Owen Gustafson

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Meet Owen

Owen is a highly experienced clinical physiotherapist with over two decades of expertise supporting people with complex and multi‑system health needs. He specialises in helping clients recover after illness or surgery, manage multiple long‑term conditions, and adapt to age‑related changes that affect strength, balance and confidence. He also has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal conditions, including persistent pain, joint problems and mobility‑limiting injuries.

Much of Owen’s career has been spent working with individuals whose rehabilitation needs are not straightforward — people managing several conditions at once, recovering from prolonged hospital stays, or experiencing ongoing weakness, reduced independence or musculoskeletal limitations. He is known for his calm, thoughtful approach and his ability to design rehabilitation programmes that are both effective and achievable in everyday life.

Alongside his clinical practice, Owen completed a PhD focused on rehabilitation and recovery, and has held senior NHS roles leading physiotherapy services in critical care. This combination of hands‑on expertise and advanced academic training gives him a deep understanding of how illness, injury and age‑related changes affect the body over time.

Clients value Owen’s clear explanations, warm manner and whole‑person approach. Whether improving mobility and balance, addressing musculoskeletal pain, rebuilding strength or supporting recovery at home, he works closely with each individual to help them regain confidence and independence.

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“Suffering a stroke during Covid 2020 and unable to obtain NHS physiotherapy, Ellen was contacted. Immediately, she had me on my feet to stand and start walking with assistance. Various exercises to increase mobility were explained and implemented at the various stages with reasons given. She was patient and understanding as I progressed at all times. I recommend her services without hesitation as an experienced physiotherapist”
“Ellen’s approach to physiotherapy is gentle but persuasive. Together with her explanation of the muscle groups affected and helped with each exercise, it leads to a highly effective treatment. I am grateful to Ellen for guiding me towards a near normal life following knee replacement. Ellen is to be highly recommended”
“Ellen is a really competent and friendly Pilates teacher. She takes great care to ensure individuals only do what they are capable of due to any physical limitations. I really enjoy the class”
“Ellen is a great teacher ”
“I find the sessions very beneficial. I’m not very disciplined at doing the sessions on my own. Having a pre-booked session means that I will join in with them. I appreciate the way Ellen is able to adjust the exercises for each individual”
“I have suffered problems with my lower back for many years. Since taking up pilates with Ellen my back has noticeably improved. The sessions are enjoyable and her choice of exercises, informed I’m sure by her practical experience as a physiotherapist, are deployed flexibly to meet the wide ranging needs of all who come to them. These Pilates sessions have now become a regular part of my weekly exercise routine”
“I really enjoy the Pilates classes. They help with bladder control and core strength, which is great for sport and general exercise. I am trimmer and more supple for attending classes”
"We would have no hesitation to recommend Ellen””
"Ellen has been working with my Dad for over 6 years. Dad is approaching his 86th birthday and with Ellen's support and encouragement he is still living well and independently despite having had a serious stroke over 18 years ago, which affected his walking. More recently, Dad has developed Alzheimer's but Ellen skills and patience means that he still responds well to her visits and sessions with him. She covers balance, posture and just keeps him moving. This really is no mean feat as Dad needs to be encouraged to do anything active. So much so that these days he now has the habit that he must use the stairs as it's good for him as Ellen said so. For myself and my sisters, it's a great re-assurance to have someone of Ellen's clinical expertise and professionalism work with Dad and she gives us regular updates of how he is doing"
"I am a 77 year old male who suffered a stroke 4 years ago. This resulted in the loss of any useful movement on my left side. I became wheelchair bound and was struggling to maintain any physical strength. Prior to my stroke I was physically fit and a regular gym user. After my stroke I had some physiotherapy but needed additional and appropriate help to assist me with my rehabilitation at home. Finding this help was proving difficult until a friend recommended Ellen, that’s when everything changed. On her first visit Ellen spent time talking to me about my physical ability and limitations and what I wanted to achieve. She assessed my movement, balance and general strengths with the aim of stabilising the movement I have prior to developing exercises designed to improve my overall physical condition. During further visits Ellen developed an exercise program which is tailored to my needs. She took time to explain the aim and functionality of each exercise before working on them with me. She did this until we were both confident that I could execute the programs safely in her absence whilst gaining the optimum benefit."
"I would summarise Ellen’s approach and style as calm, empathetic, thoughtful and very reassuring, a style I have found very motivating. It has also made me confident and optimistic that, if opportunities exist for my physical improvement, with Ellen’s invaluable help, we will we will find and exploit them. Ellen not only brings vast knowledge and experience as a physiotherapist, she is also a very caring human being. She has helped me make significant changes both physically and mentally. I am more determined and confident that I can not only maintain my current level of physical strength and movement but improve on it. Ellen is not only a great motivator she takes time to listen to my concerns and explain the physical benefits of each exercise which, in turn, reassures me that nothing is in vain. Ellen always looks for way to encourage me, especially when I begin to feel frustrated. Her reassuring and positive approach are just what was needed and I consider myself fortunate in having Ellen to encourage and support me. I would not hesitate to recommend Ellen to anyone who finds themselves in need of a personal physiotherapist."
"Luke was extremely professional in his assessment of my hip and gave me a comprehensive set of exercises. A few months later, I am delighted to say that my hip pain has gone and I have much more flexibility in my hip again."
"I have a rare muscular disease which is progressive and disabling. After returning to the UK , Ellen became my physio. Ellen got the right balance of being empathetic but also challenging in the programmes she devised for me. The physio exercises were varied. We worked at our own pace. She understood my limitations and risk aversion. In the beginning Ellen assessed the extent of my disability and monitored my progress. Ellen was a pleasure to engage with always supportive and I enjoyed our conversations while exercising. I cannot recommend a more professional and kind physio."
“Oxhab are very skilled and knowledgeable. Their neuro physiotherapy to help with my multiple sclerosis mobility issues has been greatly helpful in stabilising my condition and general strength. I thoroughly recommend them."
"I started physio with Ellen after suffering a stroke. I found the exercises we did together really helpful and I much appreciated the fact that Ellen gave me print-outs of the exercises for me to practise them at home. She took the time to really asses my needs and we started first to focus on my right hand which was left very weak after the stroke. We then began to work on my posture which was also affected by the stroke. I now have much better control in the areas which were affected and I am very grateful for all the help and advice Ellen gave me. I am particularly grateful that we did some work in the pool which gave me the confidence to resume my aqua-fit classes which I now attend three times a week. I still have some weakness in my right hand but the exercises which Ellen gave me really help."
"Very effective analysis of my knee problems. Excellent advice on walking and exercises to improve condition. Good contacts at the local Private Hospital for further assessment and review. Pleasant and assured attitude thought the weeks of support."
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We offer community based rehab in Oxfordshire and surrounding areas. We come to you in your home, residential home or community settings such as gyms and pools.

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