Dr. Peter Johnston, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic
My Story
Dr. Peter Johnston is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a clinical focus on treating acute to chronic musculoskeletal pain across all ages - from everyday individuals to professional athletes. Peter’s approach to care is holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centered. He strongly believes that hands-on treatment can play a valuable role in reducing pain, restoring movement, and building trust in the early stages of recovery. At the same time, he is equally committed to ensuring that patients understand their pain and develop the skills to manage it confidently themselves. He believes the body is the ultimate healer when given the right tools, guidance, and support. Since qualifying as a chiropractor in 2022, Peter has worked in multi-disciplinary chiropractic clinics, combining high-quality hands-on care with structured rehabilitation and education. This experience shaped a clear philosophy: while skilled manual therapy can be an important catalyst for change, long-term improvement comes from empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery. Treatment is not about being “fixed” by a practitioner, but about being supported, guided, and equipped to regain independence. Peter was drawn to evolving models of pain care after observing gaps in traditional systems. He frequently saw patients who had waited over 14 weeks for NHS physiotherapy appointments, only to receive exercises without clear explanation or context. In private practice, he observed a different challenge - well-intentioned care that sometimes fostered poor reasoning, little to no plan, no self-management techniques and patients left disheartened. His work now focuses on integrating the best of both worlds: providing appropriate hands-on care when needed, while prioritising education, movement, and long-term self-management. Through clear communication, guided assessment, and individualised planning, Peter helps patients understand their pain, regain confidence in movement, and develop practical strategies that extend far beyond the treatment room. Patients working with Peter can expect to be truly listened to, given clear and honest explanations, and supported with a personalised plan that includes hands-on treatment, rehabilitation, and structured self-management strategies - all aligned with their goals and designed to create sustainable results.
Personal Pain Journey
Dr. Johnston also brings personal experience to his work in pain care. He has lived with an L5/S1 disc protrusion with S1 nerve compression, as well as periods of chronic widespread pain, giving him firsthand insight into the uncertainty, frustration, and disruption that persistent pain can bring to daily life. During this time, he underwent investigations for ankylosing spondylitis due to the widespread nature of his symptoms. While these tests were negative, imaging revealed a previously unknown fractures of his thoracic spine alongside the disc herniation. This experience became a turning point. Despite receiving hands-on care, his symptoms did not improve in a meaningful or lasting way—making it clear that a different approach was needed. His recovery did not come from a single treatment or quick fix, but through specific hands on care, changing beliefs about pain, modifying behaviors, and making purposeful lifestyle changes. This journey fundamentally reshaped how he practices, reinforcing his belief that long-term improvement comes from understanding pain, building confidence in movement, and supporting the body’s capacity to adapt and recover. This personal perspective allows Peter to relate closely to patients’ experiences and guide them with empathy, clarity, and realism - helping them move forward with knowledge, confidence, and a clear, achievable plan.
Life Outside of Clinic
Outside of clinical practice, Peter places a strong emphasis on exercise, movement, and overall well-being. He has played golf since the age of 10 and has extensive experience in weight training, having trained for both hypertrophy and strength since his early teens. He also runs regularly and is no stranger to longer distances, including half marathons with the ambition to run an ultra marathon. When he’s not working or training, Peter enjoys spending time outdoors. He relaxes by golfing, fishing, and hiking, and can often be found on the rocky coastline of West Wales, fishing for bass and pollock. These interests reflect his belief that staying active, connected to nature, and maintaining balance are key components of long-term physical and mental health