Andrew Balderston
MSc, HCPC, MCSP, AACP
Chief Operating Officer & Clinical Director, Atherapy
Chartered Physiotherapist, 20+ years in elite professional football, FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
Andrew Balderston is Chief Operating Officer and Clinical Director atAtherapy, a musculoskeletal and sports medicine physiotherapy group operating across London. With over 20 years of experience at the highest levels ofprofessional football, Andrew brings an elite sport methodology to clinicalpractice that is rare within private physiotherapy.
His career has taken him from the Manchester United Academy through senior leadership roles at Preston North End, Derby County, Nottingham Forest, and Hull City where he served as Director of Health and Performance. Throughout this time he has led integrated Medical,Sports Science, and Performance departments at Premier League and Championship level, working directly with Head Coaches, Sporting Directors, orthopaedic consultants, and senior club leaders
Andrew holds a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from the Victoria University of Manchester, a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (MCSP). He is also a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Clinical Expertise
Andrew's clinical work is defined by the integration of evidence-based rehabilitation with the practical demands of elite sport. His specialist areas include:
- ACL rehabilitation and return-to-performance, from prehabilitation through to full return to sport
- Lower limb injury rehabilitation and post-operativerecovery
- Return-to-running and return-to-sport progressionframeworks
- Force plate testing and objective strength assessment
- Performance physiotherapy for active individuals andathletes
- Injury prevention frameworks and movement screening
- Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme design
His approach to ACL rehabilitation draws directly on frameworks developed and refined across 20 years of managing ACL injuries in professional football — from initial prehabilitation through post-operative recovery, return-to-running, strength testing, and return to full competition.
Career History
- Chief Operating Officer & Clinical Director, Atherapy (January 2026 — present)
- Director of Health & Performance, Hull City FC (August 2024 — December 2025)
- Head of Medical Services & Performance, Hull City FC (August 2018 — August 2024)
- Head Physiotherapist, Sports Medicine & Science Manager, Nottingham Forest FC (January 2009 — May 2018)
- Head Physiotherapist & Head of Medical Services, Derby County FC (August 2006 — November 2007)
- Head Physiotherapist & Head of Medical Services, Preston North End FC (September 2002 — August 2006)
- Head Physiotherapist & Head of Medical Services, Macclesfield Town FC (July 2001 — September 2002)
- U19 & Academy Physiotherapist (Part Time), Manchester United FC (September 1999 — June 2001)
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
- MSc Physiotherapy — Victoria University of Manchester (1994–1998)
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy — Victoria University of Manchester (1991–1994)
- FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine (April 2020)
- HCPC Registered — Health and Care Professions Council (#PH47734)
- MCSP — Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (#54163)
- AACP — Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
- NSCA — National Strength and Conditioning Association
- FA National Physiotherapy Advisory Group (2012–2014)
Our Services
Where clinical excellence meets bespoke care
Testimonial
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by those who demand the highest standards. Discover how we’ve elevated the lives of our clients.
If I could give 10 stars to Denzil I would
"Not only he is a great physiotherapist in terms of exercises and plans, but his humanity and deep understanding of the psychological burden carried by people with chronic pain is unparallel. I have never come across anyone with such empathy and patience to make me overcome my fears, and I have been dealing with pain for 15 years and saw any possible doctor out there in multiple countries. He helped me immensely during a period of great pain and stress and I would not be where I am now if it wasn't for his help and support."
Results Beyond My Expectations!
"I contacted Atherapy with a long term shoulder problem, which had became much worse with recent Injury. They wasted no time assessing the issue, sending me for a scan and then recommending a superb surgeon. The estimated recovery timeline was reduced with the energetic and comitted approach from James. I would highly recommend Atherapy, I would certainly return for future support.!"
Transformed My Life Completely!
"I’ve been going to Atherapy for the past 6 months now for both an AC joint shoulder and Achilles tendon injury. I honestly could not recommend a better physio. We sat down day 1 and set out my goals and put a plan in place and got back to full fitness ahead of schedule. I’ve seen multiple physios over the past 3 years for chronic shoulder pain and he was the only person to fully address the source of the problem rather than just alleviate the pain. 10/10."
Using Game Ready in the first few weeks after my ACL reconstruction made a noticeable difference in managing swelling and keeping the knee comfortable
“It helped me stay consistent with my early rehab exercises, particularly in that first month when the knee is most reactive. It became part of my daily routine alongside physio, rather than a standalone treatment.”
Excellent experience! I had really bad back pains.
"The pains were so bad that I could not sleep well and live well in general. However, the treatments I received at Atherapy and the exercises were super helpful. Now after just 2 months of treatments I am happy without bad back pains. Thank you!"
My quality of life today is 10x what it was
"Over 10 years and three ankle surgeries, I struggled with worsening pain—from my ankle up through my hips, shoulders, and neck—plus digestive issues that stumped doctors and PTs. Nothing worked until I met Dave. His deep expertise and relentless work ethic stood out immediately. He pinpointed weaknesses, built a tailored program, and adapted it as I improved. What truly set him apart was his unwavering belief in the process, which kept me going through setbacks. My quality of life is now 10x better. Thank you, Dave—I’m incredibly grateful."
After I injured my knee, I saw different physiotherapists with no luck… until I went to Atherapy
"They were fantastic! They found out what my issue was and provided me with some excellent exercises. After just two sessions, I felt a huge difference! I can highly recommend them as they gave me lots of support. You will be in good hands and Atherapy will help you get back on track!"
