Sonia Crabtree

Sonia Crabtree is a Lecturer in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy at the University of Leicester, affiliated with the School of Healthcare. She transitioned to full-time academic roles in 2017 after 27 years in NHS clinical practice, including senior roles at multiple hospitals such as the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Her clinical expertise spans intensive care, respiratory care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and breathing pattern disorders.

Education & Qualifications:

• MSc in Physiotherapy (Coventry University, 2019)
• Physiotherapy qualification (1990)

Research Interests:

Dr. Crabtree focuses on physiotherapy practices in acute and critical care settings, including rehabilitation protocols for ICU patients and the management of breathing pattern disorders. Her work integrates clinical experience with educational innovation to enhance patient outcomes in respiratory and cardiac care.

Professional Memberships:

• Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) registrant
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• Member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (ACPRC)

Teaching & Practice:

She combines academic teaching with clinical practice, having taught physiotherapy students at Coventry University and the University of Leicester since 2014. Her teaching emphasizes evidence-based approaches to cardiorespiratory care and critical care rehabilitation.