Meet Saara
I’m Saara — a Chartered Physiotherapist, Pilates instructor, and mum of two — living with my family in the beautiful Cotswold countryside just outside Bath.
Sport has always been at the centre of my life. Growing up, I competed at a high level in both athletics and lacrosse — experiences that gave me invaluable lessons and, inevitably, my fair share of injuries. A significant ankle injury while studying Sports Science at Loughborough University first made me consider whether supporting others through their recovery could become my own career path.
After graduating, I worked as a Physiotherapy Assistant in a chronic head injury and neurological unit. That experience was both humbling and inspiring — it opened my eyes to what true rehabilitation means: helping people achieve physical goals that once felt out of reach. It cemented my decision to retrain, and I went on to complete a two-year accelerated Master’s in Physiotherapy at the University of Southampton, qualifying as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 2006.
Over the next eight years, I worked across two NHS trusts in the south of England, progressing through a variety of specialist rotations including rheumatology, hydrotherapy, upper limb and hand rehabilitation, and orthopaedics. These years gave me a strong clinical foundation and a deep respect for the power of movement in both recovery and long-term health.
Whether I’m treating a client one-to-one or leading a class, I’m passionate about helping people move better, recover well, and enjoy the confidence that comes with feeling strong, capable, and connected with their bodies.
When I’m not working with clients or teaching classes, you’ll usually find me outdoors, keeping active, or spending time with family and friends. Balancing family life with my passion for movement has shaped the grounded, realistic approach I bring to my work: helping people move better, feel stronger, and enjoy confidence in their bodies.
After relocating to the Cotswolds, I moved fully into private practice. Every person I see receives a tailored assessment and treatment plan, drawing on a combination of techniques such as acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, myofascial release, exercise-based rehabilitation, and Pilates. My approach is always individual and focused on helping clients achieve their own goals in a way that’s effective, evidence-based, and empowering.
Alongside my clinical work, my love of sport has remained a driving force. I’ve had the privilege of working as physiotherapist for the Welsh U19 and England U21 lacrosse squads, which deepened my interest in “prehab” and long-term rehabilitation — helping people not only recover from injury but also prevent it.
This philosophy led me to train in and teach Pilates, incorporating it into my physiotherapy practice and, eventually, building it into a thriving programme of weekly, physio-led Pilates classes across Sherston and Marshfield. These classes range from beginner to advanced level and continue to run at full capacity, with waiting lists for most classes.
Now, as Karhu Health evolves, I’m excited to open my own home studio in West Kington — a dream that’s been years in the making. Set within our old farmhouse, the studio will offer a warm, welcoming space. Here, I’ll continue to run my matwork Pilates classes and also introduce 1:1 and small-group sessions using specialist Pilates equipment such as reformers, wall towers, arc barrels, and combo chairs.
I am very lucky to live in a stunning area in the cotswolds, as part of a multigenerational setup with my husband, two children, my father and a collection of animals that keep us all busy. Our beautiful old farmhouse inspired the creation of my home studio — a space that combines family life, countryside calm, and movement in all its forms.
My happy place is definitely in the countryside, preferably in the mountains skiing but happily walking and exploring! A former junior international lacrosse player, a county heptathlete, a recreational rockclimber both in and outdoors, a village netballer. With a half marathon, a bungee jump, a skydive, and an intro to cricket course under my belt, I'm happy to give most things a go!
Qualifications & Training
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MSc Physiotherapy – University of Southampton
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BSc Physical Education, Sports Science and Recreation Management – Loughborough University
The Story Behind Karhu Health
The name Karhu has a special significance within my family. It’s inspired by Karhunen — an old family name connected to my Finnish heritage, which translates to family of bears. The bear is a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and grounded stability, qualities that have always resonated deeply with me. After my mum passed away, this symbol became even more meaningful, and when the time came to start this new chapter, Karhu Health felt like a natural way to honour that connection.
The bear embodies everything I hope to bring to my work — strength, stability, and confidence in movement. That’s what Karhu Health represents: a space where people can rebuild, reconnect, and grow stronger.
We’re fortunate to live in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, in a historic farmhouse with 3 generations of family and a plethora of animals. Within this space, I’ve been able to fulfil a long-held dream: creating a studio where I can treat patients and develop my Pilates teaching, surrounded by family, nature, and the values that inspire Karhu Health.
Meet Claire
Claire Fitzpatrick MCSP POGP HCPC Reg
Specialist in pelvic health physiotherapy, pilates and sports rehabilitation
Claire has 17 years of clinical experience having worked for the NHS, Bupa and the APPI, one of the world’s leading Pilates institutions. She is passionate about getting people back to what they love doing, and prides herself in making exercise enjoyable and accessible for all.
Claire's approach is sensitive and thorough. I am committed to working alongside you, understanding your unique goals, and tailoring a plan to meet them. Our collaborative journey will involve a blend of hands-on treatment, such as manual therapy and massage, and targeted strengthening exercises, like pelvic floor exercises and core strengthening routines.
You can read more about Claire and book specialist sessions with her via her website Fitz & Physio
Meet Hannah
Hannah Freeth MCSP HCPC Reg
Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Hannah graduated from the University of Southampton in 2006 and brings over 18 years of experience working in both the NHS and private practice across Bristol and London. After ten successful years in London, she has relocated back to the West Country.
She has a broad range of experience in all aspects of rehabilitation, including orthopaedic medicine, rheumatology, and occupational health. Hannah’s strong personal interest in sport fuels her passion for helping patients recover from injuries, optimise performance, and prepare for sporting events. A keen skier and former elite endurance runner, she has held a UK Athletics Level 2 Endurance Coach qualification and has worked with football, cricket, and athletics teams both in the UK and internationally — including at the Indoor Cricket World Cup in Australia (2010).
Hannah is highly skilled in treating all musculoskeletal conditions, including work-related injuries and chronic pain. Alongside manual physiotherapy, she has postgraduate qualifications and extensive experience in acupuncture. She continues to advance her knowledge through regular professional development, with recent postgraduate training in female pelvic health, patellofemoral pain, and chronic pain management.
Furthering her holistic approach to movement and recovery, Hannah has also completed training in Clinical Pilates with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI). She offers 1:1 Pilates sessions as well as teaching in Sherston, helping clients build strength, stability, and confidence in their movement..
Pilates Team
I’m delighted to have fellow Chartered Physiotherapists, Hannah Freeth and Claire Fitzpatrick, recently join the team to lead some of the the classes both at Sherston Village Hall and Latimer Studio.
Hannah and Claire both share my passion for helping people move well and stay active, and bring their own expertise and energy to the sessions — ensuring the same high-quality, physio-led approach that Karhu Health is known for.
I’m delighted to have fellow Chartered Physiotherapists, Hannah Freeth and Claire Fitzpatrick, recently join the team to lead some of the the classes both at Sherston Village Hall and Latimer Studio.
Hannah and Claire both share my passion for helping people move well and stay active, and bring their own expertise and energy to the sessions — ensuring the same high-quality, physio-led approach that Karhu Health is known for.