TOM HEELEY

Tom completed his undergraduate degree in Sports Therapy at the University of Gloucestershire. Having spent time within professional rugby at Gloucester and touring international sides, Tom spent summers at Leeds Carnegie and Rhinos before spending a summer with Notts County FC (Division 1). Tom travelled the country and worked hard with the injured players in the gym supporting the team where he could.

Tom then went onto work for Function Jigsaw, overseeing the clinical day-to-day running, managing the British Ski and Snowboard medical budget and home rehabilitation plans. As a medical team this led to some huge reductions in ACL injuries and GB’s first two medals at Olympics in freestyle ski and snowboard.

Tom consulted and advised top quality motorsport athletes. This continued with other professional sports at Sheffield United FC, Derby County FC, Worcester Warriors RFU and Glasgow RFU.

Wanting to expand his knowledge, Tom completed the Sports Exercise and Medicine Masters at University of Nottingham, with completion in 2020.

This led to the start of Optimum Derby in 2021, where Tom offered a top service to the public and athletes of all abilities and ages. His vast experience across many sports allows him to provide the best service for any Optimum clients.

Along with his time at the clinic, Tom works for the FA at St Georges Park, Derby County FC and lectures to future Sports Therapy students at the University of Derby.

Tom enjoys all sports, skiing, triathlons and continues to play 5-a-side football with friends.

EMILY WHITELOCK

Emily is a qualified physiotherapist and completed a Pre-Registration MSc Physiotherapy degree at Manchester Metropolitan University following a BSC Honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Liverpool John Moores University. 

Since being qualified, she has primarily worked in the National Health Service (NHS), gaining a wide scope of skills and developing her knowledge in multiple areas of physiotherapy. This role specialised in children and young adults with a range of neurodisabilities and musculoskeletal issues.

Emily can treat a wide variety of ailments, ranging from:

• Ankle sprains

• Knee replacements

• Strokes

• Back pain

OUTSIDE OF OPTIMUM

She enjoys figuring out the pieces of the puzzle to help people get back to their desired achievements.

Emily comes from a  sporting background and competed in alpine skiing. She has a keen interest in road biking, mountain biking, going to the gym, gardening and being in the outdoors and loves travelling.