Mrs Gillian Duncan

Gillian Duncan is a Podiatrist and the Clinical Director of Optimal Clinic. She is dedicated to helping people live active, healthy lives and achieve their personal goals. As a passionate advocate for staying active, she recognises the importance of regular exercise for both physical health and mental well-being.

Gillian completed her initial degree in Podiatric Medicine in Edinburgh and pursued a Postgraduate Research degree focused on the Biomechanics of Anterior Knee Pain in Runners (MRes). With over 15 years of experience in both hospital and private practice settings, she specialises in musculoskeletal (MSK) foot and ankle conditions. She is also a qualified personal trainer and an APPI-certified Pilates instructor, and she volunteers as a first-aid responder for rugby.

Understanding the importance of movement education in pain and injury management, Gillian also teaches Pilates at Optimal Fitness. She believes that Pilates, during and after injury, can help improve posture, flexibility, core strength, and overall muscle control.

Gillian’s collaborative approach means she works closely with patients and her team to find effective solutions and help patients recover and get back on their feet. Her specialties include sports injuries affecting the foot and ankle (such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, toe deformities, and chronic ankle injuries), diabetes-related foot care, running gait analysis, children’s foot and leg issues, orthotic solutions (such as splints and insoles), exercise therapies, footwear advice, and rehabilitation Pilates.