Mr Louis Wicking

Senior Physiotherapist
BA (Hons), MSc

About Louis

I’m very active and have enjoyed many sports in the past including playing football for Plymouth Argyle (youth teams) and participating in university climbing competitions, as well as some white water kayaking and mountain biking.

I gained my undergraduate degree in Sports Coaching at the University of Lancashire.

Some time ago, while playing football, I sustained an injury, and my Physiotherapist helped me return to the field. This motivated me to study Physiotherapy, and I graduated from the University of Brighton with a Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Physiotherapy in the summer of 2020.

I completed my junior rotations at the local NHS Trust (Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells) during which I gained experience in many different disciplines including trauma and orthopaedics, general medical, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal outpatients and neurology (stroke at Maidstone).

I’ve gained musculoskeletal experience with a variety of patients, including:

Post-operation rehabilitation
Lower back pain
Chronic/persistent pain
Plantar heel pain
Knee pain
Sports rehabilitation

I’m committed to delivering evidence-driven assessment and treatments and tailor my practice to suit a patient’s needs. This includes:

Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries
Rehab strategies for sporting injuries
Exercise rehabilitation
Preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation
Education and management advice for chronic conditions
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

I believe that if a patient understands their injury and treatment, this will contribute to a successful outcome.

A smiling Chris Setterfield sitting comfortably in one of the patient waiting areas at Benenden Hospital.

Chris Setterfield’s knee replacement surgery

Chris had a total knee replacement in March 2023 under the care of our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Kumar Reddy. In only five months, Chris has gone from suffering from severe knee pain to jumping up and down at a rock concert!

Walk for your health

Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to become healthier and, since May is National Walking Month, it’s a great time to start. A brisk daily walk has a positive impact on the body, both physically and mentally, and counts towards your 150 minutes of weekly exercise recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Sporting injuries: symptoms, prevention and recovery

According to research by Podium Analytics, 40% of people questioned said they’ve sustained a sporting injury at some point in their life. Worryingly, a third of people who’ve suffered from an injury as a result of playing sport say they’re still affected by symptoms today.

Prepatellar bursitis: Causes and Treatment of ‘Housemaid's Knee’

Our knees bear the brunt of a significant amount of pressure and friction in our day-to-day lives. Just one of many complex, weight-bearing joints within our bodies, they are comprised of multiple structures which make them susceptible to a variety of different injuries.

Man swimming underwater in a swimming pool.

Don’t let your fitness take a dive: A guide To swimmer's back

When it comes to back pain, swimming is known to have many easing benefits, not least the low-impact weightless environment, relief of compassion on your nerves and an increase in blood circulation. It’s one of the most effective forms of cardiovascular exercise for all ages.

Underwater shot of male swimmer turning over in swimming pool.

A guide to swimmer's neck

Although swimming is a fantastic low-impact, joint-friendly exercise for all age groups and is a relatively injury-free sport, it can put repetitive demands on certain muscles, bones, ligaments or tendons, resulting in some common overuse injuries. These are often caused by poor technique, and although roughly 90 per cent of these swimming injuries are in the shoulders, your back and neck can suffer too.