Gemma Armstrong

a bit (a lot) about me! I graduated from McTimoney Chiropractic College 2005, and have since worked in many different clinic settings in the UK, then settling in Bristol in 2007. I worked within The Berkeley Centre on Berkeley Square, Clifton, for a number of years , which was a busy multi disciplinary centre, working alongside, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Orthotists, massage therapists and personal trainers, amongst others. It was a brilliant place to work, there was always a colleague to refer patients to and vice verca. So if any of my patients were not responding the way we had hoped someone was on hand to take a referral, and equally I was there to take such referrals from other therapists. I have kept in close contact with my colleagues and feel very lucky to have them to refer to if the need arises.


Sports. I love most sports but my main team sport is hockey. I play for Firebrands Hockey Club, in Failand, Bristol. Some of you will remember me having to give up playing after a few hand fractures, but you only live once, so I have made my return to the field in recent years (that was rather a shock to the system) but I have been really enjoying it. I have worked at an international hockey tournament, treating athletes from many countries world wide which was brilliant fun.


I started running, something I never thought I would say or do. It is definitely a love hate relationship (mostly hate). I can at least empathise these days with patients who need to run for head space, distraction, fitness and fun. I have entered a 1/2 marathon next year so I will need all the tips I can get from any expert patients! I am starting my running career with an inflatable 5K this weekend! (June 2021).


I am really keen on animals and have 2 miniature Dachshunds, one of which, Otto, used to come into the clinic with me. He was a popular addition, but he did disgrace himself most days, being a bit too over enthusiastic with the licking of fingers, faces, feet, and other such embarrassing behaviour. He doesn't come to the clinic anymore because he stays at home with Olive, who is way too crazy to be in a closed space for more than 5 minutes. I also love horses, so I decided to train to treat animals in 2014, attending the International Academy of Veterinary Chiropractic and went on to give chiropractic treatment to horses and dogs. I am intending to get back to treating horses (and their riders), and dogs, so if anyone has a dog or horse in need, and is based in and around Bristol please ask.


I am just returning to work, after a much longer than planned break (due to Covid 19) to have my 2 children who are now 5 and 3. So I'm looking forward to seeing some old faces back in the clinic, and to meet some lovely new faces.