Darren Cornforth

BSc(Hons)(Physiotherapy), MSc(Manual Therapy), MMACP
Consultant Chartered Physiotherapist
Director

With over 35 years of experience, Darren is a highly respected Consultant Chartered Physiotherapist known for his expertise in complex musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, spinal rehabilitation, and evidence-based care. His commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and achieving meaningful results has made him a trusted clinician for individuals, athletes, and medicolegal professionals alike.

Qualifications

1990 BSc(Hons)(Physiotherapy) – University of Manchester

Post-graduate Qualifications

2004 MSc(Manual Therapy) – Glasgow Caledonian University 2000

Regulatory Bodies

Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (MCSP) (CSP 49501)
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (PH 41696)

Professional Memberships

Medico-legal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MLACP)
Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (OCPP)
Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP)

Professional Experience

1999 to date Director and Consultant Physiotherapist

Physis Physiotherapy  

Private Practice

Edinburgh.


1998 to 2000 Senior Physiotherapist

Musculoskeletal Outpatients

West Lothian NHS Trust.


1996 to 1998 Senior Physiotherapist

Musculoskeletal Outpatients

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust.


1995 to 1996 Physiotherapist

Musculoskeletal In and Outpatients

Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital

Edinburgh.


1994 to 1995 Senior Physiotherapist

Private Practice

Basin Physiotherapy, NSW, Australia.


1992 to 1994 Physiotherapist

Musculoskeletal In and Outpatients

Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital

Edinburgh.


1990 to 1992 Physiotherapist

Rotational Post

Freeman Hospital NHS Trust

Newcastle upon Tyne.

 

Additional Experience

2014 Champions of Tennis, Edinburgh.

2007 to 2010 Physiotherapist Edinburgh Rugby.

2000 to 2009 Lecturer in Sports Therapy/Sports & Exercise Science Degree, Telford College, Edinburgh.

2003 to 2006 Head Physiotherapist, Scottish Gymnastics.

2004 Head of Medical Services/ Physiotherapy, Commonwealth Youth Games, Australia.

2001 to 2004 Lecturer in Sports & Exercise Science Degree, Napier University, Edinburgh.

1996 to 2003 Head Physiotherapist, Scottish Cricket.

1998 & 2002 Physiotherapist Scottish Commonwealth Games Team, Kuala Lumpar and Manchester.

1994 Physiotherapist Scottish Women’s Rugby Team.

Special Interests

Spinal Physiotherapy

Sports Physiotherapy

Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

Medicolegal Physiotherapy

Shockwave Therapy

Respiratory Physiotherapy

Vestibular Physiotherapy

Occupational Health Physiotherapy

Outside of Work

Darren enjoys playing cricket for the MCC and Grange CC Masters, supports Newcastle United, and is an avid sports enthusiast. He is also an animal lover and owner of a lively working cocker spaniel named Indi.

Personal statement

“For more than three decades, my passion has remained the same—helping patients get better and regain confidence in their bodies. For me, every successful outcome feels like crossing a finish line or lifting a trophy. I take great pride in my profession and in delivering the highest standard of care.

Throughout my career I’ve continued to study, challenge assumptions, and stay aligned with the best available scientific evidence. While I welcome new ideas, I’m also committed to ensuring that every treatment I provide is grounded in proven, reliable medical science. My goal is for every patient to feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

I still love what I do—and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to help people.”

What our patients say about Darren

During the past 4 years I’ve seen quite a number of health professionals for a back problem. Darren is the first person who has managed to help me and relieve me of my pain. He’s also a very friendly and engaging person who really works to get to the root of the problem. I cannot recommend him enough or speak more highly of him. Thank you!

David C

Darren is absolutely fantastic – so knowledgeable and very friendly with it.
Would give him 10 stars if I could! Would highly recommend Darren and the Physis team.
Thanks so much Darren for all your help.

Collette C

I’m a 64 year old male with a problem knee which I thought had been caused with 45 years playing cricket and I could only walk with pain in my left knee. I was referred to Darren Cornforth at the Mayfield practice and he advised it was osteoarthritis. Previous to meeting Darren, I had been offered minor surgery but was told this would only give me 10% improvement so was just putting up with the pain although not too debilitating as long as I was walking forwards. Three sessions with Darren using shockwave therapy at the beginning of the year and I had reduced the pain by 60%. I returned 6 months later for two repeat session and again, have an improvement in the knee. I recognise there will be a need for regular visits but this beats the one off injections or surgery. I have to commend Darren for his professional approach, the transparent explanations and indeed, reference to up to date research in the use of the equipment. These visits have made a real difference to my lifestyle although I think I’ll just be walking the dog around the cricket pitch these days. I highly recommend Physis.

Ken T

Summary

Darren demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional development and advancing the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. He regularly attends both national and international conferences to stay at the forefront of emerging research and clinical practice.

In addition, he frequently lectures to physiotherapists, other healthcare professionals, industry colleagues, and members of the public, sharing his expertise on musculoskeletal assessment, rehabilitation, and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Through these activities, he not only maintains the highest standard of clinical practice but also contributes to the education and development of the wider healthcare community.

He continues to work clinically in Edinburgh within Physis Physiotherapy.