Ahmed Zamani is a qualified Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist with extensive experience in preventing, assessing, and treating sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. His expertise in sports massage therapy allows him to apply a wide range of advanced techniques—including deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, soft tissue manipulation, and corrective strategies—helping clients relieve pain, restore function, and improve physical performance.

With a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, Ahmed carefully tailors each treatment to the unique needs of the individual. Whether it is injury rehabilitation, post-training recovery, or long-term maintenance, his approach goes beyond simply easing symptoms. He focuses on uncovering and addressing the root causes of dysfunction to support lasting musculoskeletal health and resilience.

Alongside his massage qualifications, Ahmed has built a broad skill set across fitness and performance. He holds a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, Level 5 Sports Nutrition, Level 3 Exercise Referral, and Level 4 Strength and Conditioning, as well as specialist certifications in circuit training, kettlebell instruction, and studio cycling. This multidisciplinary background enables him to combine hands-on manual therapy with evidence-based corrective exercise, performance conditioning, and nutrition guidance, creating a truly holistic approach to client care. This multi-modal approach enables him to help individuals return to activity stronger, more confident, and better equipped to achieve their personal or athletic goals.

Outside of his professional work, Ahmed is passionate about staying active. He enjoys strength training, running, and cycling, as well as hiking and exploring the outdoors. He also keeps up with the latest research in sports science and nutrition, ensuring his knowledge is always current. Away from sport and study, he values time spent cooking, reading, and being with friends and family—a balance that keeps him energised and inspired in both life and work.

Ahmed Zamani is a qualified Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist with extensive experience in prevent... Read More

Alex is an upcoming and emerging soft tissue therapist holding an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Sports and Exercise Therapy with a substantial background in human anatomy, exercise physiology and evidence-based rehabilitation. Such areas of extensive learning have enabled Alex to not only offer detailed and complete soft tissue therapy and massage treatments but have also provided a greater understanding of joint and muscular function, which positively informs his ability to assess clients, identifying injury mechanisms and applying the massage techniques necessary for long-term injury prevention. Through extensive placement experience, Alex has worked across various settings, including pitch-side treatment, clinical injury assessment, and hands-on massage at large sporting events. He take’s pride in providing thorough assessments and tailored treatments, incorporating techniques such as trigger point therapy, soft tissue release, and muscle energy techniques to aid positive patient outcomes. Away from his role in sports therapy, Alex is an accomplished distance runner, having competed and claimed honours at both county and regional racing events. Away from running, Alex enjoys cooking and meal prep, which feeds into the nutritional aspect of improving performance and general health. Alex is also enthusiastic about travel and likes to involve himself in the physical activities of exploration and cultural immersion that come with it. This leaves him openly confident in becoming accustomed to new and alternative environments both in and outside his profession as a practising sports therapist.

Alex is an upcoming and emerging soft tissue therapist holding an accredited Bachelor of Science ... Read More

Ryan is an osteopath, master personal trainer, strength and fitness coach, sports massage therapist, medical acupuncturist and former physical training instructor within the Royal Marines. Before graduating from the British College of Osteopathic medicine with a 1st class master’s degree amongst other academic awards, Ryan spent the majority of his adult life within the Royal Marines. He joined at 17 years of age and completed a total of 18 years of combined regular and reserve forces service. Upon leaving regular service he has spent his time developing theoretical knowledge and practical experience within the healthcare and sporting environments. During this time, he has amassed a great deal of information from key influencers from the manual therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and strength and conditioning fields, whilst working with a diverse patient/client demographic ranging from the elderly and persistent pain patients to royal marine recruits and Olympic athletes. The combination of Ryan’s academic knowledge and practical experience creates a practitioner perfectly suited to educate, motivate and support any patient wanting to progress in their sporting endeavours wherever they may be on the pain to performance continuum. When Ryan isn’t in the clinic you can find him either throwing weights round the gym, throwing people around the Tatami or getting thrown around by his beloved pet ‘Dexter’ the English bull terrier. A keen grappler and lifting enthusiast, Ryan is a black belt in judo and holds multiple world records in team deadlift and sled push events. Check out ‘Team Natural Power’ on Facebook / Instagram for updates on the next world record attempt.

Ryan is an osteopath, master personal trainer, strength and fitness coach, sports massage therapi... Read More

Monika is a highly skilled musculoskeletal physiotherapist with extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of orthopaedic and sports-related injuries. She holds a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Alongside her work with 5th Element, Monika is currently employed as a Specialist Physiotherapist within a military rehabilitation setting, where she supports the recovery of service personnel with complex musculoskeletal and post-surgical injuries. She has previously worked in both private practice and community rehabilitation, providing her with broad experience in managing acute injuries, persistent pain, and functional rehabilitation. Monika combines hands-on treatment with individually tailored rehabilitation programmes designed to improve strength, movement quality, and long-term resilience. She is also trained in APPI Pilates, which she incorporates into her treatment approach when appropriate. As a former footballer with nearly 20 years of playing experience, most recently competing at Tier 5 level, Monika has a strong understanding of the physical demands of sport and the importance of effective rehabilitation. Her personal sporting background further informs her approach to treating athletes and active individuals. Monika is passionate about delivering patient-centred care and empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve lasting results.

Monika is a highly skilled musculoskeletal physiotherapist with extensive experience in the asses... Read More

Emma has joined our team here at 5th element as a soft tissue specialist. She has over 10 years’ experience in the industry and has established herself as the ‘go to’ soft tissue therapist in the north east, renowned for her technical ability in treating all issues relating to the soft tissues of the body. The majority of Emma’s experience has been spent in the clinical environment working with a variety of other professionals including physiotherapists, osteopaths and sports therapists which has helped her develop a theoretical knowledge far greater than expected of soft tissue therapists. With an unsatiable thirst for knowledge, over the years she has amassed a wide range of adjunctive treatment interventions including Advanced Sports Massage (level 4), Advanced Medical Acupuncture, Kinesiology Taping, IASTM, Dry Cupping, Spinal Manipulation and Pre and Post Natal Therapy, often combining these techniques for superior results. The combination of her deep theoretical knowledge and vast skill set means she can tailor her treatment to suit the individual needs of the patient and the specific injury they may have. Emma is definitely the creative one within the team and as such, takes the lead on all our social media platforms. Outside of work she keeps those creative sparks ignited and satisfies her artistic needs by pursuing various craft hobbies, including jewellery making (she’s very good, check out her Etsy page – ‘silver by essence’) and performing ariel arts. With a keen interest in longevity, Emma enjoys maintaining her physical health through weight training in the gym and ‘getting her steps in’ whilst our patient well-being officer (dexter) drags her out for a walk.

Emma has joined our team here at 5th element as a soft tissue specialist. She has over 10 years’ ... Read More