Lucy Sacarello
I feel so fortunate to combine my passion for ultrarunning and endurance triathlons with Physiotherapy and call this my job. Having been a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in private clinics for several years now, I have learnt to treat a variety of injuries that present. However, I have really enjoyed finding my niche & drive in working with endurance athletes to help them achieve their goals. For this reason, I established my own business in Putney in 2020.
As a physio, I have always felt strongly about going beyond the injury itself to understand the athlete and most importantly what drives them in training. And as an endurance athlete as well, I too understand the highs and lows of training, the desire to continue although your body may be telling you otherwise but most importantly what it takes to get to the startline of these endurance events.
We can do a lot to prevent injuries but sadly they do happen. It’s important to see an injury not as a setback but instead as an opportunity to work on your weaknesses and come out of it both mentally and physically stronger. A good physio shouldn’t fix the issue and send you on your way, but instead delve deeper into the bigger picture in discussing your training load, recovery strategies, nutrition and so much more that will allow you to continue doing what you are doing for longer.
Physio Education & Running Background:
I initially studied Anatomy and Physiology at Bristol University as I knew I wanted to go into healthcare and have always been fascinated by the human body. My interest in the Exercise Physiology and Human Anatomy modules simply underlined the path I was destined to pursue. After graduating from Bristol, I went straight into my Physiotherapy Masters at Brunel University (London).
Alongside my studies at Brunel, I worked with high-level rugby clubs & supported the GB Mens Rowing team on various training camps. I was eventually exposed to more endurance sports when I volunteered as a physio for a multi-stage Ultramarathon in the Jordan Desert. Not only did I learn a lot from being exposed to a number of different injuries with these experiences but it also introduced me to the physicality & mentality involved with these sports.
After volunteering once, I ran the next year and that was my first Ultra.