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Why Back2Front?

Moving Forward to Better Health

At Back2Front, we believe in continuous movement — helping you move forward, not just recover.
Whether you’re overcoming pain, rebuilding after injury, or simply want to feel stronger and healthier, our team supports you every step of the way.
We use physiotherapy, fitness, and education to help you move better, feel stronger, and live your healthiest life.

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Our Story

Founded in 2012 by Chartered Physiotherapist Chris Watts, Back2Front began in a single therapy room with one mission — to help people move better and live pain-free.


Over the past decade, we’ve grown into Aberdare’s leading integrated health and fitness clinic, offering Physiotherapy, Massage, Personal Training, Pilates, and more — all under one roof.


Our growth reflects our promise: to provide every client with expert care, personal attention, and lasting results.

Meet The Team

Our multidisciplinary team is here to guide you every step of your health journey.

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Owner & Lead Physiotherapist

Chris Watts

Chris qualified from the University of Southampton in 2010 and founded Back2Front Physiotherapy in 2012 after starting his career in private practice. He spent five years as Head Physiotherapist at Pontypridd RFC and was selected to support Samurai Rugby at their 2016 international tournament in Kenya.

A passionate athlete, Chris completed Ironman Wales in 2019 and now focuses on shorter endurance events. He’s an APPI-trained Pilates Instructor and Running Technique Coach, leading our Pilates and Gait Analysis services.

Chris has extensive experience treating athletes across rugby, football, hockey, running, and cycling — helping them move better, reduce pain, and return stronger.​​

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Chartered Physiotherapist

Nathan Awad

Nathan has recently qualified as a physiotherapist, graduating with a MSc (Hons) Pre-Reg Physiotherapy degree from Cardiff University in 2025.

He has a strong foundation in rehabilitation and community health. After earning his BSc in Strength Conditioning, Rehab and Massage in 2022, he transitioned from the sports sector to join a pioneering multidisciplinary pediatric weight management team within Swansea Health Board. There, he played a role in developing and delivering youth and parent-focused community programs. 

Nathan's passion for supporting his community and equipping patient's with knowledge and confidence to take ownership of their rehab journey has now led him to Back2Front Physiotherapy.

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Chartered Physiotherapist

Joel Chick

Joel graduated from Cardiff University in 2024 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and also holds a Level 4 qualification in Sports Massage Therapy. Since qualifying, he has gained valuable NHS experience working on a rehabilitation ward, helping patients recover from a wide range of conditions and regain confidence in their physical abilities.

Joel specialises in evidence-based musculoskeletal physiotherapy, using a personalised, exercise-focused approach to reduce pain, improve function, and support long-term recovery. He is passionate about helping people return to the activities that matter most, from everyday tasks to competitive sport.

Alongside his clinical work, Joel has an extensive endurance sport background, having completed multiple Ironman events, ultra-marathons, marathons, Hyrox competitions, and triathlons. His personal experience of training, injury management, and recovery gives him valuable insight when working with active individuals and athletes of all levels.

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Senior Rehab Therapist

Lauren Davies

Lauren is a qualified massage therapist who qualified from Cardiff Metropolitan University in Sports Conditioning, rehabilitation and massage in 2021.

 

Lauren is passionate about offering massage services across a diverse population, with experiences ranging from sporting athletes to individuals experiencing day to day tensions.

 

 In addition to her massage expertise, Lauren provides personalised 1:1 rehabilitation sessions and conducts group classes at the clinic. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve their wellness goals through tailored treatments and comprehensive care.

Lauren is a keen hockey player and plays for Rhondda Ladies Hockey Club.​​​​​​

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Sports Therapist / Massage Therapist

Ffion Handsford

Ffion is a qualified massage therapist and sports therapist with a Sports Therapy degree from the University of South Wales.

She has extensive experience with various sports teams including WRU Women's U18 and Men's U19 as well as Aberdare Town Women FC.

Ffion is passionate about delivering massage therapy to a diverse range of clients, tailoring treatments to meet individual needs. Her experience spans from working with athletes seeking recovery and performance enhancement to individuals managing everyday stress and muscular tension.

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Health and Strength Coach

Cameron Lock

My journey in the fitness industry began 5 years ago when qualifying as a fitness instructor with a passion for sport related fitness, strength and hypertrophy training.

More recently I have gained my level 3 personal training and exercise referral qualification. I currently work with all ages and abilities within the fitness industry and have recently been leading exercise rehab and balance sessions.

My goal now is to provide a more personal service for anyone at any level of experience looking to better themselves in anyway relating to sport, fitness or rehabilitation

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Senior Receptionist

Lynne Davies

 

 

Lynne joined Back2Front Physiotherapy in 2019 and works part time at the clinic.

Lynne manages our reception desk 3 days a week, booking in patients and dealing with patient enquiries via phone and email.

Lynne enjoys crocheting, gardening, decorating and looking after her granddaughter.

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Receptionist

Moira Roberts

 

 

Moira joined Back2Front Physiotherapy in 2026 and works part time at the clinic.

Moira manages our reception desk 3 days a week, booking in patients and dealing with patient enquiries via phone and email.

Moira enjoys watching rugby, football and Irish GAA games. Loves going to the gym and baking treats with her kids. 

Our Mission, Vision & Core Values

Our Vision

HEALTH - Helping Everyone Achieve Long Term Health

Our Mission

Through a team of expert professionals with a passion for improving health, fitness and performance, Back2Front provide an integrated health and fitness service to give you an opportunity to become the strongest, fittest version of yourself.

Core Values

5* Service – Giving 100% in our role is the least a person deserves

🤝 Helpful – Our individualized service is based on helping you in every way we can

🚀  Opportunities – We see every day as an opportunity to be better than you were yesterday

❤️  Respect – Respect yourself, your team and your patients

👥 Teamwork – We are a small community of like minded people with a definitive goal – to help people.​

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