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.
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.
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.
Meet The Team
Our Physiotherapists
Christopher Watts
Lead Physiotherapist &
APPI Pilates Instructor
Chris qualified from the University of Southampton in 2010. He began working in the private sector before establishing Back2Front Physiotherapy in 2012. He was the Head Physiotherapist at Pontypridd RFC for 5 years and was selected to be the Physiotherapist for the international invitational team Samurai Rugby for their tournament in Kenya in 2016.
Chris enjoys all forms of sport and in 2019, he completed Ironman Wales but is now settling for shorter durations due to the time demands of training for long endurance events.
He is an APPI trained Pilates Instructor and has been certified as a Running Technique Coach. He leads the Pilates Classes and Gait Analysis services.
Chris is vastly experienced with treating many sporting athletes including rugby, football, hockey, runners and cyclists, utilising a bio-mechanical approach to improve function, reduce pain and returning you to pre-injury function.
Nathan Awad
Chartered Physiotherapist
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.
Our Massage Therapists
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Lauren Davies
Massage Therapist
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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Ffion Hansford
Massage Therapist
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.
She has also worked as the pitch side first aider at 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.
Our Personal Trainers
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Ben Smart
Personal Trainer / Health & Strength Coach
Ben's journey began 10 years ago when he first started working as a Gym Instructor with a passion for weight training and sports.
Ben has spent time working with a variety of populations; experienced and beginners, young and old.
Alongside his foundation in exercise rehabilitation through his work within the Physiotherapy department and having a genuine desire to inspire and help individuals on their fitness journey, he is ready to make a positive impact and instil the joy of fitness in both those taking their first steps to a healthier future and those looking to rehabilitate ongoing injuries.
Cameron Lock
Personal Trainer / Health & Strength Coach
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
Our Admin Team
Lynne Davies
Practice Administrator
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.
Allison Green
Practice Administrator
Allison manages our desk 3 days a week, welcoming and booking in patients as well as dealing with patient enquiries.
Outside of work, she is a keen runner who has competed in multiple 10k events and half marathon. She also enjoys volunteering at races, supporting other runners
She is chair of Nexus Valley Swimming Club & has played a role in the development of the club for 15 years