For over three decades, I’ve helped people recover, rebuild, and rise into life again—gently, intelligently, and with deep respect for the human experience.
I’ve worked with thousands of people—each with their own story, struggle, and path to healing. From high-performing professionals with pain and fatigue, tradespeople seriously injured at work, Mums and Dads juggling too much, weekend warriors to high level sports people, older adults struggling with mobility after injury or surgery and people dealing with cancer and rebuilding strength and confidence… to those recovering from a seemingly innocuous injury, illness or trauma who simply want to feel like themselves again.
Some had a clear diagnosis.
Some were told “there’s nothing wrong.”
All of them knew something didn’t feel right—and were looking for a way forward that made sense.
Over the years, I’ve learned that recovery is never just physical. It’s emotional. Neurological. Practical. Sensory.
People need more than a protocol—they need presence.
Strategy. Clarity. And above all, compassion for where they are now.
Why This Work Matters to Me
I haven’t just witnessed recovery—I’ve lived it.
Several years ago, I hit my own health limit with 2 serious life changing health conditions diagnosed in under a month. Behind the scenes of a successful career, I was pushing through persistent symptoms, unexplained fatigue, and a growing disconnection from my own body.
The system couldn’t give me answers. It was too fragmented.
So I started asking different questions.
Not just “what’s wrong with me?” but “what is my body trying to say?”
That journey—slow, raw, and honest—completely reshaped how I work.
I let go of the pressure to fit the clinical mould.
I sold my business and created this one from scratch - to reflect my values and energy.
I sought my own rehabilitation support from my clinical mentors and colleagues, I read more, learned more, reflected more, and experienced and embodied the healing that had to take place.
I continued integrating movement, nervous system support, somatic coaching, and deep listening—not as “add-ons,” but as essential components of real recovery, having now experienced what it felt to be on the other side - initially with no support, then seeking my own rehabilitation solutions
How I Work Today
My approach is rooted in:
- Clear, strategic movement rehabilitation (JEMS®, Designed2Move®)
- Trauma-informed and nervous-system-aware support
- Realistic pacing, practical progress, and meaningful recovery
- Deep listening, grounded reassurance, and permission to be where you are
You can read more about my approach here
Whether I’m working with someone recovering from cancer treatment, rebuilding after injury, managing a long-term condition, or planning a return to work, I hold the same intention:
To help you feel safe, seen, and supported—in your body and your life.
I bring the tools, insight and clarity.
But you bring the wisdom of your own lived experience.
Together, we rebuild trust in your body—step by step, moment by moment.
Along the Way…
- I’ve co-designed award-winning recovery and return-to-work programmes used nationally
- Delivered movement rehabilitation across NHS, private, and weird and wonderful industries (shipbuilding, submarines, toilet roll and chocolate!)
- Supported complex rehabilitation for personal injury and trauma cases
- Created Designed2Move®, a registered clinical framework for functional recovery
- Trained in JEMS®, cancer rehab (CANREHAB), trauma-informed coaching, and HRV assessment (Firstbeat®)
- Created The Return to Work Mentor® to support people navigating work with a personal health crisis.
But more than anything—I’ve sat with people in their most uncertain moments, and helped them find clarity, confidence, and calm again.
Where I Work Now
I offer:
- In-person movement rehabilitation for local clients
- Home visits for personal injury or complex rehabilitation referrals
- Nervous system-informed coaching & Firstbeat® lifestyle support
- National return-to-work mentoring and resources at ReturnToWorkMentor.co.uk
If you’re here wondering whether I might be the right person to support your next chapter… you don’t need to be sure.
You just need to be curious—and ready for something different.
Client Feedback
I started seeing Heather a couple of years after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and struggling with pain in my lower back. I was thoroughly fed up thinking what my future would hold as I was struggling to do many day to day tasks and play with my young son.
Heather has used her excellent knowledge and skills to get to the bottom of the cause of my pain, help me regain strength and mobility, and get a much better handle on managing my condition. The sessions have been extremely helpful and Heather is very informative. It may sound like an exaggeration but the experience has been life changing for me. I would highly recommend Heather.
Rebecca 2025
I initially saw Heather when my back had a recurrence of a spasm which I’ve had for years on and off. As well as daily problems with my neck. She soon assessed my back problem and also had a course of action for my neck. Best of all was her videoing myself doing the exercises which I have found the most useful…knowing I’m doing them correctly. That has given me much more confidence and propels me to keep doing the exercises (which are surprisingly fun on a yoga ball). Heather’s knowledge is most reassuring and she’s very easy to get along with. I’d felt from the word go she was going to achieve results.
Doj Graham 2024
A few months ago I aggravated an old back injury. For a number of years I had been ‘managing’ my lower back issues with simple stretches and by trying to maintain good posture. This time I just couldn’t make the progress I wanted to and knew I needed to do something else.
A friend recommended Heather to me and I made contact. This was the start of a transformational experience, Heather efficiently worked out what would help and over the next couple of months taught me a number of exercises, videoing me doing them with her guidance. I am stronger, fitter and much more confident, back doing all the things I want to do. SM 2025
"I had been in a cycle of back trouble for years, treating the symptoms, but never getting to the root of the problem. Heather was fantastic: she gave me a complete and thorough assessment, pinpointing the weaknesses (and probable causes). A graded course of exercises were targeting to my personal issues and designed to strengthen my back to avoid future problems. I loved the fact that she videoed each exercise so I had a personalised library of how to do each one correctly.
She has equipped me to create a new future free of back pain – as long as I keep doing the exercises! The power is in my hands. She also encouraged me to move my lunchtime walk to early morning, so that work wouldn’t get in the way. The physical and mental benefits of the walks are immeasurable! Thanks Heather!"
CE 2025
I went to Heather McLellan because my doctor had referred me for Physiotherapy for severe back pain and the waiting list was long. I also had a wonky knee which made me anxious about long distance driving and neuropathy in my feet. Now, after 10 sessions I am very satisfied with my physiotherapy treatment from Heather. The professional diagnosis of the problems causing me pain was sympathetic and the exercises were suitable and effective. She also taught me how to manage country walking with two poles. Thanks to Heather’s treatment I feel much better and more confident.
Joy 2024
I went to get some physio from Heather after a discussion with my doctor about my arthritis in my shoulder which was hindering some everyday movements and quite painful. Heather gave me some exercises to do at home which she videoed on my phone which was very useful. This has helped me and made my life a lot easier and not quite so painful when doing certain tasks. Thank you Pam, 2025
I visited Heather as I was struggling to walk due to a knee problem.
Although my assessment was carried out in an efficient and professional manner, Heather was friendly and approachable and took time to answer my questions.
I continue to enjoy the progressive exercises she gave me and will certainly return to her if I need to in the future. LW 2025
I first contacted Heather after a friend described the approach to her specific treatment. I had spent years trying to resolve some serious issues but found that services only treated their particular specialism. This meant that months were taken to treat one issue whilst others worsened. A never ending downward spiral and a very depressing one.
Heather treats the whole person and all the problems as connected - after all, our bodies are! Slowly incremental, well thought out, physical exercises alongside mindful support mean that when a setback occurs ( and they are inevitable when dealing with most health problems ) I am not immediately thrown into the seemingly inescapable black hole of despair. I am learning how to approach my recovery with courage and care not defeat. Heather's gentle but firm coaching makes all the painful steps worthwhile. She's also kind, has a good sense of humour and is occasionally just to the left of bonkers - who knew that pain could sometimes actually make me laugh? Tilly 2025
After suffering severe pain due to a bulging disc in my lower spine, I booked a course of treatments with Heather.
She was able to book me in quickly and the initial assessment was thorough, displaying a great depth of knowledge.
Importantly Heather was able to reassure me that the issue could be dealt with through the right course of action.
I'm happy to say that the course of treatment and actions that Heather provided has indeed lead to me now being pain free and able to move freely, and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Chris O'Connor 2025
I fell last year and had a bad break in my leg, which really set me back and put a stop to all my usual activities. Fortunately I already knew Heather who had been helping me with exercises for my core and sore knees. Heather was a huge help, coming regularly for several months to help me to build my strength back up and regain my confidence in walking. I did the recommended exercises as much as I could and one year on I'm now back on my feet and out and about with either a walker or a stick, which has been wonderful. My family were delighted with the support Heather gave me, always helpful and flexible. A big thank you and a strong recommendation from me and the family. Anne 2025
“Until I met Heather I struggled with overcoming the mental and physical trauma of getting run over by a car (here in the US). Heather is a voice in the darkness, the beacon of light in the storm that people with trauma face.
She not only gave me the tools to help me become stronger, she gave me the confidence that I could come back from it and thrive. Because of Heather I have rebounded. I’m working out every day, feeling stronger, and I’m excited about my future once again!” Julia, 2024
“Heather is a wonderfully intuitive coach – she is a calm anchor to encourage exploration, and helped me to arrive at some very helpful insights. She was also very receptive to hearing when something wasn’t working for me, and gracefully shifted gears into something that got the flow going again nicely.” – Joanne
“Heather is an expert by experience and expertise....she speaks very much around the mindset, the emotional and social context of recovery from injury and illness.”
- Prof. Laura Serrant OBE
