I was inspired at a young age after seeing an osteopath. I had painful knees, but was told it was all because I was twisted in the pelvis, genius - the body is one! I studied osteopathy myself following my A levels - subsidised by being a tennis coach - and so 4 years later I graduated from the British School of Osteopathy with a distinction, and the Principal's Prize for Clinical Excellence and also the prestigious Technique Prize.
Outside of work, life largely revolves around sporting endeavors as it always has. I play football to varying standards, tennis, golf (not quite as well), and have a past in competitive cricket and basketball. Thankfully my other half understands! On a professional level I am passionate about the benefits osteopathy has to offer, and the approach that lets you understand the way the body functions in every aspect.
I also had treatment from a young age with an osteopath and was supported through various sports and accidental injuries, until I decided to study full time at the British School of Osteopathy, where I met many like-minded people, as well as my future husband (see above!)
Many people have work demands that necessitate a prompt recovery. In this respect I see osteopathy as a hugely effective form of healthcare, even when people really abuse their bodies. I have a history in competitive sport, in lacrosse and show jumping, so I can empathise with this myself.
I keep myself fit by going to the gym and going to circuit training every week. I find this helps me keep going when I've had a really physical day treating patients, as I find we perform the most hands on treatment of manual therapists.
I enjoy the time we get to spend with patients, to understand and diagnose problems. Using hands on manual techniques is satisfying to help the body heal itself, largely without the need for medication.
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Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a 'hands on' manual therapy originally developed by Andrew Taylor Still in the 19th century. It has stood the test of time and remains an incredibly effective approach to the treatment of injuries. This allows the tissues to nourish, replenish and repair themselves more naturally.
Osteopathy is a system of complete medical practice, based on the principle that health depends on the maintenance of proper relationships among the various parts of the body. According to osteopathic theory, defects in the musculo-skeletal system the muscles, bones, and joints influence the natural function of internal organs. To correct structural abnormalities, osteopathic treatment uses soft tissue techniques, massage, stretching, manipulation and mobilistation.
It is often described as very dynamic and effective. We see a wide variety of acute and chronic patients, from babies with colic, athletes preparing for competition, to office workers with headaches. We always explain the prognosis of any presentation and will assist in prescription of exercises for rehabilitation. When possible, we are always happy to discuss the relevant parts of your case with other professionals, including personal trainers or Pilates instructors for example.
Osteopathy is a statutorily regulated medical profession and we are both members of the General Osteopathic Council.
What can Osteopathy help with?
People tend to associate osteopathy with treatment of back problems and general muscle, tendon and joint conditions. That's absolutely right because osteopathy really excels in these areas but we can also help with a wide range of problems that you wouldn't necessarily automatically connect with the musculoskeletal system since osteopathic treatment improves the performance of the body overall.
Having said that, our primary work does lie in treating a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders and we specialise in sports and occupational injuries. We treat dynamically and look to help restore you to normal health as quickly as possible.
The core range of conditions we treat includes:
Low back pain
Neck pain and stiffness
Symptoms of arthritic pain
Headaches
Knee pain
Ligament strains
Sports injuries
Sciatica
Tennis elbow
Because osteopathy enhances the functioning of the body in general, including the efficiency of the circulation and nervous system, it can promote a general sense of well-being - supporting energy, vitality and mood. Regular osteopathic care helps to keep the body performing optimally and plays a role as a form of preventative medicine.
We love the wide variety of patients we see and we treat people of all ages, including babies and children. Osteopathy is a great way of coping with the postural changes (and related aches and pains) that occur in pregnancy.
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