Q&A: Nick Sherwood (Sports Therapist)


Nick recently joined the UP team as a Sports Therapist. Originally from Cheshire, UK, Nick earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Therapy from UCLAN University UK. He recently moved back to China, after being away for two years, but first moved to Shanghai in 2014.
An avid sports enthusiast, he especially likes football and boxing, both of which he’s competed in. He also enjoys other fun challenges like fun runs, Spartan races, and various fitness challenges.


“Staying active is key for me,” says Nick. “I love pushing myself in different ways, whether it’s through intense competition or just having fun with a new challenge. Golf is another hobby I enjoy when I want to relax and unwind.”
His love for sports also helps him to better understand the patients he works with. Read on to learn more about Nick’s experience and how he supports others in his role as a Sports Therapist:


Q1
Welcome back to Shanghai! What made you decide to join UP?
After working for myself and collaborating with various sports teams, I was eager to join a company that shared my passion for helping others. UP’s approach really resonates with me, and I felt it would be a great place to grow professionally while contributing to a supportive, goal-oriented environment.

Q2
We’re happy to have you here. How did you first decide to become a sports therapist?
I’ve always been passionate about sports, but I realized early on that I wasn’t going to make it as a professional athlete. That didn’t stop my love for sports, though, and I wanted to stay involved. After considering various career options, I chose Sports Therapy because it allowed me to combine my interest in sports, fitness, and helping others. Plus, it was a perfect fit for my natural inclination to support people through physical challenges.

Q3
Did you have any role models growing up that also contributed to your passion for sport and movement?
Growing up, I was always inspired by athletes who combined dedication with a strong work ethic, even if they weren’t necessarily the most naturally gifted. I really admired those who pushed through setbacks and challenges, My dad is also a great role model; he’s still going strong and is as active as ever at 73 years old.

Q4
That’s impressive! Could you tell us more about some of your specialties?
I specialize in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, injury prevention, and recovery. whether from sports-related injuries or general physical stress. I’ve also developed strong manual therapy skills, which I honed while working hands-on with various sports teams. Working closely with athletes in a team setting required me to be very hands-on, over time.

Q5
Do you have any story that stands out from your work with patients that highlights the type of work you do to support athletes?
Many experiences stand out, but one in particular was from when I was working with a youth football team in Shanghai. A young player tore their hamstring and it was crucial to ensure they recovered properly without rushing back to play. We worked on a personalized rehabilitation plan, and they made a full recovery. Its great to see someone you have worked with back performing at a high level.

Q6
That’s fantastic! What do you see as one of the biggest challenges when working with patients?
A key challenge is managing patient expectations, particularly when it comes to recovery timelines. Many people want quick results, but as we know, recovery can be a long process. Educating patients about the stages of recovery and encouraging patience is something I’m always working on, so they feel confident in their healing journey.

Q7
Patience is so tough, but can be so important to the healing process. Any final words for us?
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone recovering from a chronic issue, my goal is to help you heal, regain strength, and return to the activities you love— not matter if that’s sports, fitness, or just everyday life.
UP Medical

本篇文章来源于微信公众号: 上海优复康复医学门诊部
