Centre history

The Physio Therapy Centre has been established in Haywards Heath for over ninety years.

The practice was started by Mr Leonard Howell who was blinded during the First World War. Following this tragedy, where he met his wife who was his nurse, Leonard decided to train to be a Masseuse. He studied this profession at St Dunstans, the training centre for the blind and graduated on 28th December 1917. This was in the days before the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Physio First were formed.

He became a very respected manual therapist in the surrounding area, travelling on a tandem to see patients in their homes. His wife sat on the front while he was on the back holding his little brown suitcase with the massage oils, and his white coat.

We are very fortunate to have physiotherapists specialising in manual therapy, pain control, exercise therapy and clinical pilates. We also have a podiatrist, an acupuncturist, a massage therapist and an Alexander Teacher; all of who are experts in their chosen fields and together are working within the centre and its other sites to make it the success it is today.

Please see the information on all the therapists who make up this centre of excellence.