Lesley Page is the type of physiotherapist who typically comes to mind when you hear the word. She works in a private practice that is linked to an orthopaedic surgeon in Bermuda.

"I see GP and specialist consultant referrals as well as self referring patients," she said. "I specialise in sports injuries, orthopaedic and spinal conditions and I use acupuncture as an adjunct to other conventional modalities," she added.

She said she commonly uses manual therapy techniques to joints, muscles and other soft tissue as well as specific exercises to stretch and strengthen them. She said for many of her patients, electrotherapy to the muscle works well.

In the business for almost 20 years, Ms Page said she treats a wide cross section of people including children and the elderly.

"I find the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions most challenging and rewarding," she said. "The techniques used are ever changing and evolving and the manifestations of a certain condition in each individual patient varies."

Yet for every patient her aim is the same – to restore normal efficient, pain free movement and function to their life.

"I try to set goals for the outcome of his/her course of treatment. These goals vary enormously between, say, an injured professional sportsperson and an eighty year old following a total hip replacement," she said.

"It would be naïve to believe that all patients can be 'cured'. Many conditions need to be managed and helping the patient to do this is imperative," she added.

In an average week Ms Page helps about 45 patients manage their various conditions. She's a wife and mother of two and said she finds working 24 hours a week gives her the right balance of family life and career.