After completing a level three diploma in sports massage, I started working with the Newcastle
Eagles basketball team in 2017. Whilst continuing my sports massage work, I expanded into pitch
side first aid to provide cover for both the BBL and EABL teams, as well as additional sport science
work. This cover now includes travelling to international games for the Eagles European
completions.
In my first year at Eagles I saw a significant number of injuries, and started to take an interested in
injury prevention work. During my degree I received a research grant from Newcastle University to
further study the most effective ankle injury prevention methods. Linked with this, I travelled to
Italy to study with Dr Dario Riva (founder of Delos which has the highest published rates of ankle
injury prevention in basketball) in his proprioception centre.
After graduating from Newcastle University with a 1st class honours BSc degree in Sport and Exercise
Science, I continued my training with Dr Riva and started working in Delos in 2020. I set up the clinic
DISK Sport Science to deliver injury prevention, injury rehabilitation and performance enhancement
with Delos, bringing the first Delos system to the UK. For injury prevention a six-year study with a
1st league team in the Italian Basketball Federation proved the effectiveness of this training
technique. Findings included decreases in ankle sprains of 81%, knee sprains by 64.5% and low back
pain by 77.8% compared with a baseline of the previous best proprioceptive training, as well as
providing injury rehab work and performance enhancement effects. I also offer sports massage
work through the clinic.
Most recently I have completed the Pnoé certification course for metabolic fitness testing, and will
be working along side other practitioners from Sound Mind and Body to deliver this testing.
When Katie first introduced me to Delos, I was new to the forward thinking tool. After suffering a major sprain to my right ankle in 2020 and my left in 2011 I never regained my range of motion in either. After hearing Katie’s passion and knowledge about Delos, I was curious to see if this could improve the proprioception in my ankles. After a 6 week program, I not only regained my flexibility in my ankles, but I even strengthened other issues in my feet! Best decision I made in my career was to follow Katie’s lead and expertise. She will not steer you wrong.
Drew Lasker, Newcastle Eagles Guard
“
The work I've been fortunate to do with Katie has been highly beneficial for my professional career. Working on the Delos is a very special opportunity as it is a very high level machine that challenges you both mentally and physically. I've seen and felt the benefits in my body through my balance, stability and overall physical health throughout the season. The massage therapy has also been extremely effective for my general recovery and having the opportunity to work out some of the bumps and bruises of a long season. I'm very thankful for the work that Katie has done and the resources she's provided in order for me to be able to take care of my body at a professional and high level.
Evan Maxwell, Newcastle Eagles Centre
“
Training on the Delos with Katie has helped me strengthen my ankles, improve my overall balance and alignment, as well as alleviating pain from a previous ankle injury. This is a one of a kind program and I recommend it for any athlete!
Justin Gordan, Newcastle Eagles Forward
“
Katie introducing the Delos programme to the team has taken our S&C provisions to the next level. A clear reduction in lower limb issues for us this season and the players have been enthusiastic about using the technology. I would highly recommend to those who are genuine performance athletes looking to gain an edge over the competition.
