Iain Lea, Doctor of Chiropractic, left North Wales at 18 years of age to attempt the gruelling 8 month Royal Marine Commando selection course. He not only passed the Commando Course but was also awarded the Kings Badge, an award that is only given to a Commando recruit who shows exceptional abilities in leadership, fitness and mental toughness under adversity. Iain saw action in South America, Northern Ireland and Africa and after 3 years in the Royal Marine Commando’s he completed the arduous elite selection course and was drafted to work with Special Forces. During his time in the Royal Marines he became the Commando Units Welterweight Boxing Champion.
Dr Lea became interested in injury management as a serving Commando and decided to change career. Being in the luxurious position of having high A level results and also still being a serving Royal Marine Commando he was able to take time to thoroughly evaluate the course that would best equip him to successfully treat injuries and provide the high standards expected in private practice. Iain considered the full time 3 year Physiotherpy1 course, the full time 4 year Osteopathy course2 and took time to visit the various teaching institutions. Iain wanted to be the best he could be and was searching for a serious challenge that would equip him with arguably the most innovative in depth skills and knowledge in injury management available. Therefore, due to his Commando spirit, drive and relishing tough challenges, he decided instead to study full time in higher education for 8 years. Firstly he completed a 3 year full time degree in Neuropsychology at Bangor University, which he considers absolutely vital for successful management of injuries and chronic pain. Following this he completed a full time 5 year Master’s degree in Chiropractic at the internationally renowned Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, eventually attaining the rare3 and coveted title of Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and becoming a state registered Chiropractor with the General Chiropractic Council.
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‘I underwent treatment at the North Wales Spine Clinic. I found Dr Lea to have extensive medical knowledge of spinal conditions and the impact they have on one’s life. His clinical manner, empathy and approachability are superlative. His diagnostic skill is excellent. He is extremely skilled at the manipulative techniques. I would recommend the North Wales Spine Clinic to anyone. Since attending I have found less pain, and improved sporting ability. I can train without pain again!” Dr Sara Smith MB ChB, FRCA NHS Pain Clinic Consultant Ysbyty Gwynedd. |
Dr Lea’s in depth training equipped him with the unique skills to appreciate and manage both Physiological and Psychological issues that present with injuries and pain. This approach looks beyond the basic and limited mechanical based methods and assesses the patients ‘bigger picture’ thus providing a long term management system rather than the classic short term distraction therapy still so prevalent in practice today. As a registered member of the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic, Iain also trained in the use of acupuncture and interpretation of X-rays and MRI scans. Dr Lea has completed comprehensive post graduate training with the international leaders in pain management and research – the Neuro-Ortho Institute and is trained in the McKenzie method of Mechanical Diagnosis therapy. Iain has over 20 year’s experience in pain and injury management.
Dr Lea has now re-located back to his home in North Wales from New Zealand where, alongside Edmund Hilary, he was a member of the world famous New Zealand Alpine Club. In New Zealand he worked in a multi-disciplinary medical team including the All Blacks team Doctors based at the home of Kiwi Olympic Squad – The Millennium Institute of Sport in Auckland. Here Iain gained vital and significant experience with Olympic level Athletes and top-level rugby players. Whilst working in the Southern Hemisphere Dr Lea also completed the advanced and much sought after postgraduate course in Neurology taught by the world leading specialists educators in biomechanics, neurology and pain based at Macquarie University in Sydney. This progressive evidenced based training allows him to assess and manage complex presentations such as chronic headaches and dizziness, chronic back pain and shoulder pain and provide advanced specific rehabilitation schedules.
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‘I am indebted to Dr Iain Lea and Andy Smith for their care and attention while treating pain originating in my neck and travelling down my left arm. Their combined treatment (chiropractic manipulation and spine muscle exercises) worked most effectively and I now regard myself as ‘cured’. Dr Lea’s diagnosis of my problem was rapid and correct, supported by a very thorough and robust explanation of the pathology involved. His chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture produced almost immediate pain relief although as he explained the return of muscle power has taken longer. Andy ensures precision in her exercises and as a result quickly produced noticeable improvements in terms of my posture, balance and strength. Iain’s professionalism and engaging manner and Andy’s friendly welcome made every visit a pleasure. They are both extremely caring, doing their utmost to see patients in distress as quickly as possible, often at an emergency appointment prior to the scheduled start of their clinics. Iain and Andy have treated many well known sportsmen and women both in the UK and abroad. As far as I am concerned, their worldwide reputation is well deserved and thoroughly justified.’ Saxon Ridley, TD, MD. Retired Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Ysbyty Glan Clwyd |
Previous to moving to New Zealand Iain set up a thriving practice in Manchester’s City centre consulting for The Royal Bank of Scotland, The Royal and Sun Alliance, Deloitte, Datamonitor, O2 International Mobile Phones, Bannatynes Health Clubs, Virgin Health Clubs, Buttress, Fuller, Alsop and Williams Architects and The Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Dr Lea was also associated with the Sale Sharks Premiership Rugby Club and worked extensively with The Sale Harriers Athletics Squad. Whilst in Manchester he set up the Physio Coach course. This was due to the significant demand for quality post NHS training by intuitive Physiotherapists who felt they were too under skilled to move to private practice and provide the advanced level of service demanded by the paying public.
| ‘With the help and support of Dr Iain Lea and Andrea Smith at the North Wales Spine Clinic I am always in the best shape I can be to perform at a professional level week in week out. They provide a super professional service and I always feel very welcome each time I visit’
Ryan Mullen Professional Cyclist with Trek Segafredo Irish National Road Race Champion Youngest ever Irish National Time Trail Champion |
Dr Lea’s own interest in sports developed in childhood through swimming for GB as a youth and becoming a member of the North Wales Rugby Youth Squad. Iain is now a keen cyclist having worked with members of the New Zealand Track Squad and currently with Professional Cyclists in the UK. He now offers an advanced biomechanical Bike Fit service at the clinic in North Wales for the public using his extensive knowledge of human movement, a skill which is lacking in the all too common shop based ‘McFit’ systems using sales based low-skill high-tech approaches. Dr Lea has also lectured in injury management and prevention at Bangor University where his significant skills and knowledge have led to working with Masters Students at Bangor Universities Grade 5 Sports Science Department.
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