North East entrepreneur celebrates 20 years of success with physiotherapy business

A North Tyneside entrepreneur and former international athlete who launched a physiotherapy practice after moving from her native Switzerland is celebrating 20 years of success.

Angela Petrocchi opened Swissphysio in Tynemouth in 2003 after moving to the region when her husband, Andreas Werner, joined Newcastle University. Since then, the practice based at Tynemouth Metro station has grown and has treated thousands of people.

It now counts physiotherapists, an osteopath, sports therapist, massage therapists, an acupuncturist and psychotherapists as part of its team. The team recently celebrated Swissphysio’s 20th anniversary with a party for friends and clients.

Angela trained as a physiotherapist and specialised in Sport Physiotherapy and was team physiotherapist for a Swiss A division women’s athletic team. She was also an athlete and a member of the Swiss bobsleigh team in the Women’s World Championships.

She commented: “My husband was offered to start a research group at the Medical School at Newcastle University and we moved to the UK in 2000. It took some time to have my qualifications recognised in the UK and once everything was agreed, I worked for almost three years in a practice in Jesmond.

“In 2003 I decided to open my own physiotherapy practice and I’ve never looked back. The welcome we got from people in the North East was fantastic and the people are so supportive.

“Throughout the time I was waiting for my qualifications to be verified, they told me not to give up. I love living in the North East and it has been amazing to achieve 20 years in business. It has been fantastic to share this celebration with the team, friends and some of our clients.”

As well as the Swissphysio practice, Angela also looks after members of Whitley Bay’s Marden Volleyball Club and her business have sponsored the annual Tynemouth Beach Volleyball Tournament.

The practice also has extensive experience in rehabilitation for patients after surgery, treating back and neck problems, sports injuries, pregnant women as well as working with amputees and stroke patients. Angela is also passionate about dancing and teaches Argentine Tango classes in Whitley Bay and Tynemouth with Tango on Tyne.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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