Jen Lavelle PT, BSc.

Jen qualified from the University of Salford in 2012 with first class honors. During her studies she worked with Elsevier Publishers on developing an interactive Anatomy app, as well as being featured in a chapter of Tidy’s Physiotherapy on muscle imbalance. She is currently completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Advancing Physiotherapy accredited by Keele University. As a teenager, Jen trampolined at a national level and then went on to coach athletes of varying abilities, including those with special needs. As the third most dangerous sport in the UK, she saw many accidents and subsequent rehabilitation efforts. This, alongside the strength and conditioning aspect of her training, fuelled her interest in Physiotherapy as a profession. As a competitive athlete, weekly conditioning sessions developed a passion for clinical Pilates, Iyenga yoga, and tai chi that has inspired her interest in neuromusculoskeletal healthcare.

Jen has over three years experience as a senior clinician in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. She has worked at the senior level, in both acute and community services. She also has extensive knowledge in musculoskeletal and orthopedic services, medical respiratory teams, and in neurological rehabilitation (including complex forensic presentations). Jen also has a wide-range of experience in rehabilitation for cardiovascular specialties including post-surgical, amputees, and stoke. She worked with the NHS Advancing Quality Alliance Frailty Research and Development Group in 2014. Jen is competent in acute and community respiratory therapy, including management of non-invasive ventilation and tracheotomy care.

Due to her local connections to Cayman, Jen couldn’t help but take the opportunity to escape the UK weather to work under sunnier skies. She has a keen interest in scuba diving, paddle boarding, and swimming which makes her perfectly suited for a tropical climate. Jen couldn’t relocate without bringing her beloved Land Rover Defender, and is often found enjoying leisurely drives out to East End on her days off.

Education and Training

• BSc. Physiotherapy, University of Salford
• MSc. module Applied Clinical Anatomy (Keele University) – study into anatomical variation of the thoracic outlet
• MSc. module Physiology of Neuromusculoskeletal Tissues (Keele University) – study into cellular mechanisms of exercise induced changes in arthritic joints
• MSc. module Research Methods in Health (Keele University)
• MSc. module Evidence Based Practice (Keele University) – ongoing
• CPD Course: Concepts in Neurological Rehabilitation (Keele University)
• CPD Course: Management of Spasticity (University of East Anglia)
• CPD Course: Advanced Therapeutic Management of Respiratory Disorders (Keele University)
• CPD Course: Motor Control Retraining: Kinetic Control Theory (Keele University)
• CPD Course: Sports Taping (University of Salford)
• Advanced (Level II) Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation (Allan Sealy – Health Education Seminars)
• AACP Foundation Course in Western Medical Acupuncture

Areas of Focus

• Hypermobility and joint instability (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, hereditable connective tissue disease, generalized hypermobility, recurrent dislocation/subluxation)
• Older Peoples Rehabilitation (Frailty, metabolic disorders, Parkinson’s disease, palliative care)
• Chronic pain and fatigue syndromes (ME, CFS, RSD/CRPS, FM, post-viral syndromes)
• Cardiovascular rehabilitation (post-event, post-surgical, heart failure, valvular disease)
• Pulmonary rehabilitation (pulmonary fibrosis, restrictive lung pathologies including rheumatology)
• Vestibular rehabilitation (BPPV, Meniere’s, labrynthitis, falls and balance problems)
• Neurological rehabilitation (Stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebella Ataxia, Neuromuscular disorders, Acquired Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy – all including challenging behaviors)
• Rheumatology and orthopedics (arthritis, post-trauma, elective orthopedic surgery)
• Complex Respiratory Therapy (management of breathlessness, motor neurons disease, neurologically compromised airways, tracheostomy care and non-invasive ventilation)
• Hydrotherapy and clinical Pilates

Professional Memberships

• Member of the Council of Professions Allied with Medicine (CPAM)
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• Member of the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
• Member of the British Thoracic Society (BTS)
• Member of the British Neuroscience Association (BNA)
• AGILE Special Interest Group (Chartered Physiotherapists Working with Older People)
• Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP)

Morgan's Bio Coming Soon!

Roma Oleksyn PT, BKin, BScPT

Roma graduated from the University of Saskatchewan where she obtained degrees in Education, Kinesiology and Physiotherapy. Her work as a Physiotherapist has been diverse incorporating both the public and private sectors.

During Roma’s 15 year career, she has gained extensive experience treating trauma-induced sports injuries, repetitive strains, motor vehicle accidents, work-related injuries and in post-surgical rehabilitation. Her passion for treating sports related injuries enticed her to move from Canada to Grand Cayman to work with the team at A Step Ahead Physiotherapy.

Roma’s patients appreciate her thorough and personable care. Her approach to rehabilitation is to educate patients about their injuries, advise them on what they can do to facilitate their healing and apply the optimal Physiotherapy treatment. In an effort to continuously expand her skill set as a Physiotherapist, Roma pursues courses in manual therapy, prevention of running injuries and spinal stabilization. This past year saw her become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Gunn IMS practitioner. She is excited to provide both of these specialized treatments for patients in the Cayman Islands.

Roma’s passion for treating sports injuries stems from her own experience as an athlete. While at the University of Saskatchewan, she was a member of the Huskie Track & Field Team and competed nationally and internationally in the Heptathlon. While competing at an elite level, she gained an appreciation for the positive influence that Physiotherapy had on healing injuries and optimizing athletic performance.

Since hanging up her track spikes, she found a new passion in the sport of rowing and competed for the Calgary Rowing Club for seven seasons. Moving to the island has given Roma the opportunity to explore a variety of new activities. From paddle boarding to yoga on the beach - she is enjoying all the fun that island life has to offer.

Roma identifies with patient’s athletic goals and understands what motivates them. She is committed to providing Physiotherapy treatments that help her patients get back in the game!

Continuing Education

• UBC Gunn IMS Course www.ubcgunnims.com
• Academy of Lymphatic Studies: Complete Lymphedema Certification Course www.acols.com
• Mastering the Shoulder: Level 1 Essential Orthopaedics Course
• APTEI: The Shoulder Complex Part I & II
• Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute: AA1 & AA2 Courses
• New Trends in the Prevention of Running Injuries Course
• New Advances in Hip Rehabilitation Course
• Building the Ultimate Back: From Rehabilitation to Performance
• Level 1 of The Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy

Professional Memberships

• Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Orthopaedic & Acupuncture Division Member
• Acupuncture Canada Member
• The Running Clinic - Specialist