Meet The Team
At Dorset Physio, we believe that recovery and performance are about more than treatment — they’re about people.
Our team brings together clinical expertise, genuine care, and a shared passion for helping every patient move, feel, and live better.
Meet the faces behind the clinic who make it all happen.
Elaine Farquharson
Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, Paddle Coach, and Founder of Dorset Physio
Elaine Farquharson qualified in 1998 from Northumbria University with honours and went on to work within NHS regional and national centres of excellence up to senior level. Her early career included time at the National Spinal Injuries Centre, where she managed and ran the Sports Therapy Department — the birthplace of the Paralympic sports movement. She later led an Amputee Rehabilitation Service, collaborating with PACE Rehabilitation and Paralympic World Cup athletes.
Elaine then returned to her passion for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy while continuing to provide physiotherapy for elite national-level athletes — both at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre and, more recently, locally with national SUP athletes through her role as a Paddle UK Coach, Trainer, and Assessor.With over 15 years in private practice, Elaine has worked in some of London’s most competitive clinics alongside leading orthopaedic consultants. As Manager of the Winterbourne Physiotherapy Department, she achieved outstanding quality and patient satisfaction ratings and introduced modern innovations such as zero-gravity treadmill and shockwave therapy. This inspired her to bring her own brand of physiotherapy care home to Dorset — creating a clinic focused on accessible, high-quality care for the Weymouth community.
Elaine brings a dynamic blend of experience and warmth to her practice, holding additional qualifications in manual therapy, acupuncture, and rehabilitation. In 2023, she also returned part-time to the NHS as a First Contact Practitioner, where she developed strong links with local GPs and hospital specialists. This role deepened her expertise in complex medical conditions and allows her to offer detailed, collaborative care — often providing second opinions, clear treatment direction, and tailored rehabilitation plans.
Outside of work, Elaine is a proud mum to her two daughters and loves spending time outdoors with them. She’s passionate about paddleboarding and skiing, and often shares her love of adventure through coaching and partnerships with Gutsy Girls Adventure Travel and SUP Norway Expeditions.
John Cancea
Physiotherapist, Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist
John studied at the University of Brighton, completing a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science followed by an MSc in Physiotherapy. Since qualifying, he has worked across a wide range of settings — including MSK outpatients (both private and NHS), trauma orthopaedics, medical wards, neurological, and respiratory physiotherapy.
During his undergraduate years, he volunteered with local cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation groups, which gave him a deep appreciation for community-based rehab and the power of exercise to improve overall wellbeing.
John also created an incredible opportunity to spend time in Canada, working in a private MSK clinic treating elite-level athletes and supporting sports teams ranging from rugby to wrestling. These experiences helped him develop a diverse toolkit of treatment approaches and strengthened his belief in patient-centred care.
Before qualifying as a physiotherapist, John worked as a personal trainer and built his own online coaching business, helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. He later qualified as a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist to expand the services he could offer — skills that he now brings to the Dorset Physio team.
Sport and exercise have always been a huge part of John’s life. He played rugby for over 14 years up to county level before turning his competitive drive toward bodybuilding, where he placed in the top three in several junior competitions.
“What I enjoy most about being a physiotherapist is helping people on their journey back to health. Whether it’s supporting someone through recovery, returning them to sport, or building confidence in everyday movement, it’s incredibly rewarding to see people achieve their goals both in and out of the gym.”
As part of the Dorset Physio team, John is passionate about linking physical exercise and mental health, and hopes to help develop services such as cardiac and pulmonary rehab groups in the future, as well as hydrotherapy for suitable clients.