About Us
The way we sleep, stand, sit, work, walk and exercise has an effect on our bodies that can sometimes manifest itself as pain or discomfort. Our aim here at The Pressure Point is to provide the highest standard of service that meets each client’s individual needs, whether your condition is due to your posture, a car accident, through sport, work or hobbies.

Dr Jo Ann
BSc (hons), MSc Physiotherapist & Sports Therapist
The Pressure Point was founded by Head Therapist Jo Ann in 2014. We offer professional physiotherapy and sports therapy treatment and assessment in County Durham and Tyne and Wear.
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Qualifying with a first in BSc hons from York St John University and a distinction in MSc Sports Therapy and MSc Physiotherapy from Teesside University. Jo has previously worked at several private physiotherapy clinics around County Durham and North Yorkshire. Jo also has extensive experience in amateur and professional sports clubs in the North East, including working as a soft tissue therapist for Newcastle Falcons and ARLFC and sport therapist for Darlington FC during the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons and Ryhope Colliery Welfare FC 2015/16, 2016/17. Jo has currently worked with a number of clubs including Middlesbrough FC Academy and as a Paediatric Physiotherapist in the NHS as well as building and working for The Pressure Point. In 2024 Jo completed her PhD at Durham University looking at the embodied experiences of menopausal women during physical activity. Jo works part-time at Sunderland University teaching on the Sport and Rehabilitation Therapy Degree.
Jo is a keen runner and has took an invested interest in running biomechanics and gait analysis which is a popular 'go too' for most runners to find out how to be more efficient when they are running to improve performance and prevent injury.
The goal has always been the formation of The Pressure Point but as well as running and treating individuals Jo has a particular interest in sporting injuries and the influence of menstrual cycle and menopause on injuries.
All of our specialists at The Pressure Point are members of the Society of Sports Therapists and HCPC. We strive to exceed all of the standards set by the Society and are proud to comply with method of operation practices of continued professional development. We keep abreast of new techniques, practices and future developments of sports and injury management.
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A little bit about Jo Ann:
Favourites Place: Vancouver & San Diego.
Restaurant: The Raby Hunt.
Food: Italian/Mexican.
City: Rome.
TV show: Coronation street.
Film: Topgun
Singer/Group: Ed Sheeran
Book: This is going to hurt.
Hobbies: Running, Swimming, Yoga, Pilates, Being outdoors!

Claudia
MSc Sports Therapist
Claudia has a background in sport and exercise science graduating with a first (BSc Hons) from Liverpool John Moores University. Interests developed within musculoskeletal, injuries and injury rehabilitation on this course, before qualifying in 2016 as a sports therapist (MSc) from Teesside University.
Throughout further study, training, through placements and working in sport, Claudia has gained experience in a clinical setting assessing, providing treatments and rehabilitation to a wide variety of soft tissue injuries. Claudia has a keen interest in strength and conditioning and in treating shoulder injuries and lower limb in particular. Using previous experience, Claudia aims to help others overcome and prevent injuries, helping people get back to performance levels they desire and an over all improved well-being.
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A little bit about Claudia:
Favourites
Place: South of France
Restaurant: Flat White Kitchen
Food:Burgers
City: New York
TV show: Friends
Film: Mona Lisa Smile
Singer/Group:Jhene Aiko
Hobbies: Exercising, walking, socialising with friends, always out for coffee!
Phoebe
BSc Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation (Hons)
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Phoebe grew up very active and subsequently injured which led her to being fascinated with the human body and preventing further injuries. Phoebe qualified from Teesside University in 2023 with a degree in Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation. Through a variety of placements, she developed her assessment, triage and treatment skills. Phoebe's main focus is helping provide you with the tools to manage and prevent further injuries.
A little bit about Phoebe:
Favourites
Place: Kefalonia
Restaurant: Umi Japanese
Food: Thai
City: Budapest
TV show: Greys Anatomy
Film: Mamma Mia
Singer/Group: The Killers
Book: Beyond Possible
Hobbies: Running and Skiing

Elizabeth
BSc Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation (Hons)
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Elizabeth grew up very much involved in sport and exercise which is where she developed a passion for studying injury and illness’ affecting the human body. Working as a ski instructor in Austria, Elizabeth also has experience as a Sports Therapist working in both Rugby and Football as well as private physiotherapy clinics. Qualifying in 2023 with a first in BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation from Teesside University, Elizabeth has since gone on to further develop her knowledge by studying MSc Physiotherapy also at Teesside University.
A little bit about Liz:
Favourite
Place: Austria
Restaurant: Portofinos
Food: Chinese
City: Venice
TV show: Friends
Film: Bridget Jones
Singer: Ziggy Alberts
Book: The Book Thief
Hobbies: Skiing, Going for coffee


