Llandarcy Academy of Sport, Llandarcy, Skewen, Neath SA10 6JD
Tel: 01639 288 445
Dr Mark Ridgewell
Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine and Musculoskeletal Injuries
MBBS · FFSEM · MSc · Pg Dip MSK Ultrasound
Helping you understand your injury, your options, and the clearest path back to the activities that matter to you.
35+
years'
experience
4.98
patient
rating
1st
in Wales on
Specialist GMC
register
Dr Glick Award
2025
Highest honour
within WTA Performance Health
Consultant Clinic
Is this right for you?
Who Dr Ridgewell sees
Sport and Exercise Medicine covers a wide spectrum, from elite athletes to anyone managing pain from everyday activity. You do not need to be sporty to be seen.
Active people with injuries
​
Soft tissue injuries, overuse problems, or pain that's holding you back from sport, exercise, or daily life at any level of ability.
Those managing joint pain or arthritis
​
Persistent joint pain, age-related wear, or diagnosed arthritis including advice on staying active and injection therapies where appropriate.
People wanting to get more active
​
If pain, injury history, or uncertainty about where to start is preventing you from exercising, Dr Ridgewell can help build a safe, personalised plan.
Do I need a GP referral?​
No, you can self-refer directly. If you have relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI scans) or letters from previous consultants, please bring these to your first appointment. If you are using private medical insurance, please check your policy as some require GP authorisation before a specialist consultation.
Conditions & Treatments
What he treats
Dr Ridgewell manages the full spectrum of musculoskeletal and sports injuries, from acute sprains to long-standing tendon or joint problems.
-
​Shoulder, elbow & wrist pain
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​Back & neck pain
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Hip, groin & knee pain
-
Ankle sprains & foot pain
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Tendon injuries & tendinopathy
-
Muscle injuries & rehabilitation
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Overuse & stress-related injuries
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Joint arthritis & cartilage conditions
-
Adolescent & female athlete injuries
Treatments available in clinic​
​
Dr Ridgewell uses a range of in-clinic interventions — he will recommend only those appropriate for your diagnosis.
01 Diagnostic ultrasound
Real-time imaging at the point of consultation to confirm diagnosis and guide
treatment decisions.
02 Guided injections
Corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid (joint lubrication), or platelet rich plasma (PRP) —
ultrasound-guided for precision.
​​
03 Rehabilitation planning
A structured return-to activity or return-to sport plan, often coordinated with
physiotherapy.
What to expect
Your appointment
Dr Ridgewell's approach is thorough and collaborative. Most patients leave their first appointment with a clear diagnosis, a plan, and a timeline.
1. History & listening​
A detailed conversation about your symptoms, how they started, what affects them, and what your goals are.
2. Physical examination​
A hands-on assessment, often followed by an ultrasound scan in the same appointment if clinically
relevant.
3. Diagnosis & discussion​
Dr Ridgewell will explain what he has found, what it
means, and present your
treatment options — with time for your questions.
4. Treatment & follow -up​
Some treatments can begin the same day. Others involve physiotherapy, further imaging, or onward referral to a surgeon if needed.
Working with your team
Dr Ridgewell works closely with physiotherapists, osteopaths, and orthopaedic surgeons. Where appropriate he will coordinate your care across providers and communicate with your GP.
About Dr Ridgewell
Experience that matters to your care
The detail below is not a CV, it is context for the standard of assessment and the breadth of conditions he manages day-to-day.
Fellow of the Faculty of Sport & Exercise Medicine (FFSEM)
Recognised UK specialist in Sport and Exercise Medicine.
GMC Specialist Register —Sport & Exercise Medicine
(2010)
First physician in Wales to achieve this specialist registration.
​​​​​
Postgraduate Diploma in MSK Ultrasound
Enables same-appointment scanning and ultrasound-guided procedures.
​
22 years as NHS Clinical Lead, Musculoskeletal Services
Swansea Bay University Health Board - broad population of patients across all ages and activity levels.
​35+ years in elite sport medicine
Rugby union, tennis, athletics, swimming, cricket, gymnastics, netball and more. International and professional level throughout.
Current roles in elite performance
Lead doctor LTA major tournaments, players doctor WTA since 2012- including HSBC Championships at Queens Club, Birmingham Classic and Wimbledon Championships. Loughborough National Tennis academy 2021-2025.
​
Consultant Sport Medicine Physician to English National Ballet School and Loughborough Lightning Netball.
Special interest
Multiple sports, the developing athlete, overuse injuries and women's sport.
Book your consultation
Dr Ridgewell runs clinics at Darcy Healthcare fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons. First appointments typically last 30 minutes. Please bring any relevant scans, imaging, or letters from previous consultants.
​
First consultation: £240
Follow up face to face: £130
Virtual follow up: £80