Bethany Shum

Background

About Bethany Shum

I am a chartered physiotherapist (HCPC MCSP) in the UK and HK. I started Flexibility Matters Physiotherapy, where I support performers through health education, flexibility training, and physiotherapy. Professionally, I work as a Pain Specialist Physiotherapist in an NHS multidisciplinary team pain clinic. I specialised in Chronic Pain to help patients to manage their long-term condition and improve their quality of life. I treat individuals with chronic pain conditions, musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatological conditions with a holistic and psychologically informed approach. Outside of the NHS, I have personal and professional experience in gymnastics, circus aerial, and cheerleading. This includes my work with Team England ParaCheer (2019), BCA Cheer & Dance (ongoing) and Gymnastic Commonwealth Games (2022). I was the appointed Medical Officer and Physiotherapist for Team England ParaCheer (Cheerleading for Integrated Disabled/ Able-bodied). Our athletes display a broad range of physical and sensory issues and exhibit the need for individualised prevention of specific sport-related injuries. I also hold a level 3 Cheerleading coaching qualification. In 2022, I completed the Performing Arts Medicine Programme at UCL to enhance my skills when working with elite performers and provide specialist health services to this population. For my dissertation research, “Exploring pain in acrobats”, I won the Mike Shipley Award for excellence in MSc Research. Currently, I run a Performing Arts Clinic (Flexibility Matter Physiotherapy) in London to provide specialist services to acrobats, cheerleaders and performers.