§ 01 · Meet Paul
Brief
Paul Close qualified as a physiotherapist in New Zealand in 2002. Twenty years later he has treated international cricketers across three continents, consulted for the BLACKCAPS, the IPL, and India's National Cricket Academy, and worked alongside strength and conditioning staff for some of the most demanding bowlers in the world.
The through-line in all of that work is diagnosis first. Paul does not book patients into standing six-week programmes. He assesses what is wrong, treats what is treatable, and sends people home with the two or three things that will actually change the pattern. Most patients see him four to six times. Some once. Nobody more than they need.
The Glen Innes clinic is the local version of that practice. Fifty-minute first visits. Quiet rooms. No treadmills. Same method used on Test cricketers, now available to your Saturday squad, your triathlon coach, and your desk-work lower back.
Timeline
Registered physiotherapist, New Zealand
First international cricket appointment
National Cricket Academy (NCA), India — rehab consultancy
Indian Premier League — Mumbai Indians medical team
BLACKCAPS bowlers programme — consultant physiotherapist
Glen Innes clinic opens; domestic practice expands
§ In their words
One of the most professional and knowledgeable physios I've worked with.
Rahul Dravid
Former India captain / head coach
One of the best physios I have worked with.
Trent Boult
Black Caps · Fast bowler
A world class physiotherapist. A pleasure to work with.
Shane Bond
Black Caps bowling coach · IPL
Got me back on the field faster than expected.
Kevin Pietersen
England · Batsman
Paul's efforts in keeping me on the field will always be appreciated.
Zaheer Khan
India · Fast bowler
His ability to diagnose and treat, exceptional and very efficient.
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Australia · All-rounder
Couldn't have had a better physio.
Varun Aaron
India · Fast bowler
Sought and respected by many international cricketers.
Paul Chapman
Queensland / Mumbai Indians · Team trainer