A PHYSIOTHERAPIST from St Neots has become the latest recipient of the prestigious Fellowship award from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Jennie Longbottom, the practice principal and founder of Parks Physiotherapy in St Neots, was one of four phys

A PHYSIOTHERAPIST from St Neots has become the latest recipient of the prestigious Fellowship award from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Jennie Longbottom, the practice principal and founder of Parks Physiotherapy in St Neots, was one of four physiotherapists given the award in December, in recognition of her role in advancing the use of acupuncture in physiotherapy.

Mrs Longbottom was singled out for being a key figure in acupuncture's acceptance as a mainstream technique which is now practised by over 13,000 physiotherapists. She is also a former chair of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, which now has over 6000 members, and is responsible for the developmental and educational standards in the field.

Mrs Longbottom, who was presented with the Fellowship award at a ceremony at the Russell Hotel in London, said the attitude to acupuncture had changed dramatically in the past 20 years.

"When I started, we were not allowed to use acupuncture as physios, but it is now a very popular and widespread technique," she said.

"It was quite a shock to win the award, but I am very proud to receive it, especially as it is decided by a group of peers.