Ruth Phypers leads the Laser Medicine team, which includes outstanding individuals in their specialist areas. Donika Ivanova is our resident physiotherapist and acupuncturist, while Antonella Chierchia brings 15 years of therapeutic laser knowledge and expertise.

Donika Ivanova BSc, MSc

Donika Ivanova joins the Laser Medicine team as a full time therapist based at the Harley Street clinic. Donika brings a wealth of clinical expertise in both Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, and integrates the use of Photobiomodulation Therapy into our range of therapeutic services.

Donika graduated with a first class honours degree in Physiotherapy from City St George’s, University of London. She brings more than ten years of experience in health, social care, and people-facing roles, including direct experience supporting people with dementia, neurological conditions, and physical disabilities in home and community settings.

Donika is committed to evidence-informed practice, which helps individuals to take an active role in their rehabilitation and achieve meaningful goals. Her acupuncture experience strengthens an understanding of pain and holistic care, which she integrates into her work to support a holistic approach to patient centred rehabilitation. She is a specialist in Fertility Acupuncture, Stress Management, Acupuncture to support IVF, Facial Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture and Cupping.

Donika Ivanova is a key member of the Laser Medicine team. She works within our Health Optimisation Suite with a focus on our neurological based services to help children and adults with ASD, dementia and traumatic brain injuries, including stroke rehabilitation and dementia.

Antonella Chierchia MSc

Antonella Chierchia is a Photobiomodulation (PBM) Specialist with over 15 years of experience as a practitioner, trainer, researcher, and scientific educator. She studied Biological Sciences before pursuing advanced training in Photobiomodulation Therapy. In 2011, she qualified as a Class IV Laser Therapist with K-Laser, UK.

Antonella is passionate about Photobiomodulation and non-invasive therapies that promote cellular metabolism and the endogenous, natural healing process. She is delighted to join the Laser Medicine team, where she contributes her expertise while further advancing her clinical application of PBM and other non-invasive therapies, following the principles of Personalised Medicine.

Antonella Chierchia is an expert in the application of Class IV Laser Therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, wound healing, post-operative and post-injury rehabilitation, and infectious dermatological conditions, including verrucae and onychomycosis. She is an Honorary Consultant at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust where she worked as a Laser Therapist in the Hand Therapy Department at St Thomas’ Hospital and Guy’s Hospital.

Antonella Chierchia contributed to multiple research projects investigating the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) for metacarpal fractures, tendinopathies, scar management, and chronic pain. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of British and American researchers, her work culminated in the publication of K-Laser Therapy: Applications and Guidelines for the Treatment of Hand and Wrist, a clinical manual that remains in use across Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals. Her pilot study, Laser Therapy for Metacarpal Fractures, was awarded the British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) Best Presentation Prize in 2016.

CLNICAL RESEARCH

Antonella Chierchia collaborated on a research project conducted in partnership with King’s College London, A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Class IV Lasers on Non-Healing Neuro-Ischaemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The study was published in Diabetes Care in 2015, one of the world leading peer-reviewed journals in diabetes research.

Antonella is a trainer and clinical educator for Laser Medicine, Hue Light UK, BAHI Longevity and K-Laser UK. She provides training, education and clinical support to healthcare professionals, delivers lectures at medical conferences, and has produced more than 40 educational webinars alongside a wide range of clinical training materials.