Meet the Team

Martin Andersen – Chiropractor

Martin qualified in 1998 from the University of Technology in South Africa with a Masters Degree in Chiropractics. He came to England later that year and completed his post graduate studies to gain the European equivalent of that qualification. He took over The Morley Chiropractic Clinic in 2001 and moved to the present premises on Bruntcliffe Road in 2006.

He has always been a keen sportsman, particularly in running and swimming. Highlights have included twice swimming the 11 mile distance of Lake Windermere, twice running a double marathon (56miles) in South Africa, completing an Ironman distance triathlon in 2016/2024 and competing at the World Swimrun Championships in Sweden 2019/2022. Finally he recently completed the hugely popular and brutal Lakeland 50 mile trail race in the Lake District, running from Ullswater to Conistone. Inevitably, such crazy sports come with a host of musculoskeletal aches and pains. This led to a strong interest in sports injuries and rehabilitation. Focus on prehab rather than rehab!

Martin has continued his education into the treatment  of extremities, various rehabilitation protocols (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation)  and integrating a laser instrument into his treatment plans. Recently the practice has invested in a Shockwave Therapy Unit for the treatment of chronic soft tissue injuries. Martin has completed two courses in running biomechanics with the London Running School in order to better understand the unique stresses and strains placed on the body. 

He has a developing interest in the role of nutrition, mental health and treatment of musculoskeletal problems to optimise function. Whilst Martin carries over 20 years of experience, he would be the first to admit that there is still much to learn. Away from the practice he enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, preferably in the fresh air and sunshine, enjoying some activity.

Justin Scott – Chiropractor

Justin is another graduate with a Master’s Degree from the Durban University of Technology in South Africa. He has spent the last 16 years working in the Cape Town area, primarily in a multi-disciplinary practice. Lucky for us, he decided to trade the glorious summertime splendour of the Western Cape and join us in the wintery northern hemisphere. Their loss is our gain and he brings many years of experience to the team.

He is currently a member of the British Chiropractic Association and is registered with the General Chiropractic Council. The GCC registration is a legal requirement to practice under the title ‘Chiropractor” in the UK.

Justin has a strong interest in the treatment of sports injuries and rehabilitation. He is also passionate about paediatric chiropractics and was a member of that faculty in South Africa. Fortunately for him the UK has a very strong continued professional development program in this area. He intends to grow and develop this interest further.

On personal level Justin enjoys the great outdoors and travelling. Once the pandemic settles, we hope he and his wife can indulge this interest further. In the meantime, exploring the glorious regions of the United Kingdom should keep him happy.

Marius Steenkamp – Chiropractor

Dr Marius Steenkamp graduated from the University of Johannesburg with a masters degree in Chiropractic, as well as undergraduate and honours degrees in BSc Sports Science. He is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest quality of care while supporting each patient’s individual goals. Dr Steenkamp has over a decade of strength and conditioning experience, working with athletes of all levels and sporting codes. He strives to provide every patient with treatment that will optimise functional range of motion and decrease pain while providing the most efficient long-term solutions and strategies for each condition.

While working abroad, Dr Steenkamp gained a lot of experience from one of Ireland’s top chiropractors, incorporating lateral thinking, wellness care and exercise into his treatments. He has a passion for educating each patient about their condition and providing them with the tools and knowledge to improve and sustain their health.

Outside of the practice Marius is a proud father of a gorgeous little girl. In his free time, he is an avid CrossFit athlete with over 12 years of experience in the sport. He also has extensive experience and knowledge in the fields of rowing, running, cycling, rock climbing, field hockey, and tennis.

Laila Charlesworth BSc (Hons), ANutr, MRSPH – Nutritionist

Laila Charlesworth achieved a first class degree in Nutrition, Food and Health at Leeds Trinity University and is currently studying for a nutrition-related PhD at Leeds Beckett University. She is registered with the Association for Nutrition, which is a gold-standard professional body, guaranteeing a nutritionist has undertaken evidence-based training. Laila also has treatment and professional liability insurance.

Laila’s clinical practice, workplace talks, nutrition-related research and regular contributions to nutrition and food-related issues on BBC Radio Leeds and Look North, show that she is passionate about improving people’s health through the power of nutrition. She also works as a freelancer for More Life, which delivers weight management and health improvement programmes for local councils.

By good fortune she is an effervescent Scandinavian with a huge passion for her chosen profession.  As such she is a perfect fit in our team. Away from the practice she indulges her passion for walking, exercise and raising two little ones.

Abbie Dagg – Podiatrist

Abbie is a character. She is an effervescent personality with a big heart. Fortunately for us, she is a very smart lady and very capable at her job. She joined our team in 2012, bringing a wealth of experience in both the Private and NHS sector. She qualified from Huddersfield University in 2000 and joined the Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospital Trust where she currently holds the position of clinical lead in the Musculoskeletal Department.

Not satisfied, she set herself the challenge of gaining a Master’s Degree in Rheumatology in 2005. Apparently this wasn’t enough as she went on to get a second Masters Degree in Clinical Podiatric Biomechanics 2011 (including a module in Sports Medicine.) She has continued her professional development to become one of the first independent medical podiatry prescribers.

She has a keen interest in Continued Professional Development and has had involvement with numerous article publications and presentations. Fortunately for us she somehow manages to find time to work in the private sector and has successfully built her practice since joining our team. Her skills set in the private sector include nail cutting , callus debridement, nail surgery, dry needling for verrucas through to biomechanical assessments, foot mobilisation techniques and the provision of orthoses.

Outside of work Abbie has a busy family life with two young adults in the making. She has developed an interest in trail running and accomplished some impressive goals in the ultra world, using the mantra ‘Long and Strong.’

Julia – Swedish Massage

Julia certainly puts the ‘sports’ in sports massage. A highly accomplished athlete, she is the perfect candidate to provide a firm massage to keep the body supple and functioning well. 

Her recent achievements include competing with her husband in the mixed category of the Swimrun World Championships in Sweden last year. Historically she has qualified for the World and European age-group Championships in triathlon, she achieved a top ten finish in the Long Course Weekend Triathlon in Wales. She has reached the podium on numerous occasions at various open water races. Recently she was interviewed by a journalist on her many sporting achievements after she was nominated by her husband and chosen as an inspirational woman achieving at a high level whilst balancing work and parenthood.

All these amazing achievements and being so accomplished in endurance events have given Julia an innate understanding of the function of the musculoskeletal system. She has the knack of ‘finding the spot’ and working it out of the system. After qualifying she joined the practice and has spent the last ten years working with patients from all walks of life, young and old, active and inactive. 

Liz Benton – Physiotherapist

Morley Chiropractic Clinic is delighted to welcome Liz Benton to the team. With over 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist in the area, Liz brings a wealth of expertise to the table. She is the senior physiotherapist and owner of the Whitehall Physiotherapy Clinic in Birkenshaw. She is passionate about sport having previously competed at an elite level in rowing. This spills over into her clinical practice with a particular interest in sports injuries and rehabilitation. Given that other members of the team are passionate about ultra distance events, this will prove very useful going forwards. She values continued professional development to broaden and perfect her professional skills. 

Outside of the clinical setting she enjoys travelling and perfecting her culinary repertoire. Martin and Liz worked alongside previously at the Fountain Medical Centre way back in 2001, so this opportunity brings the team together after a long interval. 

Selina – Receptionist

Selina is definitely the ‘backbone’ to the practice and given that it is a Chiropractic business, that’s pretty important. As Head Receptionist and Practice Manageress, she is the unsung heroine who ensures the ship sails smoothly through very busy waters. She has that all important role of making sure that the team members are safely behind doors dealing with patients and clients and not making mischief in the clinic. This role was recognised by her latest Christmas present; a huge coffee mug that proudly proclaimed “Boss!”

Ably assisted by the other receptionists, Janet and Liz, the ladies make sure that everything runs smoothly so the rest of the team can focus on their respective roles and play to their strengths. 

Our paths crossed in 2004 when Selina joined the staff at the Fountain Medical Practice where I (Martin) was then based. She already had a big experience base in dealing with customers. Such was her positive personality and professional work ethic that when I set up the current clinic in 2006, I was very pleased when she agreed to move with me. Since then, as a team through numerous changes, we have worked together to build the practice to the point where we are now.

A team is only as strong as its weakest link, fortunately with our ladies on the front line, the links are all very strong.