
Who we are
The Practice was established by Sophie Dorkings and Samantha Firkin in June 2006. We both graduated with BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy from Hertfordshire University and St Georges Medical School, respectively.
Sophie and Sam are Chartered Physiotherapists and are members of the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Physiofirst (OCPPP) a specialist interest group for physiotherapists working in private practice. With over 20 years experience each they utilise their specialist skills to offer patients clinical excellence in all aspects of their assessment and treatment.
We are proud of our expanding team of expert Physiotherapists that has developed over the last 10 years allowing us to be able to offer more specialist services including children's Physiotherapy and Pilates alongside our established practice.
All our Physiotherapists are chartered, state registered and have attained senior or specialist Physiotherapist status in the NHS before deciding to work full time or part time in private practice
Find out more about the services we provide.
Our practice was founded to improve patient's experience of physiotherapy. For this reason we offer longer assessment and treatment times. We aim to see you within a week of contacting the Clinic, eliminating the frustration of long NHS waiting times; we always endeavour to reduce your waiting time as much as possible.
Our Mission statement
To provide a service of excellence using up to date evidence-based practice in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
To hold the care, comfort and satisfaction of all patients in the highest regard.
To provide a service which looks at health education and prevention of injuries and to ensure patients have the tools to remain fit and healthy in their everyday lives.
- First Class Physiotherapists
- Longer appointment times
- Modern purpose built clinic with step free access
- Registered with most private medical insurers
- Evening appointments available
Our Team


Sam Firkin
BSc(Hons) MCSP RHCPC AACP
Sam Firkin
BSc(Hons) MCSP RHCPC AACP
I qualified as a Physiotherapist from St Georges Medical School, University of London in 2001. I started my career at The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals before specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust where I worked in Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal outpatients, including Hydrotherapy before taking a job as Spinal Specialist Physiotherapist at Spire Southampton Hospital alongside starting up The Dorchester Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic with Sophie in 2006. While building up our Clinic I continued to work in further private settings for BUPA Havant and musculoskeletal Clinics in Banbury and Highclere, as well as providing Manual Handling training and Reablement training to healthcare assistants for Hampshire and Kent.
I pride myself in the high level of clinical excellence and care that Sophie and I provide at Dorchester Physiotherapy with the help of our wonderful team. My clinical interests remain in all areas of musculoskeletal assessment and treatment with a special interest in spinal pain, manual handling and Pilates and remain passionate about making sure that our patients feel listened to and cared for. I am married with a daughter, Jessica and my interests include watching sport, Zumba, walking the dog and spending time with friends and family.

Sophie Dorkings
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
Sophie Dorkings
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
I qualified as a physiotherapist from Hertfordshire University in 1999. I began my working career at The Princess Royal Hospital and Hurstwood Park Specialist Neurological Unit, where I undertook my basic grade rotations through all specialisms of Physiotherapy. Once I had decided to specialise in Musculoskeletal outpatients and Orthopaedics I moved to Southampton General Hospital, which allowed me to excel with the Hydrotherapy pools and work with a variety of excellent clinicians and Orthopaedic consultants, as well as the Rheumatology team. I was fortunate enough to also develop my skills with the specialist Osteoporosis and Haemophilia teams. I was able to lead the teams as manager of the department, which was a very challenging role, in which I learnt so very much about managing people as well as being able to progress my clinical skills.
At Southampton General Hospital I met Samantha Firkin, who fortunately has the same belief in the importance of Physiotherapy and how it should be provided to clients, and we set up our practice in 2006. Whilst building up our practice I also worked at a private clinic in Highclere, Newbury and Spire Hospital Southampton.
I am incredibly proud of our clinic and the excellent physiotherapy service we offer our clients - we strive to treat our clients holistically as people rather than one body part, ensuring personalised treatment plans to ensure the best support we can give. We have developed excellent links with the local Orthopaedic Consultants and GP's which help with collaborative working.
Outside of work, I have 2 wonderful children, Phoebe and Lenny, we love being outdoors exploring our wonderful coastline and countryside, baking and playing games. They keep me busy but I love being part of a local community choir and a small group of singers, I am blessed with a large extended family and wonderful friends who I am very close to, and see as much as I can. I also try to keep fit and enjoy watching rugby and cricket (when time allows).

Becky Russell
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
Becky Russell
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
I trained as a physiotherapist in Newcastle and have been qualified for 16 years. My working life has included working in Whistler, Canada for a ski season, followed by a variety of specialisms both hospital based and privately. I have focussed on musculo-skeletal physiotherapy for both adults and children, for the past 12 years and have a particular interest in spinal and lower limb injuries and rehabilitation
Outside of work I have a real love for the outdoors. My main hobbies include running, hiking, cycling, snowboarding, Zumba and water-sports. I am also a big music lover!
I feel very passionate about my role as a physiotherapist. I strongly believe that an active, healthy lifestyle is an essential component for optimal mental and physical wellbeing, and that having the opportunity to be an ambassador for this is a real privilege. My priorities lie in treating my patients with respect and friendly professionalism, as well as taking a personalised approach to ensure that my treatment and advice is meaningful to you as an individual.

Rianne Garth
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
Rianne Garth
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
I grew up in The Netherlands which is where I completed my Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy in 2011. After a few years of working in a private clinic in The Netherlands I moved to England in 2014. Since then, I have worked in various physiotherapy clinics near my home in South West London. In November 2023 my husband and I were blessed with a little girl and during my maternity leave we made the decision to move to Dorset. Something we always talked about and are absolutely loving it. I started working at The Dorchester Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic after having my first child and have been enjoying being back in clinic and helping people to feel better again. In my spare time I love baking, walks in the countryside with my family and the occasional short run.

Jade Lewendon
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
Jade Lewendon
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC
I graduated from the University of the West of England in 2012. I have worked in a variety of settings including NHS acute trusts, private clinic and for local sports teams.
I specialised in Musculoskeletal physiotherapy in 2016. I love treating acute sports injuries and lower limb rehabilitation.
I also have experience working with children and love the playful dynamic this brings to rehab.
I was introduced to physio myself at a young age when I hurt my knee as a child playing sport. Since then I knew it was the job for me! I enjoy working with people to achieve their goals.
I still enjoy sport and currently play netball and go out running to keep fit and well.

Rhian Holmes
BSc (hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, RHCPC

Claire Green
Claire Green
I began working at the clinic in September 2023 and I couldn't be happier. My role is so varied and I really enjoy working with such a friendly team. I am originally from Reading in Berkshire where I worked in Local Government as an Office Manager before becoming an Area Manager for Slimming World. My husband and I moved to Dorset after the pandemic. Following a part time role at Waitrose I met Sam and Sophie and the rest is history. Outside of work I enjoy cold water swimming, walking, campervanning and the occasional pub quiz.
Work Opportunities
We are looking for Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists, with at least 5 years experience, to join our busy, friendly private practice. Flexible hours, including afternoons and evenings, Full time & Part-time hours considered. Please make an enquiry by submitting your CV to info@dorchesterphysio.co.uk
Consultant Links
Mr Nick Savva
MBBS BMedSci(Hons), FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in Foot and Ankle surgery. - www.nicksavva.co.uk
Mr Iain Findlay
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in Knee and hip surgery - Mr Ian Findley Bupa
Mr Ben Lankester
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - Mr Ben Lankester Surgeon
Mr Colin Senior
BMBS, BMedSCi, MRCS, FRCS(TR&Orth)
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - Dorset shoulder surgery
Mr Emad Shenouda
MB ChB, MS, FRCS(Glasg), FRCS(Neuro Surgery)
Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon. - Mr Emad Shenouda
Susie Parnell
Podiatrist. - Overview - Miss S J Parnell MRCPod BSc(Hons) - NHS
To find out more about our services or to make an appointment, call us on 01305 250507 or email info@dorchesterphysio.co.uk