A member of the Physio Med network has told of his pride in seeing his pole dancing patient, friend and colleague reaching the semi-final of Sky TV's Got To Dance.

Tony Gill, of Grange Physiotherapy in Bristol, has worked with and treated Kate Czepulkowski - better known as Bendy Kate - for more than two years. Kate is not only the UK Professional Pole Champion but is also a sports massage therapist. After impressing judges on Got To Dance she was put through to the first live semi-final at the end of January.

Tony said: "Kate has a degree in Sports Therapy and as well as being an excellent sport therapist herself, knows only too well how important it is to address injuries as early as possible.

Working with Kate in Bristol and treating her professionally has been a joy as she has to work hard to get where she is now.

"Her physique has changed massively in the last two years as she has grown stronger and stronger. Most people won't appreciate just how difficult the pole moves she performs are as she makes them look so smooth and elegant. Kate dedicates huge amounts of time into her training and development and every now and then will over-exert. Because she is so fit her injuries heal rapidly with physiotherapy treatment and within hours she can be back on the pole practising and teaching.

"I was so pleased that she got the recognition she deserved on Got to Dance and while I would have loved her to have reached the final, her message that pole fitness is a serious dance will hopefully have changed the opinion of many of the public into this dance style. Bendy Kate has a great future ahead of her and we are proud of her achievements. She can rely on our professional support to help when required."

Tony, who's practice has been a Physio Med provider for six years, is also a shoulder specialist, an Extended Scope physiotherapist for the NHS and runs physio teaching company www.southwestphysio.co.uk that offers CPD courses for other therapists.