This month we’re meeting Grace Covington, Musculoskeletal and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at Marylebone Health Group.
The Harley Street BID is made up of an array of fantastic businesses, organisations and practices.
Each month, we spend some time getting to know one of the people that call Harley Street home.
This month we’re meeting …..
Grace Covington Specialist musculoskeletal and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist at Marylebone Health
Group.
Can you tell us a little bit about your work at Marylebone Health Group at 76 Harley Street.
I am a Physiotherapist working with both men and women to help them recover from injury or
improve performance, with an interest in female health. This basically means that I have added
specialist skills in managing any pregnancy, gynaecology or hormone related issues, alongside regular
injury rehabilitation.
Describe your average day.
My days are generally laid out the same but there are always a few curve balls that get thrown in to
keep me on my toes. When I arrive at MHG I always catch up with the members of the team that I
see along the corridors and hear about what they’re up to.
One of the things you quickly learn about all of the team at MHG, is that everyone has something a
little bit extraordinary about them, there is no-one who is simply working their 9-5 clinic job. Many
of the team are current or past athletes, at the top of their medical field or involved in exciting new
research, and all of that knowledge and skill is available to anyone who wants to come in and book
an appointment.
Once inside my clinic room, I am fortunate to see patients with a wide range of problems,
predominantly related to the hips, pelvis or gynaecological/obstetric issues. My favourite part of my
day is when a patient tentatively says “I’m not sure if you’re the right person to talk to about … my
bladder/bowel/sex issue?” and I can say YES I am! I provide a safe space to discuss the things many
patients don’t feel comfortable asking elsewhere. I try to provide reassurance, education and link in
with other professionals who can help support the patient on their journey to recovery.
How did you get to where you are today?
Many moons ago I worked as a surf coach and happened to be asked to help out with a friend’s
charity teaching military amputees to surf. This was where I first garnered interest in Physiotherapy
as a career. I studied at KCL university and started out work as an NHS physiotherapist, but I quickly
got involved in working as a rugby physiotherapist, which I loved. It wasn’t until I started working in
professional women’s sport that I saw how much more work was needed to support female athletes
in relation to their hormonal and gynaecological health, and so I started postgraduate training in that
field, which led me to the wonderful work I get to do now.
How has Covid-19 impacted your organisation?
There have been some big positives with regards to offering more services remotely for patients. We
have many patients who work from home or travel abroad regularly for work. I also do some
consultancy work for professional women’s sports teams and can speak to players via video call
which is often easier for them to fit within their busy training and travelling schedules. Online
physiotherapy has become very well accepted and often preferred by patients.
What do you like most about being based on Harley Street?
Honestly, the architecture. I step away from the hustle and bustle of my commute into Oxford Circus
and walk into Marylebone. Immediately you feel calmer and can appreciate the history of the area.
Also, if you come in at about 6am the sun shines right down Harley Street illuminating the tops of the
grand old buildings.
What are your thoughts on the future of the Harley Street Area?
Seamless linked-up care. There are greater moves towards providing joined up pathways between
medical clinics in the area for various conditions. This will make a patients experience of the service
they receive low stress, efficient and ultimately achieve the best patient outcomes.
How does the Harley Street BID support your business?
It’s great to have a central team that helps businesses connect and a way of showcasing the brilliant
specialists and services available in the area. Now that Covid is hopefully behind us I’m looking
forward to meeting more people and getting out and about at BID events. It’s also really great to
have the added support of security and cleaning which helps makes the area better for colleagues
and patients alike.
How could a visitor to the area spend their time here?
There are some exceptional private training gyms in the area, tucked away in the basements of
Harley Street. I’d highly recommend taking a class or joining a small group training session to put
your through your paces. Regent’s Park in the spring is a treat for all the senses; wandering through
the flower gardens makes you wonder if you truly are in London.
Any particular recommendations or hidden gems?
The Wallace Collection on Manchester Square, pop in on your lunch break, you won’t regret it.
If you could describe the Harley Street area in three words, what would they be?
Professional, Trailblazing, Community.
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