About Cockermouth Rehab Studio
Stu Nicholson BSc MCSP
My name is Stu Nicholson I am a HCPC and CSP registered physiotherapist who qualified from the University of Cumbria in 2013. I live in Cockermouth with my lovely wife Sam and our two boys Seb and Theo. I am the proud owner and Specialist Physiotherapist at Cockermouth Rehab Studio.
I started my physiotherapy career at West Cumberland hospital where I gained experience across the different clinical specialities which gave me a solid grounding for starting to specialise in Community Rehabilitation in 2016. This enabled me to gain a depth of experience in rehabilitating clients with a range of musculoskeletal, neurological and age related conditioning including arthritis, stroke and falls/balance rehabilitation. I continued within this role working up to being the Community Physiotherapy Manager of the Cockermouth and Maryport locality until December 2022.
I then worked in Primary Care at Maryport Health Services holding the role of First Contact Physiotherapist, where I saw patients with a vast range of musculoskeletal problems instead of them needing to see a GP. This further enhanced my clinical specialism of being able to deliver an expert assessment and treatment plan as well as going back to University at UWE to learn how to administer corticosteroid injections. I also worked with patients suffering with chronic pain to help develop strategies to manage their pain and improve their function.
Away from work, weightlifting, powerlifting and CrossFit are my passions (I’ve previously dabbled in the odd half marathon and a bit of climbing as well). Being able to bring clinical understanding of movement and tissue loading into these sports has meant developing the specialist skills to manage a wide range of sporting and exercise based injuries for my clients. I have worked with everybody from new and recreational athletes, divisional and national athletes, all the way to world-class performance athletes across a range of sports. I know better than anybody that keeping in training is essential for so many of us.
My mantra for physiotherapy is simple. Giving you the tools to thrive. For each individual that will mean something slightly different, but you will complete your physiotherapy at Cockermouth Rehab Studio with an understanding of the problem, and the tools to get to the solution.
Qualifications
- BSc Physiotherapy University of Cumbria 2013
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation – British Thoracic Society 2016
- Bobath Neurological Rehabilitation Course – BBTA 2017
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Pain Management – 2018
- Corticosteroid Injection Administration – UWE 2024
- Extensive completion of Physiotherapy course – regular and always ongoing
Whats Next?
Advanced Lower Limb Biomechanics and Rehabilitation
John Beetham Bsc MCSP
I re-trained as a physio later in life after working in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and sports massage therapist. Although my background is in sports, I went on to become a specialist in working with older adults and people living with long-term health conditions. I have found that the same principles of rehabilitation apply across specialisms whether you are a young athlete or an older adult. It is about targeted, specific, and challenging interventions to help you move better and reach your goals.
Peter Zegveldt MSc MCSP
My name is Peter Zegveldt and I have been practicing, researching, and specialising in Sports Rehab and Physiotherapy for eight years. I knew I wanted to be a physio after I experienced a serious knee injury as a teenager, meaning I had to undergo extensive rehabilitation following two surgeries, and I also had to rethink my love of playing football. I learnt firsthand the challenges injury can bring and this has shaped my approach as I have become a qualified Physiotherapist. I believe physiotherapy should be centred around promoting confidence and giving people the tools and knowledge they need to get back to doing the things they love, safely and to the best of their ability.
Since completing my master’s degree, I have worked extensively in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy, treating a diverse range of patients across all age groups and conditions ranging from arthritis to post-surgical rehab to Occupational Health and general MSK injuries.
I’ve worked for both the NHS and the private sector and I would like to offer professional and accessible care for anyone who needs it.
I completed my Master’s degree in 2023, I am fully registered with the HCPC and I am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Most recently, my research was published, a paper titled Comparative Effectiveness of Different Treatment Options for Patellar Tendinopathy; Systematic Review (2025). This research reflects the evidence-based approach to my physiotherapy and continuous professional development.
I am based in Carlisle, where I live with my Fiancé and three dogs. I still love football, I enjoy cooking, walking my dogs, spending time with my nephew and niece, and to keep myself physically and mentally healthy I practice gym-based fitness.