Head physio Richie Evans had too much Christmas pudding over the festive period so we've sent him off to the health farm to get back in some sort of shape. As a result, it's given The Swan the chance we've been waiting forto draft in Richie's right-hand woman, Swans physio Ailsa Jones, to fill his regular Treatment Table column.

Ailsa recently took part in a photo-shoot and interview for ModelClick, an online magazine which is at the centre of the fashion industry within Wales and provides a networking community for people who already work and would like to work in the fashion industry.

With more and more women becoming involved in a traditionaly male-orientated sports industry, we've brought you an extract from the interview to brighten up your New Year.

And to add a bit of a twist to the interview, Ailsa is also the partner of Welsh international and Osprey rugby star Ryan Jones.

Interviewer Emma-Louise says: "The 25 year old from Swansea walks through the hotel foyer, she's dressed in a pair of tracksuit bottoms, trainers and a baggy Swansea City t-shirt carrying her kit bag; not wearing a ounce of make up while looking naturally beautiful.

"Alisa has come straight from a football match. She wasn't there as a spectator, but was working as the club's physio.

"As we head into make up she tells me about the game and it's clear to see that she is very passionate about the club. Ailsa jokes that the guys in the club would never believe that she is about to do a photo shoot on Gemini - a million pound yacht moored in Swansea Marina.''

So tell me a little bit about your background Ailsa. How did you become involved with the Swans?
I've always been interested in sport. I was lucky as a child to be introduced to many team and individual sports.I played a lot of hockey and even had a go ballet dancing!

I went to University of Wales Institute Cardiff, where I studied a degree in Sports Science. While studying for my degree I was introduced to 'Sports Injuries' and started to look into doing a physiotherapy degree. I decided it was the direction I wanted to take and I graduated in 2006 from CardiffUniversity with a BSc in Physiotherapy.

So is that how you got the job with the Swans?
I actually left Uni with no job to go to. It's just so hard to get into a job when you are starting off. I went to see physio Richie Evans at the club and asked if I could do some work experience while I looked for a hospital job. After working there for a few months, the physio recommended that I was given a full time job.

Tell me what a typical working day in the life of Ailsa Jones would be like?
Everyday is different and will depend on whether we have a midweek game. I also cover Reserve matches so I sometimes spend quite a bit of time on the bus travelling to different football clubs.Today we played against Cardiff City and drew the game 1-1.

On non-matchdays I get into work in the morning to meet my 'patients for the day'. This is when Richie and myself assess any new injuries that the players have picked up over the weekend's games and during the week and reassess those with longer term injuries. I implement the rehabilitation programmes for each of these players.Fitness sessions are carried out either in the pool or in the gym depending on the injury.

Players break for lunch, then return to the treatment room for afternoon treatment, rehab and fitness. It is important that players maintain their fitness levels while injured, so they're able to return to training as soon as they recover.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing players return to sport after been in long term rehab is very satisfying and motivating. Skipper Garry Monk was out for the whole of last season with a severe knee injury. His rehab followed the same pattern as above with a few outdoor bike rides around Port Talbot! To see his return for the Swans and playing with such determination and talent is very rewarding for the many days spent with Garry over his long rehab time.

My role in Swansea City also involves implementing prevention of injuries programmes for each player. Recovery is a key component of our prevention programme at the club. I also have a role in monitoring the players' recovery programmes and their nutritional requirements. Ice baths are taken post game, recovery drinks and nutritional meals are eaten and massage is available when needed by the players.

So no McDonald's for the boys then?
Not on my watch!

You must get on with the players? Well you'd hope you do after having to spend that much time with them?
Yeah I do. There's lots of friendly banter and there's real characters in SwanseaCity and I do feel part of the team. Growing up with an older brother I'm used to it and can give as good as I get! There's never any bitching so it's quite cool, everyone is really easy to get on with. We are at the top end of the league at the moment and going strong for promotion and I wish all the boys the best of luck. Sorry, but I had to get that in as we all want them to get the promotion they deserve.

Do you find it difficult working in such a male dominated environment?
Not at all. Everyone respects you as a professional and treats you like any other member of the club. Remember I have plenty of opportunity to get my own back! There are few women working in sport let alone female physios working in a male dominated sport. Although more female physios graduate from university, more male physios work in sport.I am honoured to be fulfilling my dream working as a sports physiotherapist within a successful team.

What do you do in your spare time?

I start my day each morning with a run with my dog Kiefer as it prepares me for the day ahead.I also teach Pilates and Aerobics at my local village hall. We do go to some functions and get to go for dinner occasionally. I love getting dressed up!

I suppose between the rugby and your football you get to go to lots of fab events?
We go to a few; it's just nice to get dressed up for a change.

So what do you wear to work?
Pretty much what I came in today; joggers, t-shirt, trainers/togs, big warm fleece, a hat to keep my ears warm, gloves, waterproof coat and my pink long johns underneath it all! I have to wear something girly under all that, don't I?