Do you…
- Suffer from back pain – either recent onset or longstanding?
- Experience sciatica (shooting pain down the back of your legs)?
- Have an achy neck and shoulders, possibly from work-related posture?
- Ever experience headaches from neck and shoulder tension?
- Suffer with elbow pain, such as tennis elbow?
- Have a frozen shoulder?
- Have painful osteo-arthritis in your back, hips or knees which makes your joints stiff and mobility difficult?
- Ever experience cramp or muscle spasms?
- Suffer with niggling sports injuries that keep you in the side-lines or stop you performing to your best?
- Suffer with rheumatic pain?
If any of these medical conditions, or general aches and pains, is holding you back from leading a full and active life, then you may benefit from Osteopathy treatments to decrease your pain, increase your mobility and relieve any muscle tensions and spasms.
Call me now on: 07971 257541 or email: Sandra@timeouttherapies.co.uk to see how I can help!
Why Choose Me for Osteopathy treatment?
I’m passionate about Osteopathy because of its holistic approach, which often distinguishes it from other bodywork professions such as Physiotherapy and Chiropractics. Osteopaths fundamentally believe that the body is a unit and that its structure governs its function – in practical terms this means that I will seek out the root cause of your problem, which may be located in a different area to the presenting symptoms. For example, a difference in leg length may result in compensations in your upper back, which may be the reason for your neck pain! I, therefore, do not just treat your presenting symptoms, but instead try to find a long term resolution to your pain or immobility.
No two Osteopaths work in the same way, which is why it is important to find a practitioner you feel comfortable with. The overwhelming feedback I receive from my patients is that I take the time to listen to your problem and am patient focused.
Why do I believe I can make a difference to your health and wellbeing?
Since 2006 I have undertaken extensive study in holistic healthcare in order to be able to deliver safe, effective treatments which genuinely improve my patients’ quality of life. To further my medical knowledge in 2009 I enrolled on an Osteopathy degree at Oxford Brookes University and at the end of my five year course I was awarded a First Class Honours degree and graduated top of the class.
Having qualified as an Osteopath, I am now a primary healthcare professional, which means I can diagnose problems and identify the root cause, thereby restoring your physical and psychosocial well-being.
I am passionate about working with my patients to achieve their health goals, whether you are struggling with pain or decreased mobility then I am confident I can help. To see how I’ve made a difference to my patients’ wellbeing, please read my Testimonials from patients who have received Osteopathy treatments from me.
What Does a Treatment Entail?
I use a variety of treatment techniques within a session which typically involve massage, stretching of muscles, muscle engagement against resistance, mobilisation of joints and spinal manipulation (aka clicking of joints). I also use cranial osteopathy which uses a very light touch on the head and / or sacrum, which many patients find deeply relaxing.
The type of treatment techniques I use varies from patient to patient depending on the presenting condition and the type of modality you would prefer; some patients like a gentle approach, whilst others prefer stronger manipulation. Many patients are reticent about receiving manipulation, as I was before training in Osteopathy, but please be assured that this is only conducted with your express consent – there are always other techniques I can use.
Initially, I will assess your posture and ask you to run through a few different movements to see how well your spine and joints move. I will generally begin your treatment at your first appointment, but sometimes I may require further tests such as blood tests or scans. Occasionally I may diagnose an illness that I am unable to treat and will refer you to your GP or other appropriate healthcare professional. In these cases, my consultation fee will still apply.
Postural advice and individualised strengthening and stretching exercise plans are given at the end of the session to complement your treatment and help your progress. I can also use Kinesio tape, if necessary.
The General Osteopathic Council have produced a couple of leaflets which you may find helpful:
How Long Does a Session Last?
The initial session lasts around an hour and fifteen minutes during which I will ask you about your symptoms, medical history (please bring details of any medication you have been prescribed) and lifestyle. This is very important as it will help me to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment. I will record what you say in my notes which will be kept confidentially in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. If you wish, you may ask for a copy of these notes, however, an administration fee will be charged.
Follow up sessions are 30 – 40 minutes duration.
What to Wear
In order to examine you effectively you will be invited to undress as far as underwear for examination and treatment purposes. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please feel free to bring a pair of light sports shorts/leggings and a vest top. Wearing jeans and bulky jumpers makes it very difficult to perform an effective examination and treatment.
Your modesty is maintained throughout the session with the use of towels or your clothing.
How Will I Feel After My Treatment?
You may experience some discomfort for up to 24 hours after the treatment. This is a normal process as your body responds to the changes that have been made.
Most mechanical strains take about 4-6 weeks to recover; with treatment the pain can clear up within a couple of weeks or even a few days in some cases. Some problems can take longer to recover, particularly when the symptoms have been present for a long time or where other factors interfere with the healing process. Please be patient with your body and allow sufficient time for improvements to take place.
The Reassurance of Regulation
All Osteopaths have been regulated by statue since 1993 and are required by law to register with the General Osteopathic Council, who promote patient safety by ensuring Osteopaths meet a strict code of conduct.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
As I am a Registered Osteopath, I meet the criteria for members who wish to claim for their treatments under the Healthshield Cash Plan, Simply Health Cash Plan and Vitality Health Insurance.
