Welcome to Team
Founded by Olivia McAvoy and Lauren Thurley in 2021, Team MT is the perfect blend of personalities and experience. From University qualifications to Senior NHS roles and working in Professional Sport, our team have developed skills that help us provide a service that's second to none.
Olivia MCAVOY
Olivia is a Director and Co-Owner of the practice, bringing over 12 years of NHS experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, rheumatology and sports injury rehabilitation. Her career has been built on a strong foundation of clinical excellence, leadership and a genuine passion for helping people move and perform at their best.
​
She graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2014 before joining the NHS as a rotational physiotherapist. Over the years, she progressed from Senior Physiotherapist to Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (Band 7), managing complex MSK conditions and developing specialist expertise in inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis.
​
Olivia has also played an active role in service development, contributing to the re-design of the Knee Osteoarthritis Pathway within NHS Lanarkshire. She presented this work at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, reflecting her commitment to advancing physiotherapy practice.
​
Her background in elite sport began at Hamilton Academical F.C., where she progressed to Head of Youth Academy Physiotherapy. She's since led the clinic’s ongoing partnerships with other sports clubs and occupational health clients, delivering high-level physiotherapy, acute injury management and return-to-play/work rehabilitation.
​
Olivia is certified in Medical Acupuncture through the British Medical Acupuncture Society and continues to integrate other evidence-based treatments into her practice, regularly attending CPD events of her peers.
​
Outside of work, she enjoys HIIT training, spending time with daughter, Elle, and walks with her Miniature Dachshund, Ivor - one of the clinic’s much-loved mascots.
Lauren THURLEY
Lauren is a Director and Co-Owner of the practice and an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (Band 7) with extensive experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, emergency care and elite sports rehabilitation. With a strong sporting background herself, she brings both clinical expertise and real-world understanding of performance demands to her patients.
​
Lauren graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2014 with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science (Sports Injuries) before completing her MSc in Physiotherapy at Glasgow Caledonian University. Her dual academic background in sports science and physiotherapy underpins her evidence-based, performance-focused approach to injury management and rehabilitation.
​
Within the NHS, Lauren progressed through Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy to Senior Physiotherapist in Rheumatology, before advancing to her current role as an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner within A&E. Working in Emergency Department settings has further strengthened her expertise in acute injury assessment, diagnosis and fast-tracked management.
​
Lauren’s sports physiotherapy experience is extensive. Just some of her experience includes athletes from the Scottish National Women’s Football Team, the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championships, Fiji Rugby Internationals, Team Scotland and Team GB athletes. She has also supported Glasgow Caledonia Basketball (including during their 2023 cup victory), Glasgow Bulls Rugby and Hamilton Rugby Club. Earlier in her career, she was involved in the youth setup at Hamilton Academical F.C., where she first worked alongside Olivia.
​
Her breadth of experience across elite and amateur sport has resulted in expert knowledge of acute sporting injuries, return-to-play rehabilitation and performance optimisation. Lauren is also the clinic’s resident specialist in soft tissue therapy and sports massage, delivering targeted, hands-on treatment to complement structured rehabilitation programmes.
​
Outside the clinic, Lauren remains active through hockey and a love of rugby. She has summited over 80 Scottish Munros to date and enjoys renovating her home with her fiancé, Dan.
DEREK MCMILLAN
Orthopaedic ESP
Derek graduated from Queen Margaret University of Edinburgh in 2007 with a Bsc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. He began working as a physiotherapist at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Western Infirmary teaching hospitals completing his junior rotations in a wide variety of clinical specialisms.
In 2011 he moved to St John’s Hospital in Livingston to take up a senior post in the musculoskeletal outpatients department. During his 5 years in West Lothian, as well as managing a varied caseload, working for private healthcare providers, leading rehabilitation of complex knee injuries and attaining a post graduate qualification in injection therapy he also completed intensive training to become an advanced physiotherapy practitioner in Orthopaedics.
​
In 2016 Derek successfully secured a post as an Extended Scope Practitioner (Band 8) in NHS Lanarkshire’s orthopaedic department working closely with consultant staff to manage complex conditions. During this time he has continued his post graduate study attaining an MSc in advanced physiotherapeutic practice from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2023. His dissertation paper for this degree, focused on knee osteoarthritis, won the MSc award for most accomplished dissertation in 2022/23. Derek has worked for both the NHS and private healthcare providers for the past 16 years assessing and treating complex conditions.
​
In his current NHS role Derek routinely arranges x-ray, MRI and CT imaging, provides injection therapy, lists patients for orthopaedic surgery and refers patients onwards to other medical specialists. He also leads second opinion clinics for physiotherapy staff within Lanarkshire. This experience gives him the unique insight to provide advice for patients on diagnosis, condition management and the need for further investigation or ultimately opinion on surgical management.
KIM CRUICKSHANK
Physiotherapist
Kim brings diverse clinical experience to our team. After graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2020, she began her career within the NHS, initially working in Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy, assessing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic injuries.
​
She later progressed to working as an NHS Community Physiotherapist, providing rapid assessment and treatment for patients with often acute presentations. Her work helped prevent hospital admissions, reduce functional decline and support rehab following surgery or illness within patients’ homes and community settings.
​
Kim's most recent NHS experience was as a Senior Physiotherapist in Paediatrics, where she specialised in supporting children and young people with a variety of developmental and MSK conditions. This role provided her with extensive expertise in youth rehabilitation, movement development and injury management in younger populations.
​
Alongside her NHS work, Kim has also gained valuable experience in private physiotherapy settings, treating a wide spectrum of injuries and helping patients return to work, sport and everyday activities through tailored rehabilitation programmes.
​
Her passion for travel, meeting new people, and contributing to communities led her to gain international experience during her studies, working in MSK clinics in Cambodia and across Africa, where she treated a variety of conditions and gained valuable exposure to different healthcare environments.
​
Kim also brings an impressive sporting and elite performance background to the team. She has worked with athletes and organisations including Motherwell FC, Hamilton Academical FC, Hamilton Rugby, Nike and Chelsea Football Club, as well as supporting teams across netball, volleyball, and other sports. This experience enables her to apply high-performance rehabilitation principles to athletes and active individuals of all levels.
​
Outside of work Kim loves to Ski, spend time with her dog, Archie, and keep up with her busy social calendar!
JACQUELINE MURPHY
Physiotherapist
Jacqueline brings a fantastic range of skills to our team, with a strong background across both the NHS and sport. ‘Jac’ first completed an HND in Sports Therapy at the City of Glasgow College in 2016, before progressing her studies at Glasgow Caledonian University, graduating in 2020 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.
​
Like all of our team, Jacqueline has developed extensive experience within the NHS. She began her career as a Rotational Physiotherapist with NHS Lothian, gaining valuable clinical experience across a variety of ward-based settings. She later progressed to a Senior Physiotherapist (Band 6) role within NHS Lanarkshire, where she currently works within the Musculoskeletal (MSK) department, assessing and treating a wide range of injuries and conditions.
​
Jacqueline also brings excellent complementary skills to the team, holding qualifications in Sports Massage and a Certificate in Medical Acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS). These skills enhance her clinical approach and allow her to deliver well-rounded physiotherapy care across both clinical and sporting environments.
​
Alongside her clinical work, Jacqueline has experience working in sport performance settings, having most recently supported semi-professional rugby teams Ayrshire Bulls and Ayr RFC 1XV, helping athletes with injury management, rehabilitation and return to play.
​
Outside of work, Jacqueline enjoys keeping active through netball, Hyrox competitions and taking on running challenges across a range of distances.
FIONA TRAYNER
Physiotherapist
Fiona is a highly motivated physiotherapist who graduated with First Class Honours from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2023. Her strong academic foundation, combined with valuable clinical experience in the NHS, allows her to deliver care across a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
​
Before qualifying as a physiotherapist, Fiona worked for two years as a Band 4 Therapy Assistant within orthopaedics in NHS Lanarkshire. This early experience gave her a solid understanding of post-operative rehabilitation, orthopaedic injuries and multidisciplinary team working.
​
Following graduation, Fiona secured a rotational post within the NHS, gaining broad clinical experience across multiple specialties. She later progressed into her specialist role in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy, where she has worked for the past two years, developing particular expertise in sports injuries, rehabilitation and return-to-play programmes. Fiona recently completed a secondment in hand therapy, enhancing her skills in upper limb rehabilitation, tendon injuries and post-surgical recovery.
Alongside her clinical role, Fiona works as physiotherapist for Hamilton Bulls, supporting athletes with injury management, rehabilitation and performance optimisation. She has previously provided physiotherapy support to Motherwell F.C. and the Caledonia Gladiators, gaining valuable experience in elite and semi-professional sport.
​
Outside of work, Fiona practices what she preaches. She regularly competes in triathlons, is currently training for her first marathon, and has ambitions to complete an Ironman later this year. When she’s not training, she enjoys hiking Scotland’s Munros with her two dogs!
ANDREW LEWIS
Managing Director
Andrew is our behind the scenes team member that takes charge of our business operations.
​
With an Honours Degree in Business Studies, A Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and a Senior Risk Management job within the Civil Service, Andrew gives our team the backing and experience in areas from accounting to marketing and beyond, allowing our physio team to fully focus on the clinical delivery of our practice.
He also has a passion for graphic design and photography, so takes charge of our digital presence across website, social media and branding, whilst also helping set up any more technical digital aspects within the practice.
​
What would make Andrew give up his spare time outside of his day job you ask? Well, he's Married to Practice Director Olivia!
​
When he's not doing any of the above, he's on the golf course or cheering on Motherwell FC.
