I am able to this day live a fairly normal life with the odd pains here and their, one of the best physio’s around if not the best around
Thanks for everything you have done mate x
Charlie Ticehurst
I decided to use Mark’s services due to previous experience. The physio from start to finish in relation to a lower back injury led me to feel like a new man. It doesn’t stop on the treatment table and the ongoing exercise programme that Mark devised has helped me to remain injury free up until I recently injured my shoulder. Again when I returned to Mark he quickly identified a tear in my Labrum in the shoulder and referred me to a consultant as this may end in surgery. The years of experience Mark has is abundantly clear in his quick but informed diagnosis and this has again set me on a very quick road to recovery. I have no hesitation in recommending Mark.
Stefan Martin
Since a horse riding accident many years ago, I have had problems with my lower back. After seeing many therapists without success, it wasn't until I saw Mark a couple of years ago that I started to feel OK again and now enjoy an active lifestyle. Easily the best Physio in Kent in my opinion, and what's more, is that he is a genuinely nice person.
Arash Archer
Seen mark numerous times over the years from footballing injuries to work related aches and pains and he always gets the problem sorted for me. Top bloke and physio, very knowledgable
Darren Blackburn
Same here! A few years ago I wrenched my knee while moving an old fridge-freezer on my own. I ended up hobbling everywhere with a walking stick. I thought I'd never walk properly again! Mark sorted it in only three weeks and it's been fine ever since!
Linda Weeks
Really nice guy, helped my husband & I with our on going problems. Would highly recommend.
Angelika Taylor
Highly recommend Mark, he pin points the source of pain and puts you back together in one or two sessions. (Depending on condition of course!) Magic hands - a wealth of knowledge and experience!
Tracey Patterson
Great guy helped me with an unimaginable amount of problems! Highly recommend
Tom Sage
I have suffered from a shoulder problem following an altercation during kick boxing and Mark always puts me back on track. He knows exactly where to work and how to heal to alleviate the tension and tightness allowing me to carry on with my busy life. Highly recommended.
Luna Travers
This man has magic hands! He helped me after an awful back injury which plagued me for years and always manages to fit me in sometimes at last minute! I would recommend Mark to anybody. He has an extensive knowledge and is always welcoming and helpful!
Kaydie Winch
I’ve been a patient for many years with a variety of injuries, pulls and hurts. Mark got the measure of my training and lack of patience with any injury and gave me treatment and exercises plans to get me back to full fitness in record time. I’ve referred people to him over the years and can’t reccommended him enough.
Nicola Mitton
We can’t recommend Mark enough. He has been amazing keeping our members in one piece
Bob Prowse (Gym)
Mark is a fantastic physio and makes you feel at ease. Saw him with back pain, and he knew where the problem was immediately and tackled it straight away. He did acupuncture, physio and also advised me to do remedial pilates, which I've been doing ever since. No back pain. Thank you, Mark.
Suzi Mills
I cant recommend Mark enough. I went to Mark after a serious car crash which left me with a shattered knee cap. Mark helped me pass my fitness test at work within 2 months. He was a great support throughout and I continued with Mark to strengthen my muscles and I can now jog. The advice I have received has put me in good stead as I continue to strengthen my knee
Lee Sinden
Had a very bad back and could hardly walk or do anything. thought my working life was over but physio and acupuncture with Mark sorted it out now do lots of mountain biking and recently done a 50 mile charity bike ride can't thank him enough for fixing me
Graham Humphries
Big thank you to Mark Heffernan. I have suffered with knee, back and other sports related injuries over the years and been to many physio’s but Mark has worked wonders each time I have seen him. Always knows exactly what the issue is and works hard to get me back and active again. I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone that wants to sort out those aches and pains and get back on the road to normal again.
Mathew Hickmott
I highly recommend any treatment with Mark. He is an excellent physiotherapist and always seems to cure my pain
Emma Jansen
I had a knee injury from rugby two weeks before the Kent tournament and somehow Mark used his magic and had me playing I also broke my collarbone and helped me regain more movement much faster and it is now perfect I highly recommend him for anyone with any injury.
Tom Evans
I work in a high pressure, physical environment and unfortunately get injured regularly. Mark has pieced me back together more times than I can remember, everything from muscle damage in my shoulder to severe back ache. Everytime I've left a session with Mark, I've felt better immediately. He always provides a fantastic service and has such a vast array of knowledge that has helped me to minimise further injuries. Would highly recommend to anyone
Jay Mack
In April i tore my ankle ligaments playing football, 4 weeks before a cup final. Mark worked wonders and had me playing in the final! From being told i couldn’t play for 3 months to playing in a cup final in 4 weeks all because of the treatment Mark gave. Thank you!
Kyle Beal
.
Click here to leave me some feedback - Thanks
Whether you want some friendly advice, to ask about a condition or you would like to book in a treatment, give me a call I will be only too pleased to discuss your condition.