Doncaster and the surrounding areas are quietly becoming hot spots for producing and developing some of the country’s biggest young talents, and so we are very proud to be involved in helping nurture one of Doncaster AC’s brightest athletics prospects, Bertie Houghton, providing him with free physiotherapy to support him in his quest towards competing on the world stage!

The 20-year-old Sheffield University undergraduate boasts some impressive PB’s and results across the board of running disciplines and terrains, from his 3:51.85 1500m best recorded earlier this summer, to his fell running and elite level steeplechase exploits, and a 15th place at this year’s national cross country championships.

Undeniably, these achievements have come about as a result of consistent training, a lot of hard work with his university coach, Jaimie Roden, and his Doncaster AC coach, Barry Barnes, but also because he has benefited from sponsorship by Blizard Physiotherapy’s team for a significant period of time, which entitles the Mechanical Engineering student to free treatment to both help prevent and, if necessary, treat, any niggles or injuries that may occur.

Bertie first came to our attention when Jenny spotted he was having some issues with his posture while running during a local session, and, alongside regular physiotherapy treatments, he is also now a regular at our functional movement classes.

The bright young talent explained how he first came into contact with our team:

“I have been aware of Blizard Physiotherapy for a long time, as a lot of the athletes at Doncaster AC use their services, and always say how good they are!

“Jenny suggested that I should come down to the clinic so she could help improve my posture, which was really nice, as it highlighted an issue that was holding me back in my running, and making me more prone to future injuries.”

Jenny was more than happy to help this prodigious young local talent:

She explained: “I have known Bertie for a few years having trained at the same track. When I first met him he was a promising athlete, but both myself and David both agreed that his posture could be improved. With Bertie being such a talented, appreciative, polite and level-headed young person, I just wanted to help, both in terms of his running potential, but also to prevent future problems as he matures.”

So how has the treatment helped correct Bertie’s postural problems?

This year’s top-ranked U23 1500m steeplechase athlete explained how:

“The postural correction has been going really well. When I first started going to the clinic I has very hunched over when running, which hindered my performance, and could have led to serious injuries further down the line.

“Since then I have been going to the clinic once a month for a check-up, where Jenny reviews my progress in the intervening period, and sets me some new exercises to do - this means that I am constantly progressing, and don’t get bored doing the same exercises for ages.

“I have been going to the clinic for close to a year now, and my posture has improved dramatically. Jenny also helps me with any niggles that I pick up so that I can keep injury free, which is a big bonus.”

Jenny gave more detail into how the treatment began, and how it has progressed, for Bertie:

“Firstly we worked on postural awareness, so I helped Bertie to understand where the imbalances came from and how to change his position of various joints in standing. He got a lot taller!
We then did some ‘hands on’ manual treatment to improve the individual mobility of his thoracic joints and rib cage, and gave him some exercises to help and maintain the mobility.

“We then set about looking at the muscle imbalances, and provided postural muscle strengthening exercises, mainly working on his gluteals and encouraging maintaining thoracic extension during exercises when he begins to tire.”

The England cross country runner, who placed 10th at this year’s Home Countries International, added that Blizard Physiotherapy’s functional movement classes have further aided his progress.

“They are great as they keep me on top of other aspects of strength and conditioning such as glute strength, core and stretching - these are things that can often get neglected, but having a class means that you always get it done.

“The classes are run in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, so you can have fun whilst doing the exercises!”

Jenny agreed that he approaches the classes with a very positive frame of mind!

“Bertie has joined the functional movement classes as they will help support his running, but it also allows me to monitor and provide instant feedback when he performs functional movements. It also means he has some fun too!”

The middle distance specialist, whose first big break came when he qualified for the English Schools track and field championships four years ago, is also an accomplished steeplechaser, claiming silver at this year’s British Universities championships, as well as representing GB juniors at the recent Loughborough international meeting. 

Bertie feels he is able to endure his tough training schedule - which includes 70 miles of running with two hard sessions a week in the winter - because his physiotherapy treatment has helped him to stay fit and healthy.
 
He added: “I feel I have benefitted greatly from the support that I have received from the Blizard team. It has allowed me to stay injury free, so that I can stay in top shape. It is great to be able to not worry about getting a niggle as the physiotherapists always sort it out!”

“I get some of the best physiotherapy services in the country without having to worry about the financial implications. This is something which I know that very few athletes receive in Britain, so I owe a great deal to Blizard Physiotherapy for it!”

Jenny is pleased with Bertie’s treatment, and added: “The final part of his program is to look at his breathing mechanics, he is a work in progress!”

The hard working student is now targeting qualification for next summer’s senior British championships, which doubles up as the Olympic trials. His long term goals revolve around becoming more established and competitive amongst the top of the country’s senior ranks, and, with some of his favourite sessions including a gruelling 12x400m off 60s recovery, it’s clear he has the grit and determination to make it, with the support of Blizard Physiotherapy!

Some of Bertie’s most impressive PB’s can be seen here, with his UK ranking and/or year achieved in brackets after his speedy times, happy reading!

1500m: 3:51.85 (54th U23 2015); Mile: 4:14.98 (2014) (29th in 2015); 3000m: 8:35.27 (57th);
1500m s/c: 4:22.66 (1st in UK!); 3000m s/c: 9:18.30; 5k road U20 14:59 (8th); 10k 33:34 (2014) (57th)

Well done Bertie, it is a pleasure working with you, and we look forward to seeing how you continue to fulfil your potential on the country this winter!