Living and Working in London as a Physiotherapist: My Two-Year Experience Abroad

From 2023 to 2025, I had the opportunity to live and work in London with my fiancée, Katelyn. What started as a professional move quickly became one of the most rewarding chapters of our lives - filled with career growth, cultural experiences, and weekend adventures across Europe.

London is a city like no other: fast-paced, diverse, and full of opportunity. Working there as a physiotherapist in the private community sector meant no two days were ever the same...

Working Privately in the London Community

During my two years in London, I worked for a private physiotherapy company that held contracts with Buckingham Palace, several international embassies, and even members of the royal family and their relatives.

It was surreal at times. Walking through grand entrances in Kensington, Mayfair, or Belgravia to treat Dames, Lords, Ladies, and Knights. My clientele ranged from top movie stars/directors and CEO’s of billion-dollar industries, to communities just like ours. But what struck me most wasn’t the prestige - it was the privilege of connecting with people from all walks of life, helping them move better and live without pain.

A Diverse Caseload

Every day brought something new.

My caseload spanned:

• Musculoskeletal injuries:
  
  • from back pain and joint issues to postural dysfunctions.
• Neurological rehabilitation:
  
  • supporting patients' post-stroke or living with Parkinson’s
• Geriatric physiotherapy:
  
  • helping older adults maintain independence and mobility.
• Sports and cardiovascular rehab:
  
  • guiding recovery and performance after injury or surgery

This variety kept me constantly learning and adapting. Every client had unique goals, lifestyles, and expectations; whether it was a CEO preparing for a marathon or an elderly patient wanting to climb stairs again.

Navigating the UK Healthcare System

One of the biggest challenges of working privately in London was navigating the healthcare system alongside the NHS.

The NHS is a markable institution, but it’s no secret that patients can face long waiting times, sometimes up to 12 weeks just to receive MRI reports. Many clients turned to private physiotherapy for faster access to assessment, imaging, and treatment.

As a physio, I often found myself guiding patients through both systems; advising when private care was appropriate, and when NHS involvement was still necessary. It taught me a lot about communication, ethics, and the delicate balance between accessibility and quality care.

Life Outside the Clinic: Exploring Europe

While London offered incredible professional opportunities, it was also the perfect base for travel and adventure. Every four weeks, Katelyn and I set off to explore somewhere new in Europe, and by the time our two years were up, we had visited 21 countries!

Some of the highlights included:

• Driving Iceland’s Ring Road:
  
  • circling glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes that felt otherworldly.
• Climbing the “Stairway to Heaven” Via Ferrata in Austria:
  
  • an adrenaline-filled ascent with unforgettable views.
• Completing the Alta Via 1 Hut-to-Hut Hike the Italian Dolomites:
  
  • a week of mountain trails, cozy alpine huts, and breathtaking scenery.

Those experiences reminded me how important it is to balance professional ambition with personal fullfillment. Travelling regularly gave me perspective, energy, and creativity, all of which translated back into my work.

Reflections on My Time in London

Living and working in London as a physiotherapist was more than just a career move, it was a life experience.

It challenged me professionally, exposed me to complex pathologies and elite clients, and taught me how to thrive in one of the world’s most fast-paced healthcare environments. Personally, it gave me memories that will last a lifetime - from treating royalty to hiking in the Dolomites and everything in between!

Two years, one incredible city, and countless lessons later - I look back on my time in London with deep gratitude, pride, and excitement for whatever comes next.