Meet The Team

Xavier RajarathnamMPT, MCSP

Principal Physiotherapist

Xavier is the co-founder of Xcel Health and specialised in Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, and Musculoskeletal Medicine for the past 23 years, he has gained a Diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine, Injection Therapy, and Advanced Physiotherapy Practice from the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine, Liverpool. He also gained his postgraduate degree in independent Non-Medical Prescribing from Greenwich University.

He has a special interest in shoulder injury rehabilitation, spinal mobilisation and managing running injuries. He is trained to Master’s level and able to blend together an array of clinical expertise including manipulation, acupuncture, soft tissue mobilisation and sports rehabilitation with advanced techniques such as injection therapy and independent medicine prescribing. Xavier had a successful career within the NHS where he was an advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner for 10 years, before deciding to branch out on his own.

Xavier is a member of Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSEM), Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy (ACPOMIT) and the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP).

Xavier mentors all our physiotherapists and ensures their continued training as well as providing training course for GPs and other healthcare professionals.

Xavier is father to 2 children and in his free time, enjoys weight training, cycling and badminton. Xavier is based at our Xcel Health Sittingbourne & Maidstone practices.

Kavitha PunniyakottiMSc, MPT, MCSP

Specialist Children Physiotherapist and Non-Medical Independent Prescriber

Kavi is co-founder of Xcel Health and has been working as a specialist paediatric physiotherapist for the past 20 years. She is a Bobath trained physiotherapist, and her treatment is primarily based on this method.

She is also trained in both paediatric neurology and paediatric musculoskeletal conditions and uses Bailey’s assessment and GMFM as a standardised assessment for children. Kavi has been highly trained in gait analysis, which gives her the knowledge she needs when prescribing orthoses for children.

Kavi is a prescribing physiotherapist and gained a Postgraduate Certificate from Greenwich University in 2017.

Kavi is mum to 2 children which keeps her really busy and in her free time, she enjoys baking cakes and cookies. Kavi is based at our Xcel Health Maidstone & Sevenoaks practices.

Chris Williams

Consultant Physiotherapist

Chris graduated from the University of Brighton with a BSc in physiotherapy and completed his MSc in sports biomechanics at Roehampton University. He has subsequently trained as a musculoskeletal sonographer, injection therapist, and independent prescriber. He has worked in professional sports and private and NHS musculoskeletal settings.

He currently works as a clinical lead in Orthopaedic Triage and completes rheumatology and musculoskeletal radiology clinics. He specialises in Joint steroid and Hyaluronic acid injection therapy with Ultrasound Guidance.

He enjoys outdoor activities with his children and family in his spare time. Chris also spends considerable time in the Gym. Chris mainly works at our Maidstone and Orpington branches.

Katrina Shaw

MSK Physiotherapist

The human body and movement have always fascinated Katrina, completing a Sport Science degree, qualifying as a Personal Trainer, and working as a Physiotherapy Assistant before graduating as a Physiotherapist in 2009.

Working with clients from all walks of life, from international level athletes across multiple sports, to end of life cancer patients, she has worked all over the world, travelling with the Great Britain American Football team across Europe, working in the Peter MacCallum Cancer Hospital in Melbourne, and 2 large private practices in New Zealand and Australia.

She has experience in a multitude of acute and chronic injuries but her special interests are jaw pain/clicking (Temporomandibular Dysfunction, or TMD) and headaches/migraines.

She enjoys using a variety of hands-on treatment techniques including massage, manual therapy and dry needling to compliment exercises and movement and lifestyle changes to optimise her client’s function and well-being. Katrina is based at our Xcel Health Orpington practice.

Simran KotawalaBPT, MSc, MCSP

Chartered Physiotherapist

Simran has completed her MSc in Sports Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire, with more than 4 years of clinical experience, and specialized in Sports and MSK conditions.

Special interest in Manual therapy and dry needling.Aiming to further enhance her knowledge about recent advances and her skills in order to maximise the impact in her practice.

The greatest method to create a balance between leading a healthy life and having peace of mind is through exercise, and training in any form should be strongly encouraged.

She enjoys hiking, dancing, adventure sports, and exploring new places. Simran is based at our Xcel Health Bexley practice.

Rob James

MSK Physiotherapist

Robert studied a pre-registration MSc in Physiotherapy at King’s College London, and previously worked as a Sport Scientist at both Chelsea and Fulham Football Clubs following his undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science. He has also worked with elite athletes and triathletes in Canada conducting V02 Max and blood lactate testing so has good knowledge of exercise physiology and conditioning.

Robert is kind, caring, empathetic, supportive and holistic and wants to understand how your musculoskeletal complaint is impacting your life and hobbies as well as understanding your ideas, concerns and expectations about how the problem is to be managed. With this information he works alongside you to set appropriate goals, educate you on the options available to help you achieve your targets and monitors progress closely with you at follow-ups.

He has passion for sport, in particular football and tennis and relishes helping his clients return to play in a graded fashion following injury. He too enjoys helping those who are post-operative build their movement, strength and function back as well as helping those with osteoarthritis to reduce pain and improve function using a combination of exercise and manual techniques. He is holistic in his approach and will address other factors such as sleep and anxiety/stress and its impact on recovery. Through his previous roles in the NHS he has excellent knowledge of appropriate imaging techniques when required.

Rob James is based at our Xcel Health Orpington practice.

Russell KesleyBSc (Hons) MCSP

MSK & Vestibular Physiotherapist

Russell qualified in 2006 from St Georges University. He has a particular interest in musculoskeletal injuries in the field of sport, having worked at London Scottish, Blackheath Rugby clubs and for the Scottish Rugby Union, helping in the development and care of young athletes at recreational and elite levels.

He has worked for the Armed Forces and specialises in running injuries, running analysis and rehabilitation, helping elite runners and weekend warriors fulfil goals to participate in iron-man and marathon endurance events. He has experience of working with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome and working with multi-disciplinary teams.

Russell is a keen cyclist, having taken part in Race Across America 2018, multiple Paris-Brest-Paris and Trans Pyrenees Raids and NCOM2019 as a soloist to raise money for charity riding over 20,000 miles in 2020. Whilst riding for charity Russell is a key organiser of the Doddie Rides and has been involved since 2018 helping the charity to raise over £1.5 million pound. This year in 2024, Russell is riding to Rome with the charity.

He also has extensive experience of WorkStation Assessments and Manual Handling and is a qualified member of the Associated Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health. Russell Kesley is based at our Xcel Health Orpington practice.

Manali Pandav BPT, MSc

Chartered Physiotherapist

Manali specializes in treating all Musculoskeletal conditions as well as sports injuries.

She completed her MSc in Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham and has a keen interest in using manual therapy techniques to treat musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions in order to help her patients achieve functional independence. She is very passionate about her work and believes that every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. She keeps herself updated with recent advances in healthcare and latest hands-on techniques.

Manali has previous experience of working in private practice in the UK. She has also worked in a hospital setup and volunteered as a sports therapist for marathons back in India. She currently works in our private practice but is also trained to work as a First Contact Practitioner in GP surgeries.

When she is not being a busy physio, Manali cherishes time talking to her family and friends, watching movies, cooking and shopping. Manali is based at our Xcel Health Maidstone practice.

Manav Shah

Physiotherapist

Manav is a highly qualified professional with a Master's degree in Sports and Exercise Medicine, bringing a lot of expertise to the field. He specializes in manual therapy and soft tissue treatments, refining his skills in various Indian hospitals.

He loves hiking, cricket, and blogging, seamlessly blending his passion for sports and well-being. Manav focuses on helping with musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions, using a holistic treatment approach.

Having worked in different hospitals in India, Manav is skilled at addressing a variety of health challenges. His main goal is not just physical recovery but also helping individuals rediscover the joy of movement and overall well-being.

As a dedicated professional, Manav stays updated with the latest research and hands-on techniques. His commitment is evident through his work in NHS and private practice.

Outside of work, Manav enjoys exploring countries and staying fit. His diverse background and genuine passion for others' well-being make him an asset to the company. Manav is based at our Xcel Health Sittingbourne practice.

Saloni Raut

Physiotherapist

Saloni is a highly accomplished physiotherapist specializing in musculoskeletal and sports injuries. With a master's degree in Sports and Exercise Medicine and three years of dedicated practice, she brings a wealth of expertise and commitment to her profession. In addition to her formal education, Saloni has pursued additional certifications in advanced techniques such as taping, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), and dry needling, further enriching her ability to provide comprehensive care to her patients.

Throughout her career, Saloni has worked across diverse settings, ranging from prestigious private companies in the UK to university sports teams. In these varied environments, she has demonstrated her unwavering dedication to optimizing performance and facilitating recovery for athletes and individuals alike. Beyond her professional endeavours, Saloni finds solace and rejuvenation in the simple joys of life. She shares a deep bond with her canine companions, delights in the beauty of sunsets, and nurtures her passion for badminton.

Saloni's multifaceted skill set, coupled with her genuine compassion for the well-being of others, positions her as an invaluable asset to the Xcel Health team. Saloni is based at our Xcel Health Sittingbourne practice.

Luke Millward

MSK Physiotherapist

Luke is a highly specialised physiotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal pathology. He obtained his Physiotherapy qualification in 2007, became a musculoskeletal sonographer in 2016, and achieved a Master’s degree in health science in 2021. With extensive experience in both the NHS and private sectors, Luke’s expertise is well-established.

As a qualified musculoskeletal Sonographer, Luke remains actively engaged in his role at Bart’s and the London NHS Trust. Additionally, he imparts his knowledge by teaching diagnostic ultrasound imaging and injection therapy with the Sports Medicine Ultrasound Group.

Luke holds a position on the executive board of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, where his focus lies in Orthopaedic Medicine. He is also an independent prescriber, granting him the authority to prescribe medications for clients requiring injection therapy.

Utilising his profound understanding of musculoskeletal healthcare, Luke adeptly diagnoses even the most intricate pathologies through a blend of clinical testing and diagnostic ultrasound imaging.

With a fervent dedication to Men’s health physiotherapy and interventional ultrasound, Luke is registered with the HCPC, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and the Society of Radiologists.

Zoe Teodoro

MSK Physiotherapist

Zoe Theodoro is an MSK Physiotherapist within the NHS and works in primary care as First Contact Practitioner

She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2017. Currently, she is pursuing a First Contact Practitioner course under University of Essex.

She is passionate in building relationships and raising awareness about lifestyle, mental health and overall well-being. In the future, she would like to specialize in Women’s health. Zoe Theodoro is based at our Xcel Health Orpington practice.

Raisa Alferos

MSK Physiotherapist

Raisa has been practicing as a physiotherapist for over 5 years now. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Santo Tomas in 2018 and started her career as a licensed physiotherapist in the Philippines. She is also registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and a practicing member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Raisa worked in one of the biggest tertiary hospitals in the Philippines wherein she was able to handle a vast number of clinical conditions including MSK, geriatric, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and post-operative conditions both for an in and out patient setting. She also started working as a physiotherapist in private practice which helped fuel her passion as a clinician even more.

Raisa’s main clinical interest is in treating MSK conditions and has been specializing in this field ever since. She believes that physiotherapy is a profession where you never stop learning in order to provide up to date, evidence based, and high quality of treatment to patients. In line with this, she has additional training in dry-needling and is currently finishing her certification as a level 4 mat Pilates instructor.

Raisa believes that movement makes you better which is what she advocates to her patients and clients. Raisa is based at our Xcel Health Orpington practice.

Maxine Hawley

Business Manager

Maxine Hawley joined Xcel Health as Private Clinic Manager to lead the team and ensure the clinic runs smoothly, following a career of more than 20 years working in the Travel & Tourism industry, most recently as a Customer Support & Operations Manager.

Maxine is passionate for excellence and company success applying Customer Service experience into Xcel Health, to help the company thrive and make customers smile and enjoy their experience at Xcel Health.

When not working Maxine enjoys planning the next holiday! Or a day out with family & friends, having afternoon tea, shopping and attending music events are just some of her favourite past times.

Ellie Foley

Customer Care Officer

Ellie joined us from a company that was selling on-site security over the phone. She started in reception and is now working in our main Admin Office, although you can occasionally see her in reception. She is very passionate about making sure our patients are happy and feel comfortable and welcome within the clinic. She takes it upon herself to be better everyday.

Ellie studied 3 years at college with the idea of being a Beautician. She has two level 2 qualifications and one level 3 qualification and does some beauty work when she isn’t working at Xcel Health.

Ellie enjoys spending time with her loved ones, going out with her close friends, listening to music and is very passionate about animals especially dogs and elephants!

Ruth Firth

Admin

Having spent more than 20 years commuting to London, I decided it was time to find a job more locally. A frozen shoulder led me to JK Physio and a welcoming chat with the receptionist alerted me to a vacancy. 8 years later, (now with an unfrozen shoulder), I can now be found at the business side of the reception desk, meeting & greeting our many patients.

Kim Cossar

Admin

Fairly new to the JK Physio Team I joined as a receptionist in June 2023 job sharing with Ruth. I previously worked in London for many years in the mortgage/finance industry until having my children, then after a break, returned to work part time for a NHS physiotherapy company, 7 years later I am now on the private side at J K and enjoying meeting so many different patients on such a personable level.

Lucy Sumner

Admin

As a sixth form student, my part time job allows me to continue my A-level studies, especially my love for mathematics and biology, while gaining valuable work experience here at JK Physio. While only being here a couple months, as part of the admin team, I am able to help patients with queries, and always greet them with a friendly smile before their appointment.