Osteopath , Find Osteopath, Cranial Osteopathy

The Berkeley Clinic

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Osteopath Network Clinic Focus

The Berkeley Clinic, conveniently located near Marble Arch in central London is a family-run international health clinic. The clinic offers a wide range of both new and traditional complementary therapies specialising in osteopathy, chiropractic and massage.

Practice Principal, Dr. Jonathan Le Bon, explains "you have to treat everybody as an individual. Everybody has a different demeanour and understanding of themselves. A lot of people can take gentle, articulated techniques but can’t take the more vigorous treatments that perhaps sports people are happy with and suit their bodies more.

To make an Osteopath appointment with Dr Le Bon please visit The Berkeley Clinic

Benjamin Court Osteopath Fairford

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The Family Osteopath in Fairford, Gloucestershire offers a range of gentle, non invasive treatments for health issues at every life stage. Benjamin Court, principle practitioner, enjoys general practice osteopathy treating patients from day old babies through to the elderly, and for a wide range of different aches, pains and ills. Benjamin is highly proficient in both structural and cranial osteopathy. From every day aches and pains that seem to happen for no apparent reason to those caused by accidents and illness, through to pregnancy, infants and babies, and later life. Our approach is based on understanding and correcting causes of musculoskeletal issues, and we have enjoyed success with chronic long term injuries and illnesses, as well as acute episodes of pain.

To make an appointment to please visit The Family Osteopath

Arthritic Association Osteopath Study

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The Arthritic Association invites expressions of interest from qualified osteopaths in being paid to study de Coti-Marsh and become Scholars of his works to deliver expert consulting services.

Mr Ian Sketchley from the Arthritic Association comments, "this is simply a marvellous and current opportunity for Osteopaths to win charitable funding for a study period, and to support their professional services too."

The Arthritic Association was founded in 1942 by Charles de Coti-Marsh to enable its members to regain freedom from pain, flexibility in their limbs and to lead full and active lives. The charity pursues its founder’s pioneering work today convinced that the onset of arthritis manifests itself in the gut and can be caused by an old spinal injury. The turning points lie in nutrition and, crucially, the assessment of patients – investigating trapped nerves, muscle spasms, pelvic distortion.

Telephone Ian Sketchley 0800 652 3188 or 01323 416550
Email: ian@arthriticassociation.org.uk
Registered Charity 292569

Hereford Natural Health Osteopath

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Pushpa from the Hereford Centre Natural Health and Ludlow Osteopathic Clinic, has recently joined the Osteopath Network.With 20 years of experience treating patients Pushpa treats a wide range of muscular-skeletal conditions.

To make an appointment to please vist Hereford Centre Natural Health or Ludlow Osteopathic Clinic

Osteopath Anne Cook Joins the Osteopath Network

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Ann Cook from the Castle Street Clinic, Guildford has recently joined the Osteopath Network. She is an experienced Osteopath using both structural and cranial techniques. From her Guildford clinic she is available to treat people of all ages and all sorts of conditions for the whole body. Anne has undertaken postgraduate study of osteopathy in the cranial field, and has experience in paediatrics and learning difficulties.

To make an appointment to see Ann please vist Castle Clinic

Brunel University Chronic Low Back Pain Study

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Brunel University are looking for anyone with chronic low back pain (CLBP) to participate in a PhD research study at exploring individuals experiences including: satisfaction with treatment, quality of life, pain, functional disability, and coping. If you have CLBP and would like to help us with this research study then please contact Diana Rofail (Senior Project Manager) on diana.rofail@sky.com or call 07809 492 185.

Back Show Free Pass

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

We are pleased to offer a limited number of free passes to the most important event for back care sufferers this year. The Back Care Show is an unmissable event for those afflicted by back pain. The event on 4th & 5th October 2008, at Kensington Olympia, will feature free seminars, treatment programmes and show case a wide variety of back care products.

Click here to download your free pass. Limited time only!

New Council

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Monday 8th September marks the launch of the General Osteopathic Council’s (GOsC) campaign to recruit members for the reformed council.

The change to a new smaller council is in line with all other healthcare regulators in compliance with the Governments planned reforms for health.

The new Council is set to be reformed by April 2009. It will comprise 14 members (previously 24), constituting 7 osteopaths and 7 lay persons. Thirteen new members are being sought since the current chair, Professor Adrian Eddleston, will remain for a further four-year term up until the end of March 2013.

All new members are to be appointed by an independant body – the Appointments Commission, ‘an additional requirement is that the at least one member of the General Council must live or work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales’ (GOsc Website).

The new Council will play a role in developing osteopathic regulation in the UK whilst continuing to ensure quality in patient care.

For more information on osteopathy or to apply to be part of the new Council, click here.

Clinical effects of resistance training in patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Osteopaths are becoming increasingly aware of the need to prescribe exercises to help strengthen the muscles supporting the knee in patients suffering with any knee dysfunction and especially in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.

A recent random controlled trial was performed by Mei-Hwa Jan et al (2008) set out to investigated the ‘Clinical Effects of High – Low Resistance Training for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis’. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of high and low resistance strength training in elderly subjects; research has shown that high-resistance exercise is more beneficial than low resistance exercises in younger subjects.

Baseline statistics were collected on pain and walking speed on 4 different terrains; level ground, stairs, figure of 8 pattern and spongy surface.
The authors found significant improvements for all measures in both of the exercise groups after 8 weeks of resistance strength training, although they found no significant difference between the high and low resistance groups (slightly greater improvement scores in the high resistance group), both groups performed better than the control group (no exercise) after the intervention.

In conclusion, resistance strength training has been shown to be significantly effective in improving pain and disability scores in older patients with knee osteoarthritis. The effects of high resistance strength training appear to be slightly greater than low resistance strength training for people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

CAMexpo this October

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

This October, the Complementary, Natural and Integrated Healthcare show (CAMexpo) is coming to Earl’s Court and thanks to its new venue, it’s promising to be bigger and better than before.
The event run’s over the 25th -26th October and will be showcasing a fantastic range of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) products and services.

Who should visit?
The CAMexpo is dedicated to meeting the needs of the entire complementary healthcare industry, whether you are a practitioner, therapist, student or simply interested in CAM products, this show has it all.

Osteopathy - Chiropractic – Nutritionists – Homeopaths - Alexander Technique - Acupuncture - Ayurvedic practitioners – Aromatherapists – Reflexology – Reiki – Shiatsu – Sports Therapists – Beauty Therapists.

Osteopaths may be interested in the FREE seminar programme running over both days and offers practitioners a chance to gain CPPD points.

For more information about the show and where to buy tickets click here.

The Back Show is back

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Not only is The Back Show the event for the millions of people whose lives are affected by back pain, but it also offers a great opportunity for specialists such as Osteopaths, GP’s, Orthopaedic Surgeons and Neurologists to get together and discuss the latest developments in the care of those suffering with back pain.

This years ‘The Back show’ is being held at Olympia, London on the 4th and 5th of October. The show boasts exhibitions from over 100 of the UK’s specialist companies offering the latest in back-care products and services.

This year’s show is proud to offer The Education Zone; a programme of free seminars providing information on back pain from some of the most prominent specialists in the field.

In addition to The Education Zone, visitors will also be able to take part exercise classes for FREE at The Therapy Zone. Classes include therapies such as; Pilates, Yoga, Flexibar, Alexander Technique and many more.

If all that sounds a little too energetic then you can head for The Relaxation Zone where you can indulge in a little pampering. There are a vast number of treatments on offer ranging from Indian Head Massage to Acupressure.

Tickets to The Back Show cost £7.50 in advance and £12.50 on the day. The show is open daily from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday. For more information click here.

Migraine Awareness Week coming up

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Around 8 million people in the UK suffer with migraine. To help raise the profile of this debilitating headache, The Migraine Trust launched Migraine Awareness Week.

This years event falls from the 7th – 13th September and to mark the occasion we have produced an article covering the different types of headache and what can be done to help alleviate them.

The number of people in the UK suffering with migraine is greater than those suffering from diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined. Although the cause of migraine is still unclear, there are now many treatments available, both conventional and complementary which can help alleviate the symptoms. There is as yet, no cure for migraine.

Complementary treatments for all types of headache include therapies such as Osteopathy. As well as giving simple first aid advice i.e. rest, re-hydrate, and pain control, osteopaths will focus on the structural and functional pre-disposing factors to the condition. Osteopaths will look at your posture, diet, medical status and lifestyle, in order to help you to reduce the number and severity of attacks.

A couple of dates for your diary:

• 4th - 7th September 2008 - Scientific conference
The European Headache and Migraine Trust International Congress (EHMTIC) 2008) is an event where international neurologists and researchers meet to discuss the very latest in migraine research and treatments. Members of the public can attend a special session on the last day (Sunday 7th) of the conference.

• Saturday 13th September 2008 – Introduction to Migraine workshop
This free event is aimed at those who have recently been diagnosed with the condition. It marks the end of Migraine Awareness Week and is hosted by The Migraine Awareness Trust. For more information click here.

The Migraine Trust is the UK’s leading research and support charity for people suffering with migraine. Founded in 1965, over the years it has invested over £3million into research projects to try to establish more about the condition and how it can be treated. The charity is committed to supporting sufferers by improving diagnosis, treatments, information and advice.

Team Osteopath is back!

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Dust off your trainers and warm up your cheering apparatus as Team Osteopath will once again be running in The British 10k London Run.

Osteopaths, friends and family members are all being called on to help support ‘Team osteopath’, not just to raise money for charity but to also make the day super special for the fundraising osteopaths by being there to cheer them round the 10km route that will take them through some of London’s most famous sites.

The race takes place on July 6th at starts at 9am. The route takes the runners from Piccadilly, past St Pauls to Tower Bridge before turning back on itself down Embankment, and finally down Whitehall to the finish line at Westminster.

This year, Team Osteopath will be raising funds for the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy (FPO)*, an organisation set up to promote paediatric osteopathy, train paediatric osteopaths, participate in research and provide free treatment to babies, children, pregnant and post-partum mothers.

Unfortunately, it’s too late to join Team Osteopath now, so why not show your support instead and come along to help cheer on ‘Team Osteopath’ and help raise the public awareness of osteopathy!

For more information about The British 10k London Run, click here.
*Formerly known as the Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC).

MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy is now seeking applicants for its 2008 MSc. student intake.

The two year course with a clinical module starts in October each year. Registration and the first teaching weekend begins in September. Student intake is limited to between 20 and 30 osteopath students.

The course is a development of the Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy (DPO) which was run successfully for 10 years by the Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC). The MSc is a result of a collaboration between the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy (formerly known as the OCC) and the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) and is validated by the University of Bedfordshire.

Ifyou have any questions about the MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy, please contact Sonia Nelson-Cole at the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy on 020 7490 5510 or email sonia.nelson-cole@fpo.org.uk.

2008 London Flora Marathon

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

A successful day for BSO students and the Spinal Injury Association (SIA)

On the 13th April 2008, 20 osteopathic students plus 3 members of staff, all from the British School of Osteopathy (BSO), assembled in a marquee near the finishing line of the Flora London Marathon awaiting the arrival of the 700 runners, running for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).

The students and staff from the BSO were there to offer free osteopathy to the charity runners who had raised money for the SIA, one of this years official charity’s.
Lead by BSO Sports Clinic Tutor Robin Lansman and BSO Clinic Tutors Soran Davies and Danny Church, the 3rd and 4th year osteopathic students were briefed on the treatment and management approach for post-marathon runners before the arrival of their ‘patients’.

After a slow start, the students had their work cut out for them treating the runners who limped and shivered through the tent doors having battled the poor weather conditions of the day.

The feedback from the SIA was, as always, excellent. The runners had really appreciated the treatment given to them by the osteopathic students and the day was made even more special with the arrival of HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, who is Patron of the BSO. The Princess was very generous with her time, staying around to talk to the runners, tutors as well as the students.

Osteopathy, growing in numbers!

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

There are now around 4,000 registered osteopaths working in the UK, and in late summer, the seven major osteopathic teaching schools will release another group of eager graduates into the profession.

Last year, a total of 251 osteopathic students graduated from the schools; 87 of which gained a Bachelor of Osteopathy from the Largest and oldest osteopathic school, the British School of Osteopathy (BSO), currently based in London’s, Borough High Street.

In addition to this number, 33 students gained an MSc in Paediatric Osteopathy from the BSO, and 25 students from the European School of Osteopathy gained Post Graduate Diploma’s in Animal Osteopathy.

With the rising popularity of complementary alternative medicine, Osteopathy is fast becoming a popular degree choice, and with this there has also been a rise in the number of teaching institutions and a reduction in the cost of training. Many of the osteopathic training institutions have linked with major universities and have subsequently gained government funding, reducing the cost of studying osteopathy from around £6000 per year to around £1,200 per year.

Osteopathy is a difficult degree course; rated as one of the top five hardest degree courses, alongside medical studies and architecture. However, once qualified, osteopathy offers an enjoyable yet challenging career.

To learn more about osteopathy and becoming an osteopathic, contact the General Osteopathic Council.

Buteyko Workshop for Osteopaths

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Due to an astounding amount of interest from the osteopathic profession the April Buteyko workshops being held in London and Manchester are now full.

However, if you missed your chance this time round, Robert Geddes will be running future Buteyko workshops for osteopaths and other allied professionals in; Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, London and Birmingham.

Dates for these venues have yet to be announced.

New Clinic - British School of Osteopathy

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The British School of Osteopathy has now opened its new clinic at 98-118 Southwark Bridge Road; just a few minutes walk from the existing teaching premises on Borough High Street.

The new clinic occupies the entire ground floor of a five story building designed by Galliard Homes and offers 35 treatment rooms all with sinks and air conditioning.

With around 800 patients benefitting from osteopathic treatment at the BSO clinic each week, the new facilities provide a cleaner and more professional environment for patients and an excellent learning environment for the students.
The new site also boasts greater security and easier access for all (entirely ground floor).

The total cost of the purchase and kit-out of the new clinic accumulated to £5.2 million. The school aims to raise the money for the move over the next 10 years and is seeking generous contributions from the public to fund this much-appreciated facility in one of London’s most disadvantaged communities.

The move came as part of the schools planned growth. The site of the old clinic will offer more space for teaching facilities to accommodate the growing numbers of trainee osteopath’s attending the BSO.

For more information about making a donation, please contact Anna Somerset, Head of Fundraising on 020 7089 5336.

Osteopaths in professional sport

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

One of our registered osteopaths, Tim Allardyce recently featured on Radio 5 Live giving his osteopathic viewpoint on Arsenal footballer, Eduardo da Silva’s horrific ankle injury.

Tim Allardyce works at the Croydon Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Sports Injury Clinic. Tim trained as both an osteopath and a physiotherapist in order to achieve a more rounded approach to treatment and to achieve greater acceptance in the world of sports medicine, where osteopathy is still poorly understood.

In his capacity as both an osteopath and physiotherapist, Tim works with a number of professional sportsmen ranging from International footballers, to World Champions, to the UK’s top track and field athletes. Tim believes osteopathy has a large place to play within professional sports and sports medicine but the lack of promotion on a National scale is preventing osteopathy from getting the recognition it so deserves.

Having previously been involved with the BBC, Tim was approached by Radio 5 Live for his comments on Eduardo’s recent injury. In the interview Tim explained how seriously the injury could affect his career in professional football.

‘Eduardo suffered a double compound facture dislocation of his left ankle...With this type of injury, the foot needs to be relocated immediately to save it and emergency surgery is completely necessary...With this degree of ligament, tendon and capsular damage, he’s going to need to do a lot of work to get himself back to the level of strength that he needs to be at to play international football. It could take around 9 months of hard work to get back to the level of fitness he needs to be able to play international football.’

There is very little talk of osteopathy within the world of professional sport even though there are a number of osteopaths now working with professional teams. This was highlighted even more in the media reporting of the above interview whereby in the majority of published articles, Tim was stated solely as a Physiotherapist.

Buteyko Training for Osteopaths

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Robert Geddes is a fully qualified Buteyko Instructor and Physiotherapist. He is also a lecturer in Psychology and Health and Special Needs for Physical Education.

As a Buteyko Instructor, Robert runs workshops for practitioners such as; osteopaths and physiotherapists.

For the majority of us, the stresses of modern living are subconscious; however, very often they can be quite obvious in our breathing pattern. Osteopaths often recognise poor breathing patterns in their patients and are in a great position to re-educate their patients in how to breathe since they have the time during treatment sessions to explain the body-wide effects of good breathing as well as to give simple exercises to encourage, deeper and more effective breathing.

Robert Geddes studied the benefits of correct breathing at the Vivekenendra Hospital Research and Training Centre in Bangalore, India. His research project involved the benefit of breath control in Asthma sufferers.

The Buteyko method is a method of breathing developed by the late Professor Buteyko. It involves a gradual retraining of the breathing process, as well as specific diet and exercise management. There have been a number of studies investigating the efficacy of these techniques both in Australia and New Zealand and more recently in Great Britain. All of the studies have shown a major reduction in inhaler use (an average reduction of 90% within three months) within weeks of learning breath control. Many patients benefitted 100%, completely clearing their Asthma symptoms.

Robert explains that ‘initially, all clients are encouraged to have their medication available and to use it when necessary. With practice, the need for medication is quickly reduced. Clients work at their own pace, there are no time constraints’.

The Buteyko Method; a method of breathing, has been proven to help with conditions such as; Asthma and Hyperventilation but the benefits of full breathing are endless and subsequently can be of benefit to anyone and everyone.

If you are an Osteopath and are interested in learning more about the benefits of Buteyko, please read the article on CPD opportunities with Robert Geddes.

Osteopathy and Sport at BSO

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

British School of Osteopathy (BSO) is offering concessionary rates to those running the Flora London Marathon for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).

The BSO has been working with the SIA for a number of years now, providing hands-on osteopathic therapy to their runners at the end of the marathon.
Chief executive of the SIA, Paul Smith said “The SIA has enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with the BSO and year on year, I have been privileged to witness the benefits of osteopathy to our Team SIA runner’s, particularly after they have exerted themselves in major events such as the London Marathon”.

The BSO team consists of third and fourth year osteopathy students supported by a number of faculty (all fully qualified osteopaths) and this year, in addition to the post-marathon service, the British School of Osteopathy is offering Team SIA runners a reduced fee on all osteopathic treatments leading up to the event on the 13th of April 2008 and throughout the whole of May and June 2008.

The discounted fee for Team SIA runners is £12 for the initial consultation and £10 for all follow up treatments. To receive the discount, runners are required to bring proof that they are registered as a team SIA 2008 runner, for queries, contact Elizabeth Wright at SIA HQ.

This year, the Spinal Injuries Association is one of the chosen charities sponsoring the Flora London Marathon so the 20 student osteopaths will have their work cut out for them this year with a prospective 700 runners stumbling through their doors at the post-race reception being held at Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk.

The 700 Team SIA runners will be raising vital funds to enable the SIA to support more than 40,000 people across the UK who are living with paralysis following spinal cord injury. Paul Smith says “we pride ourselves on providing Team SIA runners with first rate support and advice right through their training programme and during the event itself. Thanks to the BSO, we are able to deliver this support after the event too, as the BSO volunteers provide welcome massage services at the post-race reception”.

The British School of Osteopathy is a training facility for osteopaths based on Borough High Street in London. It has one of the largest teaching clinic’s in Europe offering affordable osteopathic services to the general public. It also has specialist osteopathic clinics for; sports persons, children, pregnant women, and those affected by HIV. For further details go to www.bso.ac.uk.

The Spinal Injuries Association is a charity dedicated to providing services for individuals affected by spinal cord damage. It campaigns for improvements in medical and social care and works hard to raise awareness of causes and consequences of spinal cord injuries. For more information go to the SIA website.

Promoting Pilates and Osteopathy

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Osteopath Darren Fletcher of Posture Dynamics in Ealing says “Pilates is actually one of the safest forms of exercise, causing less stress on joints and muscles than aerobic activities; such as jogging”.

Pilates is a body conditioning discipline designed to strengthen and lengthen muscles whilst improving posture and overall well-being. This unique form of exercise developed by Joseph Pilates many years ago, places minimal stress on the joints which is why so many osteopaths will recommend pilates as part of a long term management plan for managing conditions such as low back pain and osteoarthiritis.

Some osteopathic centres, such as Posture Dynamics, in Ealing where Darren works, are holding Pilates classes so that osteopathic patients need look no further to aid their road to recovery. It also means that the osteopaths working at the practice can liaise with the Pilates instructors in the management of their patients. By working to increase the strength and tone of the core abdominal muscles, pilates is able to improve the support of the lumbar spine (low back) and decrease the loading on the lumbar vertebrae; which is very often a causative factor of low back pain. The improved ‘girdle style’ support from the core abdominal muscles also helps to promote a better posture, which will also have a positive impact on the functioning of your internal organs.

Osteopaths recognise stress as a major contributing factor to disease and musculo-skeletal pain. Pilates offers a safe way to exercise and relieve everyday stresses. It’s gentle, non-traumatic, yet challenging routines will leave you feeling energised and healthy.

Flora runners osteopathy at the BSO

Osteopath News — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The British School of Osteopathy (BSO) is offering concessionary rates to those running the Flora London Marathon for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).

The BSO has been working with the SIA for a number of years now, providing hands-on osteopathic therapy to their runners at the end of the marathon. Chief executive of the SIA, Paul Smith said “The SIA has enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with the BSO and year on year, I have been privileged to witness the benefits of osteopathy to our Team SIA runner’s, particularly after they have exerted themselves in major events such as the London Marathon”.

The BSO team consists of third and fourth year osteopathy students supported by a number of faculty (all fully qualified osteopaths) and this year, in addition to the post-marathon service, the British School of Osteopathy is offering Team SIA runners a reduced fee on all osteopathic treatments leading up to the event on the 13th of April 2008 and throughout the whole of May and June 2008. The discounted fee for Team SIA runners is £12 for the initial consultation and £10 for all follow up treatments. To receive the discount, runners are required to bring proof that they are registered as a team SIA 2008 runner, for queries, contact Elizabeth Wright at SIA HQ.

This year, the Spinal Injuries Association is one of the chosen charities sponsoring the Flora London Marathon so the 20 student osteopaths will have their work cut out for them this year with a prospective 700 runners stumbling through their doors at the post-race reception being held at Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk.

The 700 Team SIA runners will be raising vital funds to enable the SIA to support more than 40,000 people across the UK who are living with paralysis following spinal cord injury. Paul Smith says “we pride ourselves on providing Team SIA runners with first rate support and advice right through their training programme and during the event itself. Thanks to the BSO, we are able to deliver this support after the event too, as the BSO volunteers provide welcome massage services at the post-race reception”.

The British School of Osteopathy is a training facility for osteopaths based on Borough High Street in London. It has one of the largest teaching clinic’s in Europe offering affordable osteopathic services to the general public. It also has specialist osteopathic clinics for; sports persons, children, pregnant women, and those affected by HIV.

The Spinal Injuries Association is a charity dedicated to providing services for individuals affected by spinal cord damage. It campaigns for improvements in medical and social care and works hard to raise awareness of causes and consequences of spinal cord injuries.

Osteopathy: 10 years of statutory regulation

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Although osteopathy was founded by Dr Andrew Taylor Still back in 1874, it was not until 1993 that the title ‘Osteopath’ became protected by ‘the Osteopaths Act’, and it wasn’t until 1998 that it gained statutory regulation.

Ten years on and osteopathy has become a popular complementary therapy, with recognition from both the public and the medical profession as a safe and effective therapy for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

The osteopathic profession has a lot to be proud of over the last ten years; it has gained; a governing body (General Osteopathic Council GoSC), a professional association (British Osteopathic Association, BOA) and a research committee which are all committed to promoting, protecting and developing osteopathy in the UK.

Osteopathy’s 10^th Anniversary was celebrated at a reception in Draper’s Hall, London and attended by HRH the Prince of Wales, who is Patron of the General Osteopathic Council (GoSC). The reception was followed by ‘Advancing Osteopathy 2008’, an International Conference held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London on the 1 - 3 February 2008. This 3-day event was a huge success, attracting around 1,300 osteopaths as well as other clinical specialists from over 20 countries.

News Release: Active Back Care

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The Stationary Office (TSO) has just released a new self-help booklet “Active Back Pain.” Like the rest of the series, ‘Active Back Care’ is written by a multidisciplinary team including osteopaths, orthopaedics and ergonomic specialists, in response to the latest medical research. This latest edition gives information on suitable activities for those suffering back pain, including tips on maintaining general and aerobic fitness as well as safety tips and first-aid exercises. Other titles available include “The Back Book,” “The Neck Book,” “The Whiplash Book” and “Get Back Active.”

Some osteopaths will stock these books to sell to patients. Alternatively, these booklets are available for £3.50 (plus £1 P+P) from www.backcare.org.uk.

Diabetes drug found to be increasing the risk of osteoporosis

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Experts are warning users of ‘Avandia,’ a drug taken by Type 2 diabetics (late onset diabetes) may increase their risk of osteoporosis. The drug has already been linked with an increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure, but now researchers in the U.S suggest that it might also be thinning the bones. The drug increases the rate of bone resorption (breakdown) as well as interfering with the cells which build new bone.

Osteoporosis is defined as a loss of bone density, making bones brittle and liable to fracture. Osteoporosis is silent and painless, often sufferers aren’t aware they have it until they get a fracture. Osteopaths see many patients with seemingly muscular pain which turns out to be a bony fracture. Osteopaths and other manipulative therapists need to be aware of osteoporosis and the risk factors associated with osteoporosis since any manual therapy, particularly manipulation, carries a risk of bony fracture particularly.

As we age our bone density gradually decreases making us more susceptible to fractures as we age. This natural bone thinning is more marked in post-menopausal women (due to the rapid decline in the hormone oestrogen and its affects on bone turnover). Generalised osteoporosis is an accelerated form of this normal thinning process. Osteoporosis affects three million Britons, the majority of them women and is thought to be the cause of over 230,000 bone fractures every year.

The report says that there is a necessity for further research to be performed on the safety of this drug and it is advised that patients taking the drug speak to their GP or pharmacist if they have any concerns.

The Bare Bones of Obesity

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Statistics released by the government late last year reveal the alarmingly high incidence of obesity in Britain today. It is estimated that more than 50% of the population will be obese in 2050 if the current trend continues.

Obesity is associated with a number of chronic health conditions such as heart disease diabetes and even some cancers (cervical, uterine, breast), costing the NHS (and the general public) around £45 million per year.

Primary health care professionals such as Osteopaths will tell you that it’s not only organs that suffer when we are overweight; our bones suffer as well. It is well reported that obesity is a major contributing factor to osteoarthritis, particularly osteoarthritis of the knee. Obesity can also play a role in menstrual pain, stress, incontinence, poor venous return (leading to varicosities), hernias and many more conditions which can be helped by osteopathic treatment.

A recent study by researchers from the University of Georgia (USA) have identified the negative impact that excess weight can have on our bone strength and overall bone health. When the bones of participants with the highest body fat were compared to those with ‘normal’ levels of body fat (less than 32 per cent), the ‘overweight’ groups bones were 8-9% weaker than those with normal levels of body fat.

Osteopaths have always been wary of manipulating patients who were underweight due to the increased risk of bony fracture as a result of weakened bones (osteoporosis), however, in light of this new research it appears that those who are overweight may well be at increased risk also.

Back Pain Explosion

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Back pain is common, and although painful, it is not normally serious. However, the economic effect of back pain is becoming quite a burden. An article released by online ‘999 today’ reports back pain as the largest cause of sickness absence in the UK. Research revealed that in 2003/2004, approximately 5 billion working days were lost as a result of back pain.

Every year the National Health Service spends more than £1 billion on back pain related costs. There are estimates that four out of five adults, i.e. 80%, will experience back pain at some stage in their life. Although incidence peaks between the ages of 35-55, an increasing number of children and adolescents are complaining of back pain.

Dr Steven Sandler, an osteopath in London, says, “We are seeing many more children than ever before.” He puts this down to a number of factors; firstly he thinks it’s because of the new specialist course being run by the Osteopathic Clinic for children (OCC) which is training more and more osteopaths in the management of children. “Secondly, more doctors and nurses know what we do and send us work.” Thirdly, the results from treating children are excellent and “patients’ parents talk, hence the increase in demand. As the usefulness of osteopathy for children is more and more apparent, so we are getting the referrals, which add more fuel to the bonfire!”

In most cases back pain will resolve as spontaneously as it appeared. However for a few of us the condition continues and it can be very costly to both the individual and to society. If you suffer from recurrent or prolonged back pain you might benefit from visiting an osteopath.

We asked Dr Steve Sandler what he advice he gives his back pain patients. “General advice ranges from advice on gardening, to specific advice on sport, to advice on women lifting and carrying and the likelihood of injury at the different stages in their menstrual cycle,” (Dr Sandler has recently published research on this subject) “to what to do in an acute attack of neck pain and back pain.”

When experiencing back pain, research shows that the most important thing to do is to keep active. Bed rest will only make the pain worse.

If you want to make an appointment with your nearest osteopath to see how they can help you; call the Appointment Line on 0845 680 0615.

Osteoarthritis drug safety fears

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Another Osteoarthritis painkiller withdrawn from the UK market. Fears over the safety of arthritis painkiller Lumiracoxib (‘Prexige’) have resulted in it being suspended by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Lumiracoxib has been suspended after concerns it may be causing liver damage.
This follows the prescribing restrictions and additional requirements for blood tests before and during Lumiracoxib treatment for all other patients, which was issued in August 2007.

Osteoarthritis is a common and sometimes disabling condition and with fewer and fewer pain relieving options maybe its time for sufferers to consider alternative approaches to pain relief.

Cyril Pragnell a very experienced osteopath practising in Middlesex explains how osteopathy is able to reduce the symptoms and improve the functioning of osteoarthritic joints. “Joints are made to move, osteopathic treatment takes the joint through its normal range of movement, encouraging the circulation and nutrition to the joint which works as a natural pain reliever”.

Having just come from a lecture on medications, he also reports that “a lot of the drugs currently available on the market are a huge health risk for patients over the age of 70, many cause stomach erosion”.

If you are suffering from arthritis and are concerned about the risks of drugs you have been prescribed the drug-free approach advocated by Osteopaths may be your answer. Osteopaths have great success with treating arthritis and will be happy to advise you on your specific condition and how it could be treated without drugs.

British School of Osteopathy moves

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

The BSO clinic is moving. Next spring the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) is moving its clinic from the main school at 275 Borough High Street to 98-118 Southwark Bridge Road (just round the corner).

The BSO is the largest and oldest osteopathic school in the UK and the move signifies the need for the school to create more teaching facilities for the ever expanding number of students wishing to study osteopathy.

The move will make the clinic the largest osteopathic clinic in Europe.

The BSO offers accessible and affordable osteopathic treatment to the London community and beyond. The new clinic marks the BSO’s commitment to providing the best possible facilities to its patients.

The new clinic will be even more accessible to the public being located on the ground floor of a newly-constructed building and will offer 35 modern, air-conditioned treatment rooms.

Charles Hunt, BSO Principal has this to say about the move "At the BSO we have been proud to provide osteopathic care to the local community in Southwark, and beyond, at such an affordable price. Our new clinic will offer an even better environment for treating our patients, enhancing the quality of experience they have with us."

BSO student Rachel Knight is excited about the move, "The BSO will stay in a fabulous area which is so convenient for patients and osteopath students - but the facilities will be so much better. What's not to like?"

Big Bags, Uncomfortable fashion

Overland Associates — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

Bad for the bank balance, but are handbags bad for your back? With the trend for oversized handbags continuing into winter 2007, how much will this must-have accessory cost you in osteopathic treatments?

It’s a well known fact that women tend to carry many ‘essential’ items in their handbag and with the trend for oversized handbags continuing, is the weight of our handbag getting a little too much to handle?

It has been said that carrying an excessive weight on one shoulder (anything above10% of your body weight) can cause you to alter your balance and subconsciously ‘hike-up’ the weight-bearing shoulder causing the spine to bend towards the same side. This unnatural posture interferes with the normal upper body ‘swing’ which facilitates force transference between the arms and legs during gait.

Our reporter Rachel Knight asked our osteopaths “are you seeing more ‘handbag-related’ injuries since the introduction of the ‘oversized handbag?”

Adrian Steel, an osteopath at Redhill Osteopathy, Surrey says “no”, while laughing at the image the question evokes. However, he does explain how constantly carrying an “over-weighted bag on the one shoulder will cause stress down that same side of the body” which can lead to neck and shoulder problems.

Michelle Henfrey, an osteopath at Health in Hand in Bracknell also finds it difficult to link the trend to an increased number of consultations, but she does emphasise the tendency for women to “habitually carry their handbag on the same shoulder” which “can cause women to present with symptoms such as upper back aching and burning pain, pain into the neck and shoulder” sometimes even the arm, “and even headache”.

So, if you are suffering from a handbag-related injury, what do our osteopaths advise? In short the 3 top tips are: “spread the load”, “swap shoulders”, “switch to a small backpack”.

Don’t overload your bag – if you do, spread the weight evenly, using all available pockets.
Don’t always carry your bag on the same shoulder, switch sides regularly or if your shoulders are hurting after a long day, carry the bag in front of you.
Keep your bag close to your body, not resting on your forearm ‘celebrity style’- this will only exacerbate the problem by causing forearm pain and may even lead to ‘tennis elbow’ type symptoms.