Essentially, I am an Injury Rehabilitation Therapist and a specialist in the structural aspects of the human body. I have worked in MSK and neurophysiotherapy departments for NHS, private physiotherapy companies and osteopath clinics.
I have studied and continue studying medical aspects from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology, pathology, and Biodynamic Cranial Therapy as a student of Osteopathy.
I am competent in recognising what is safe to treat and not and when further investigation is needed.
I approach each patient as an individual, meaning no two patients will receive the same treatment.
Initial Consultation
The initial consultation will start with a few questions to understand what your symptoms are. In discussing your symptoms, I will first ensure that manual therapy is correct for you. Otherwise, you may be referred to another health professional for appropriate treatment, tests, or X-rays.
Questions will be about your symptoms and also about your medical history (previous surgery, fractures, sprains, illnesses, treatments and so on).
After a detailed ‘past medical history,’ I will ask you about your current problem and any other factors that could predispose or contribute to it. I will inquire about your previous injuries, physiology (heart, digestive system, etc.), sleep, nutrition, and stress levels in life.
Once I have an idea of your situation, I will perform a full postural examination, and you may need to undress to your underwear. If you prefer, you can wear shorts and a thin top. (Please contact me if you have any concerns/read below – Addressing the whole person). I may perform various tests, including blood pressure or neurological tests. I may then perform orthopaedic or mobility tests on your symptomatic area and possibly other parts of your body, as the source of the symptoms may lie elsewhere. Afterwards, I will compare what I saw to what I feel in a passive exam of your joints and muscles.
I can help you with various conditions and help you to improve your overall physical health, including:
- Improving the mobility and overall flexibility of the body’s joints
- Remove and relieve tension that is held in the muscles.
- Increasing the blood supply to the tissues in your body
- Helping the body to heal itself naturally.
Techniques
I use a very structural approach, using hands-on techniques such as.
- Osteopathic Soft Tissue mobilisation & manipulation of joints/Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Range of Movement Testing/assessment & treatment of postural, pelvic & spinal alignment
- Muscle and Joint Stretches
- Osteopathic Joint Articulation
- Acupuncture
- Specific exercise prescription for the prevention & rehabilitation of injury
- Educating/Retraining to prevent recurring injuries
- Lifestyle advice
- Naturopathy
- Rehabilitation pre- & post-surgery
- Scoliosis Correction Protocol™
- 3D Functional Movement Patterns
- Spiral Stabilization
- Rock Tape/K-Tape
- Biodynamic Cranial Therapy
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Pain
- Techniques from the USA and Europe
The techniques I choose to use will depend on your age, activities, symptoms, and wishes and will depend on what your body needs or will respond best to at that time. There is a misunderstanding about healing in popular culture. Many people think that healing is something that is done to you. It is not. Healing is something that is facilitated. Your body is hard-wired to return to health. It is based on the principle that a well-functioning body is dependent on both its structure and function working effectively together. The goal is to restore this self-correcting potential by removing the obstacles that impede healing. The normal flow of the body’s fluids can improve function by restoring proper mechanics to an area. By easing restrictions in this way, your body has the chance to mend, and you can be healthy and comfortable once again.
Addressing the Whole Person
My therapy has no specific technique; my outlook demands the body be addressed as a whole unit – body, mind and spirit. I look at the body’s interrelated parts and their dynamic relationship through my training. On top of that, I acknowledge that the interrelated nature of the body also applies to the interrelated nature of the person. This means I will consider psychosocial factors outside of your physical complaints when forming a treatment for you. For example, stress from work or home can affect your body’s ability to heal, slowing down the process. Therefore, the key to recovering from long-term pain may require both a course of treatment and lifestyle changes.
What should I wear?
I will need to palpate (touch) the area, feeling tenderness, heat and muscle texture to identify the injured area. You will be asked to perform specific movements, and your posture/gait/walking will be observed if necessary. Since COVID restrictions, I am no longer able to supply towels. For your modesty, I advise you to provide two bath-size towels for the treatment session. If your treatment involves any upper thigh or hip work, you may be asked to dress down to underwear and be covered with a towel for modesty. You should wear comfortable clothing such as shorts/t shirt. Ladies, please wear a bra that fastens at the back and tie your long hair back. Men, please wear shorts – no baggy boxers!! Please ensure all underwear is appropriate for your treatment session.
