Rhian Witham

Rhian Witham is an Extended Scope Physiotherapist with more than 15 years of specialist expertise in shoulder and upper‑limb conditions. Working within North Bristol NHS Trust, she collaborates closely with Orthopaedic Shoulder Consultants to assess complex presentations and lead evidence‑based management across both conservative and surgical pathways.

Rhian established and leads the Acute Shoulder Clinic, providing rapid early assessment for traumatic and acute shoulder injuries referred from A&E, Fracture Clinic and Primary Care. She also heads the shoulder service within the MSK physiotherapy team, managing a caseload of highly complex shoulder & upper limb patients including  instability and post‑operative patients.

Alongside her clinical work, Rhian contributes significantly to service development, triage processes and workforce development. She mentors physiotherapists and MSc students, supports departmental competency frameworks, and teaches widely across the region.. As an active member of the British Elbow & Shoulder Society (BESS),  and maintains strong multidisciplinary networks.

Rhian is recognised for her advanced clinical reasoning, collaborative approach and commitment to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care across the entire shoulder and upper‑limb pathway.