Meet the Chiropractic Team

Michelle Bush — Founder of Axis Chiropractic

Dr Michelle Bush

Doctor of Chiropractic
Founder and Owner of Axis Chiropractic

Michelle started up Axis Chiropractic Clinic in Cardiff  after qualifying from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic in 2005 and branched out into the Newport area in 2014. Michelle’s interest in Chiropractic came about after meeting an Equine (horse) Chiropractor as a teenager, at that point Michelle was considering a career in veterinary, but soon changed her mind after witnessing the benefits and wide scope that chiropractic can offer both animals and people.

Since qualifying Michelle has had the privilege of working with and treating many top athletes in the south Wales area in a wide range of sports including football, rugby, badminton, classical and modern dance, athletics and equestrianism both at professional and amateur level. She was invited to treat the dancers at the 2008 Madonna Hard Candy tour at home in Cardiff and travelling to see them at different venues throughout the UK. Michelle prides herself on creating a professional and friendly environment for all patients attending the clinic.

Before qualifying as a Chiropractor Michelle spent 6 years working in promotions and hospitality. She had the honour of representing Wales at Miss World 2002 in Nigeria. When not at work Michelle enjoys spending time with her horse Comma a big part of her life. Leading a busy active life reinforces her belief in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how Chiropractic can help to achieve this.

Dr Laura Walker

Dr Laura Walker

Doctor of Chiropractic
Laura works at both our Cardiff and Newport clinics

Laura is originally from a small town called Inverurie in north east Scotland. She moved to Wales to study to become a Chiropractor at the University of South Wales in 2009 and graduated with a Master of Chiropractic. Laura is registered with both the General Chiropractic Council and the British Chiropractic Association.

Laura has a ten year history of working in healthcare previous to chiropractic and always knew she wanted a career helping people but was unsure of where this would take herLaura developed a keen interest in Chiropractic after experiencing the benefits of treatment personally back in 2007. This gave her the motivation she needed to go back to school to get the qualifications she needed to pursue a career in Chiropractic in 2009.

She is passionate about helping patients to achieve their personal goals and getting them to their optimum health.

Laura has a keen interest in travelling and adventure whatever this may be. Recently she went to Peru where she had a fantastic time trekking to Machu Picchu and around the Andes. She has also had some great adventures around a lot of south east Asia, taking three months to explore this part of the world during one summer at university. Over the next few years she is hoping to do a lot more travelling closer to home, in and around Europe.

Dr Rachael Hughes

Dr Rachael Hughes

Doctor of Chiropractic
Axis Chiropractic Clinic Newport

Rachael graduated with a distinction from the WIOC (Welsh Institute of Chiropractic) in 2011. During her final year at University she received the academic excellence award.

Rachael first came in contact with chiropractic through her love of horses, ever since rescuing a mare who was in poor condition. Her family have used equine chiropractors to help improve and maintain the health of their horses since she was a child. However, it was at about the age of 11 that she first came into contact with chiropractors that treated people.After a nasty Horse riding accident her mother started to see a Chiropractor to help her to fully recover, and it inspired Rachael to see just how much it could help people live their lives to the full.

Rachael is still a keen horse rider and also enjoys running. She usually runs half marathons but is in training for her first ever full marathon in October 2018. Naturally her love of these sports lends to her enjoyment in helping others achieve their full potential in the sports they love through Chiropractic treatment but especially riders and runners.

Her CPD has been focused on two main areas of chiropractic, treatment of the elderly and treating ladies during their pregnancies. It has been, and continues to be areas that she love to work in. “In both specialities, it’s the little things that make a difference, from helping an elderly person be able to reach into the kitchen cupboards so that they can stay independent, or helping a pregnant lady turn in bed or get out of the car without pain. Chiropractic can help to make the day to day things easier”.

Rachael also runs Health Weeks for local companies and has done for many years focusing on posture and desk related complaints. Her focus here has been to empower desk workers to be able to recognise how daily postures have an impact on their spinal health, and helping them through Chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation exercises to manage this despite their occupational loading.

Rhia - Chiropractor

Rhia Williams

Chiropractor
Axis Chiropractic Clinic Newport

Rhiannon (known as Rhia) achieved her Masters of Chiropractic degree from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. She is registered with both the General Chiropractic Council and British Chiropractic Association. Rhia knew from a young age she wanted to embark on a career in healthcare. Becoming a chiropractor allows her to deliver tailor made patient centered care to each patient.

Following her graduation in 2011 Rhia has undertaken further training in kinesiotaping, dry needling, and chiropractic care for children. Rhia hopes in the future to add more strings to her bow, including chiropractic care for babies.

Rhia and her husband enjoy traveling the world. Having already explored Asia in recent years, they hope to see much more of the world in the future.

Gareth Slade- Chiropractor

Gareth Slade

Chiropractor
Axis Chiropractic Clinic Newport

Gareth received his Masters of Chiropractic degree in 2013 from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. He is a member of the British Chiropractic Association and the Royal College of Chiropractors (MRCC).

Gareth was first introduced to chiropractic care at 16 when he suffered a back injury playing cricket. Chiropractic treatment enabled him to recover and get back on the field of play immediately. As a keen sportsman and avid cricket player, Gareth has a passion in treating sporting related injuries. He also enjoys treating people of all walks of life and feels that everyone can benefit from chiropractic care.

Gareth is committed to updating his knowledge by attending regular post-graduate training and CPD events. In May 2016, he completed a post-graduate diploma in Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound which allows him to scan various joints of the body for pathology.

Originally from Cardiff, outside of work he enjoys all forms of sport. In the summer months, you are likely to see him on a cricket field somewhere in South Wales, whilst in the winter months you are likely to see him on a squash court.

Abbie Davies, Receptionist

Abigail Davies

Chiropractor
Axis Chiropractic Cardiff & Newport

Abbie graduated with a Master’s degree from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic. In her final year she graduated top of her class achieving the award for academic excellence.

Abbie was always interested in working within healthcare but was unsure of where this would be. Whilst working as a receptionist at Axis, she saw daily the effect that chiropractic care can have on people’s quality of life and recovery from injury. This led her to persue her career as a Chiropractor.

Alongside her studies, she has furthered her training to include kinseology taping and dry needling.

Before graduating, Abbie spent four summers working as a horse riding instructor in summer camps in California and Tennessee. In her free time, she is found with her horse, Smurf, and her three dogs. Abbie understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and keeps herself active through horse riding, crossfit, rock climbing, running and hiking.

As well as working full time as a Chiropractor Abbie is looking to further her education by taking on a research based PHD in the next few years and studying to become an animal Chiropractor in 2023.

Peter Wood - Chiropractor

Peter Wood

Chiropractor
Axis Chiropractic Cardiff & Newport

Peter graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic with a Master’s degree attaining a Distinction. Peter is registered with both the General Chiropractic Council and British Chiropractic Association.

He was first exposed to the world of Chiropractics at a young age after accompanying his mother to see her Chiropractor. Although too young at the time to appreciate the importance of that day, seeing the positive effect it had on her planted a seed which has led Peter to grow into a Chiropractor himself.

Peter is committed to updating his clinical knowledge by attending regular post-graduate training, and has recently trained in medical dry needling.

When not at work, Peter is an avid cinema fan, who enjoys baking, cars, wildlife photography and getting into the great outdoors.

He is now looking forward to contributing his skill and efforts to the team here at Axis Chiropractic and most importantly, to all the wonderful people he is going to meet, have the privilege of caring for, and help restore back to their maximum health potential.

Annie Bevan - Massage Therapist

Annie Bevan

Massage Therapist
Axis Chiropractic Clinic Newport

Annie is a fully qualified and experienced sports massage therapist as well as a sport coach. Annie attended Cardiff and vale college to complete a  VTCT Level 3 Diploma in sports massage.

Annie has always had a high passion for sports and everything that it entails. Her massage passion grew after competing at a high rugby level and feeling the benefit of sports massage for herself. This led to Annie studying her passion. Annie’s client base covers not only wide range of sports athletes but non athletes that like to keep their physical well-being at a peak level.

Annie is a very passionate and dedicated therapist who takes pride in her work. She will ensure each session is specific and tailored to suit the needs of each client . Annie is always looking for further education opportunities to allow herself to progress as well as providing her clients with the best possible treatments.

In her spare time Annie has a very high passion for rugby, since childhood Annie has enjoyed watching, supporting and participating in her club rugby as well as higher levels.

Sam - Massage Therapist

Samantha Jones

Massage Therapist
Sam works at both our Cardiff & Newport clinics

Sam has been fully qualified in Swedish Massage since 2010 as part of her Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification gained at Coleg Gwent Newport Campus.

Swedish Massage is a lot gentler than deep tissue/sports massage focusing on relaxation and tension relief.

Sam developed a passion for massage and decided to further her skills at Usk College in 2020. She is now also level 3 qualified in Sport Massage which focuses on reducing pain/muscle knots and increasing function on the muscles helping prevent injuries.

In her spare time Sam loves keeping active with spin classes at the gym, waking and having lots of fun family time.

Freddie - Massage Therapist

Freddie Naseriyan

Massage Therapist
Freddie works at both our Cardiff and Newport clinics

Freddie id a level 4 sports massage therapist. Since qualifying He has worked with multiple professional teams and athletes. His client base also includes non athletes that like to ensure they are keeping themselves in top condition.

He’s always trained and competed in sports, with his greatest achievement competing for Wales in athletics.

His passion for sports massage comes from experiencing first hand how it helped with his own training.

Freddie works at both the Cardiff and the Newport Clinics.