Medical Rejuvenation

Osteopathy is a primary healthcare profession, governed by statutory law, to provide the highest quality care for patients in the treatment of their muscular and joint pains.  It is a hands-on therapy which uses a system of diagnosis and treatment with the emphasis being on helping the body heal itself.

It is a misconception that we only treat back pain.  We treat a wide range of conditions such as headaches, knee pain, tennis elbow, foot pain, whiplash etc.  If you are not sure whether treatment can help, just ring us and you can talk to an osteopath over the phone before you book an appointment.

Yes, it is safe. Osteopaths undergo training for many years and an important part of the training is knowing when treatment is not suitable for a patient.  Osteopaths are taught to recognise medical conditions which can present as musculoskeletal pain.  In situations where the osteopath is concern then they will ask permission to write to your GP.

In the press, there is a lot of concern about neck manipulations (‘clicking’) and the fact that there have been a few cases of stroke associated with this technique.  All osteopaths are trained to perform upper neck manipulations in a way that minimises the risks of this happening and we manipulate with a minimum of force.  We will always ask your consent before doing this technique and we only perform this treatment after using our clinical judgement based on your case history and your symptoms. For further information talk to the osteopath who is treating you.

You don’t need a referral from your GP but a lot of doctors will recommend you come for treatment. However, if you wish to claim on your Health Insurance, some companies require a doctor’s referral as with any other specialist or consultant.

What is Pilates?

A series of exercises devised to build and improve strength, stamina, and control by using breath pattern and a strong focus on alignment and placement and coordination. The ‘core’ is often talked about in the ‘exercise industry’ but in Pilates it is referred to as your ‘centre’ and with all the principles combined you can experience good flowing movement which should feel almost effortless once mastered! And the outcome is, you feel more energised, stretched & toned, and at more advanced levels, Pilates can also be a good aerobic form of exercise.

Pilates is a technique that can compliment any other types of exercise you do. It is perfect for runners, tennis players, golfers, horse riders…athletes. Pilates can also be used as a form of Physiotherapy post injury, not to mention protecting you from injury!

The benefits of Pilates are endless!

How can it help Me?

Injury?

Posture?

Back ache?

Stress?

Tone?

Condition?

Who can do Pilates?

Anyone & everyone

I’m Pregnant. Is it safe for me? 

Yes. The Pilates technique is great for pre and post natal women.

Will it hurt?

No

Is there any equipment?

Small equipment balls, weights, roller, magic circles, resistance bands.

Studio classes may involve using the reformer/ Cadillac / Wunda chair etc… Not available at this  clinic.

How many are in a class?

5 people

Where are the classes held?

Winchmore Hill Clinic of Osteopathy & Natural Health   925 Green Lanes, N21 2PB.

Tel: 020 8360 3485  Web: www.winchmore-osteopaths.co.uk

Do you do one to ones?

We do one to one’s arranged between client and teacher.

How much are your classes?

Approx £54 (6 weeks course)

Do you have a timetable and where can I find it? 

Yes , clinic website?

How can I pay for Pilates?

On-line(via BACS-details provided on request), or alternatively, direct to the instructor. Details on this provided when you register for your class/s.

Further details are available on request.

Osteopaths take an integrated approach to your healthcare.  The first appointment consists of a case history which involves asking you lots of questions about your past medical history, family history, any medication you may be on etc.  You will also be asked about the symptoms you are experiencing at the moment.  Information such as when it started, how long you have had it and what makes it worse or better helps the osteopath formulate a diagnosis and subsequently a treatment plan.  Some of the questions may seem unrelated to your complaint but just ask the osteopath if you are unsure as to why they are asking a certain question.

The next step is a detailed examination in which the osteopath uses their highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify joints which are not moving correctly and muscle strains in the tissues.  Your osteopath will ask you to make certain movements and may perform some clinical tests, such as your reflexes, to ascertain what the problem is.

After the examination, your osteopath will have a working diagnosis and will discuss this with.  The osteopath will then treat you and discuss what they are doing as they are doing it.  After treatment, they will often reassess you to see how your body has reacted and determine how many further treatment you may need.

Ideally, we like to be able to see the area we are treating and the surrounding tissues so that we can deliver an effective and safe treatment. In most cases, if we are treating the upper back in women a strappy top will allow us to treat effectively.  We do have gowns which can be worn and we use blankets to place over patients as we treat, if necessary.  If you do not want to undress then talk to the osteopath and we can work around the issue.  Your modesty will be respected at all times.

A combination of factors:

• chronic sun exposure
•  loss of subcutaneous fat
• the muscles which are responsible for facial expression are constantly folding the skin and this leads to the progressive development of hyper dynamic wrinkles
• the effects of gravity
• finally with ageing our underlying facial bones and cartilage undergoes resorption,  which leads to a decrease in facial volume

You are free to bring along a friend or relative with you to act as your chaperone at any time.     

• Botulin toxin A is a naturally occurring bacterial protein
• tiny doses are injected under the skin into selected muscles, causing muscles to relax
• the muscle relaxation will improve, or erase wrinkles and is temporary; it gradually wears off

Osteopaths work with their hands, and treatment often consists of a combination of techniques such as:

 •         Rhythmic articulation and joint manipulation (clicking) to restore joint mobility

 •         Massage and pumping to improve fluid dynamics to restore tissue health

 •         Myo-fascial stretching to restore normal tissue length and structure

Before any treatment is undertaken, a consultation is required to check there are no contra-indications to you having the treatment. The consultation will assess your face and the areas you perceive as needing treatment. We will discuss what is achievable

and recommend a suitable treatment plan. The consultation and treatment normally will last for approximately 30 minutes.

The effects will begin to appear within 2 to 3 days. The effects will usually last about 3-4 months but sometimes longer.

No, manipulation of a joint results in increased joint mobility and consequently muscle relaxation around the joint and neurological feedback resulting in reduced pain.  The joints and discs are very stable structures and they do not come out of position easily.

Osteopaths will use specialist techniques to release joints and the weight of your own body to release an area.  You may feel a temporary minor discomfort as the technique is being performed but patients often express relief afterwards once they can move easier after treatment.

Treatment consists of a series of small injections with a fine needle. Discomfort is minimised by using a topical anaesthetic prior to any injections.

Side effects are generally rare.  Patients can feel some tiredness or soreness for a few days afterwards, but this usually subsides quickly. If you are concerned after treatment then we recommend that you ring us.  After working hours, our phones are transferred to the principal osteopath and she can talk you through any concerns, reassure you and offer advice.

Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid. This is a substance that binds water, hydrates the skin, and promotes fullness. As we get older the hyaluronic acid in our skin becomes less efficient; this leads to a loss of volume and the tell tale signs of aging. Dermal fillers boost the skin’s hydration, restore volume, and smooth away lines. Dermal fillers may be used to treat most areas of the face, neck, décolletage, and hands.

Our aim is to get you better as quickly as possible.  Some patients may need one treatment and others may need a course of treatment over several weeks.  It is dependent on what the problem is and also factors such as age, general health and the lifestyle of a patient. It is important to follow the advice that your osteopath gives you to help speed up your recovery.  Our policy is that if you haven’t noticed a change in your symptoms within the first two treatments then we will discuss other alternatives which may help or refer you back to your GP for further investigations.

Treatments tend to be one week apart, although as the condition begins to improve they may be spaced more widely.

Yes. The Pilates technique is great for pre and post natal women.

Occasionally, patients find some techniques are uncomfortable but as we treat the patient we ask for feedback and will work within the patient’s comfort zone.

A series of exercises devised to build and improve strength, stamina, and control by using breath pattern and a strong focus on alignment and placement and coordination. The ‘core’ is often talked about in the ‘exercise industry’ but in Pilates it is referred to as your ‘centre’ and with all the principles combined you can experience good flowing movement which should feel almost effortless once mastered! And the outcome is, you feel more energised, stretched & toned, and at more advanced levels, Pilates can also be a good aerobic form of exercise.

Pilates is a technique that can compliment any other types of exercise you do. It is perfect for runners, tennis players, golfers, horse riders…athletes. Pilates can also be used as a form of Physiotherapy post injury, not to mention protecting you from injury!

Anyone practising as an osteopath is required, by law, to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), established by The Osteopaths Act, 1993.  An osteopath must study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine and includes more than 1,000 hours of training in osteopathic techniques.

• Injury?
• Posture?
• Back ache?
• Stress?
• Tone?
• Condition?

The benefits of Pilates are endless!

Osteopaths tends use more rhythmical and gentler techniques (less spinal manipulations “clicking”).  The consultation time is longer and patients tend to require fewer treatments. We also work on a wider area of the body rather than concentrating primarily on the spine and pelvis.

Anyone & everyone

Yes, most insurance companies will reimburse your osteopathic fees.  We can also submit invoices to your company directly so that you don’t have to pay for the treatment yourself.  It is best to ring the insurance company before booking a treatment because we will require an authorisation number.

Approx £54 (6 weeks course)

This depends entirely upon the problem and your osteopath will advise you if they feel that you would benefit from coming for regular treatment.  Some patients will come for one treatment and not need to come for years, since they are symptom free.  Other patients are so impressed with how they feel after treatment that they decide that they want to come on a regular basis to prevent the aches and pains.  As a profession, we encourage patients to manage their own health and will often discuss with you how to keep supple and symptom free by perhaps exercising, stretching, going to pilates classes etc.

Details on this will be provided when you register for your class/s.

You would normally pay the instructor direct.

Osteopaths can treat patients of all ages.  A day old baby can have cranial treatment and many patients are in their 80s or 90s.  All of our patients benefit from a personalised approach to their healthcare.

No

Small equipment balls, weights, roller, magic circles, resistance bands.

Studio classes may involve using the reformer/ Cadillac / Wunda chair etc… Not available at this  clinic.

Pregnancy results in huge structural changes and consequently a lot of women experience back pain.  Osteopathy is safe, effective and a drug-free therapy which can help a pregnant woman as her body adapts to carrying the weight of the baby.

Then please ring us so that we can talk either over the phone or we can arrange a meeting.  We are a caring profession and the last thing we want is for patients to be unhappy with any aspect of their treatment.  The General Osteopathic Council inform that in the instances where complaints have been made against osteopaths, almost all are down to an error in communication.  Therefore, we would hope to resolve any problems efficiently and effectively by talking it through.

Osteopaths are regulated by statute law and a statutory register is held by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Should you wish to make a formal complaint to GOsC then please contact us and we will give you full details of how to go about this.

5 people

Cranial Osteopathy 

Cranial Osteopathy is a form of hands on treatment which many Osteopaths use and parents will often bring their babies to the clinic for this type of treatment. It is very gentle and involves an Osteopath “listening” with their hands to subtle tensions in the body. It often appears as if the Osteopath is hardly touching the patient because it is so soft and gentle. The birth process as well as subsequent knocks and falls can affect the way in which babies, children and adults react resulting in tension or pain within their body. Cranial Osteopathy can be described as a relaxing or unwinding process.

We do one to one’s arranged between client and teacher.

Tennis Elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis and presents as a weakness in your grip and pain in the hand, wrist or forearm, especially when holding something heavy, such as a kettle, and is a common condition in tennis players, aggravated by holding a racket. The pain is caused by inflammation of the muscles in the upper outer part of the forearm where these muscles attach to the bony part (lateral epicondyle) of the elbow.

Why do people get it? 

The cause can be due to many factors working together. Some of the causes are not related to tennis but then tennis can cause the condition to last for longer than expected:

• Too much tennis (if you never give it a rest the chance of recovery is slim!).
• Too little tennis (you never build up enough muscle in the arm to cope with the demands).
• Playing with the arm in the wrong position or with a stiff upper body or holding the racket too tight (the muscles are too tense to allow enough blood perfusion).
• Wrong racket grip size, the racket is too heavy (needs a strong grip to control it) or the racket is too light (you have to use a lot of force to hit the ball hard enough).
• Stiffness in or around the upper back, shoulders, elbow or wrist – all of which will respond well to Osteopathy.
• Bad sitting posture resulting in upper back stiffness and prolonged computer/mouse use can cause tightness in the forearm and wrist.
• DIY – using a screwdriver or painting for long periods can lead to TE.
• Accidentally knocking the elbow.

If you have had it a long time, it is hard to get rid of completely even though you may have resolved the underlying cause. This is because long term inflammation turns the muscle near the elbow into fibrotic tissue and this reduces the efficiency of the muscle. If you haven’t had it very long and it is not getting better quickly then you need to seek advice and treatment as soon as possible to stop it becoming a chronic long term condition which could end your tennis career!

What can you do about it? 

Come and see an Osteopath – We can give you advice and treatment, including soft tissue massages and stretches which will relax the upper back, shoulder complex, elbow and wrist. We can teach you how to do some massage into the muscle so that it will loosen up and also some stretches so the inflammation will calm down. We would advise that you do this massage several times a day quite firmly (and definitely in the evening after a match) so that the condition starts to improve, as soon as possible. In the beginning, this will be painful but with time it will get easier. You could even massage and stretch the muscle in between sets.

Ice the area or use a cold gel pack (we sell these at the clinic and they are always useful to have in the freezer for any injury) – Place the ice (put some cubes in a plastic bag) or use the gel pack over the tender area. It is best to wrap the ice in a cloth so it doesn’t burn the skin. Keep this on for 10 minutes and repeat as many times as you can throughout the day. It is best to use the ice after you have had your Osteopathic treatment, or done your daily massage and stretches. Don’t use the arm for anything strenuous for at least twenty minutes afterwards. If you want to get this condition better, you must massage, stretch and ice several times a day.

Come and see an Acupuncturist – Acupuncture works by stimulating the primitive parts of the brain which deal with pain and help to reset these pathways. Also using needles around the area can relax the muscles without causing as much discomfort as direct tissue massage.

Wear a TE support while you play – this is not a cure, but it will minimise the pain and damage when you do play. The support works by gripping the muscle and stops excessive pull of the muscle on the tendon and therefore prevents the inflammation around the bone from getting any worse. However, long term this affects the blood flow to the muscle and can cause the muscle to become weaker. If you must use a support to get through a match, take it off as soon as you have finished playing and gently massage and stretch the muscles.

What will my GP do? 

Your GP will recommend that you stop playing for a while and will suggest that you take some anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac) which can be effective but may be harmful to the digestive system, so must be taken after food. If you start getting heartburn/indigestion then you must stop and return to your GP for further advice. You can also try an anti-inflammatory gel which can be applied to the area.

You may also be referred to a physiotherapist who may do some local soft tissue work and will recommend some stretches. However, referral times can be an issue.

If your symptoms don’t resolve with time then your GP may suggest a steroid injection. This can be effective but it may only work for a short time and the symptoms can reappear.

In the long term what should I do to prevent it coming back? 

If you regularly massage, stretch and ice the area and your symptom haven’t fully resolved, you should also consider addressing some of the issues which may have caused the problem in the first place:

• Try some sessions with a coach to see if there is a fundamental problem with your technique and they can also advise you about your racket.
• Consider having some regular Osteopathy or Acupuncture treatment to help keep the tissues supple.
• Start Pilates which will address some of the postural problems and also improving your core muscle strength will help your game in the long term.
• A regular Sports massage can also be beneficial.
• Look at your computer set up either at work or at home. If you use a laptop, then a stand and external keyboard and mouse would be a good idea.

Joint pain in the arms and legs, such as elbow, wrist, knee and foot pain respond well once an accurate diagnosis has been made. This type of joint problem is often associated with overuse, such as repetitive strain injury. It is commonly seen in the wrists of typists and VDU operators, the elbows of tennis players and golfers, and the knees and feet of walkers. However, this problem also affects ordinary people who find that certain everyday activities such as climbing the stairs at home are now a problem.

Arthritis is very amenable to Osteopathic treatment. There are many types of arthritis and none of them are actually curable, but both the pain and also the restriction of joint movement can be relieved by accurate treatment. Bones seldom cause the pain of arthritis. This comes from contraction of local ligaments, capsules, muscles and other soft tissues that are responsive to treatment

When women become pregnant, as postural changes slowly take place, quite often the mechanics of their spines are altered, especially if they have had problems in the past. Osteopathic treatment of preg-nant women is perfectly safe and is almost invariably helpful, since we help the body to compensate for the postural changes of pregnancy. A high proportion of women who have recently had a child also experience low back, buttock, or even neck and shoulder pain. This can be very quickly eased, even in mothers who have had post-natal pain for years

Children and adolescents commonly suffer from back problems, leg pain, shoulder and neck pain and headaches, in fact no less so than adults. These pains are sometimes dismissed as “growing pains”, and left undiagnosed and untreated. It is known that many such untreated conditions lay down the foundation for future potentially serious problems in adult life. If such problems persist, or go away but return after a while, they should be checked by a competent therapist.

Psychotherapy is known as the ‘talking cure’- speaking to a trained listener who can help you make sense of your situation and throw light on how you might be hindering yourself based on old patterns and behaviours can be very helpful.

Depends on the issues you’re bringing. We will agree a set number of sessions to begin with and then review progress to decide between us if you require more sessions or not. Ultimately it’s up to you how many sessions you have.

Counselling is usually (but not always) of a shorter nature and addresses surface issues rather than underlying causes. Typically Psychotherapists train for 5 years, whereas counsellors often for 2.

Once a week is recommended for the best results.

Many of our practitioners are registered private health insurance providers.  Please check under your preferred practitioner prior to booking your appointment.

David Polak is a registered Phychotherapist provider with PruHealth, Cigna and Health Assured- check with them before you come to see David

Cash or cheque at each session either at the start or the end, directly to the therapist.

A Hot stone massage is a holistic remedial massage using hot stones.

Hot Stones are volcanic pebbles (full of iron which holds heat), heated and used as a tool to massage stiff, aching and painful muscle areas. It is often mistaken for a beauty treatment which aids just relaxation, however it can treat a variety is conditions.

The heat from the stones warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation, calms the nervous system and promotes muscle relaxation.

The stones are placed at specific points on the back, ‘chakra points’ in the palms of the hand, or between the toes. The chakra points are the body’s energy centre. It is believed to vitalize the physical body and re-balance the energy levels, mind and inner being.

Colder stones can be alternated with the use of hot basalt or basinite stones to promote healing and detoxification.

No. Definitely not. Our therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. However, everyone has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.

The stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth. The stones used on the back are about the size of your palm and are flat.

Our therapist will begin by applying soothing oil to your back and neck area, which allows the stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You will lie face down on a specialist bed and our therapist will use the heated stones to massage the back. After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, our therapist will use her hands to directly massage the skin. The stones may be applied to rest on the skin once they have cooled to a suitable temperature.

We find that people like the warmth of the stones and say it’s comforting. Hot stone massage is suited to people who have muscle tension but can also benefit the following:

•         Back and muscle pain
•        Arthritis (Osteo and Rheumatoid)
•        Stress and Anxiety
•        Circulatory problems
•        Insomnia
•        Depression
•        Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
•        General relaxation and nurturing!

You can call our therapist Melissa on 07792 338 763 or email Melissa_osteopath@hotmail.co.uk for more enquiries.

Or, call the clinic on   020 8360 3485

This treatment will be designed to suit your individual needs and requirements and can be as deep a massage as required to meet your expectations.

Sports Massage is a style of bodywork that addresses the particular needs of athletes. Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events, as well as off-season, pre-season and post-season massage. The purpose of the sports massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports Massage utilizes a mixture of techniques ranging from Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofacial Release, and Facilitated Stretching. The final ingredient is a therapist that understands the demands that your sport has on your body, and how do address those demands with Sports Massage.

Some of the most exciting benefits of Sports Massage are: enhanced athletic performance, faster workout recovery, fewer injuries and faster recovery from injury, restored flexibility and range of motion, removal of lactic acid build up, extending the overall life of your athletic career, reducing feelings of stress, and maintaining the body in better condition.

Yes. Sports massage is proven to reduce recovery time, sometimes dramatically, by shortening the time it takes for injuries to heal, and makes the after effects “better”. Sports Massage reduces the swelling and oedema associated with soft tissue injuries. After a serious injury, Sports Massage helps form strong pliable scar tissue instead of the usual random stiff scar tissue, so that range of motion and tissue extensibility are maintained.

Yes, in an indirect way. Sport Massage tweaks your body to a state of higher efficiency so that you can get an extra 20% more – more speed, more strength, more performance. Sports Massage breaks down muscle adhesions, relieves knots, increases range of motion, decreases pain, increases circulation, stretches tight muscles, reduces stiffness and generally reduces the negative after effects of hard training. This means you can train harder than you ever have before. You can excel to higher levels than you thought possible.

Yes. The prominent cause of diminishing athletic ability with aging is due to years of microtrauma from maximum exertion coupled with the cumulative results of old unresolved injuries. When Sports Massage is used on a regular basis, the effects of these traumas are lessened. The effects of injuries are overcome. The muscle tissues and facia remain supple and pliable much longer. The musculoskeletal system keeps full range of motion. Couple these benefits with the extra 20% performance that Sports Massage gives you, then the natural “slowdown” associated with aging is pushed back to a much later time.

That depends on several factors such as training volume and intensity, whether or not you have chronic pain or acute injury, and other factors. For some athletes, a weekly massage gives huge results. Other athletes only get an occasional Sports Massage if they’re in pain.

The best way to reduce the effects of hard training is with regular Sports Massage. We suggest you try a series of 5 or 6 Sports Massages to see how you feel when the positive effects accumulate. Then you’ll be able to decide how often you need a Sports Massage. However, it is a fact that even getting massaged once a month regularly has long lasting positive impact.

Sometimes yes. If you have a tight painful neck and shoulder complex you can expect to come away from a Sports Massage experiencing a lot of relief, at least for a while. But it probably took you months or years to get that way. It’s not reasonable to expect permanent relief from an hour session of Sports Massage.

The effects of Sports Massage are very much like the effects of athletic training. Your first bike ride won’t turn you into Lance Armstrong. But a consistent training program will turn you into a competitive cyclist. So it is with Sports Massage. Consistent Sports Massage can offer very positive results to chronic issues and painful conditions.

Lactic acid is a constituent part of the cellular metabolic cycle. During strenuous anaerobic exercise the levels of lactic acid can rise to high levels, causing fatigue and a burning feeling in the muscle tissues. The high levels of lactate can linger longer than most of us would wish for. One way to diminish that burning feeling in our muscles is with a recovery style Sports Massage. The long strokes of a recovery Sports Massage aids circulation. The stagnant blood and fluids are “pumped” toward the heart and liver. Freshly oxygenated blood rushes into the muscle tissue, giving a refreshed relaxed feeling to sore muscles. After a post-workout Sports Massage, recovery from a gruelling workout or training session is much briefer.

No, not usually. If your therapist is mindful and experienced they will work up to your individual capacity for pressure. For example if you’ve just ran a marathon they know you can’t take a lot of pressure on your legs. If they see you wincing or resisting their strokes, they know to back off. But sometimes individuals develop knots, contractures, or trigger points that require stronger bodywork and may cause discomfort. If this is the case, the therapist and client communicate about pain levels, working together to make the session as productive as possible, as pain free as can be. But all of this aside, a typical Sports Massage is a pleasurable experience, not a painful one.

No, absolutely not. Deep work is reserved for conditions and issues that call for it. It’s typical to be sore for several days after a deep Sports Massage. That would interfere with an athletic event or competition. A pre-event Sports Massage would be the right choice before a race. Pre-event Sports Massage boosts circulation and flexibility. It leaves muscles relaxed and ready for action. Pre-event massage can help prevent muscle and tendon injuries and improve performance.

Yes. Contraindications are conditions when you should not be massaged. The most common condition among athletes is that of an acute injury or inflammation. Usually the first 72 hours after an injury are the acute stage. After the swelling and pain begin to diminish, massage is indicated. A partial list of contraindications are: fever, vascular conditions, severe heart disease, contagious skin conditions, inflammation, abrasions, cuts, hematomas, neuritis, recent surgery, infectious diseases, diabetes with vascular dysfunction, fractures, and acute injury. There are too many possible conditions to list here so it is your responsibility to alert the therapist of any medical condition or injury before a massage begins. Some conditions are localized so massage may take place except in the affected area.

Yes, by all means. Self-massage and stretching are two of the best things an athlete can do for him- or herself. There are some excellent books on the subject. But even though self-massage is beneficial, it doesn’t replace a good Sports Massage by a trained therapist.

This treatment will be designed to suit your individual needs and requirements and can be as deep a massage as required to meet your expectations.

You certainly can! Hot Stone massages make excellent Birthday, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day presents.

The stones are treated volcanic rocks such as basalt or basinite which have the ability to hold heat. These stones are carefully gathered and handcrafted for various sizes, shapes and weights according to what part of the body it will be use on.

The stones are heated using water with temperature ranging from 120 – 130 degree Fahrenheit although usual treatment requires alternating the use of hot basalt or basinite stones.

No. Definitely not. Our therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. However, everyone has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.

These are few guidelines: don’t eat a heavy meal before the treatment, wear comfortable underwear, drink plenty of water after your treatment, be clear with your therapist as to what are your expectations of the treatment and above all, enjoy!

No! This is because probably your symptoms will intensify and also you may pass the virus to your massage practitioner, who is then going to pass them to the rest of the clients.

Best thing to do if you have a cold: Stay at home! And try to be kind to your fellow human beings by not sharing your viruses with us!

It doesn’t really matter as You will undress to your underwear but will be covered by towels at all times and only the part of your body worked on at the time will be uncovered to protect your modesty. Good towel management will ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable at all times.

If you are coming for sports/remedial massage, please bring some comfortable sports shorts.

Of course you can eat! You wouldn’t be able to relax very much if you were hungry! However, it is not advisable to eat a big meal before your session. A light meal would be ok.

Some people are able to close their eyes and relax with the lenses on but if you are unsure, you will probably be able to enjoy more your treatment if you remove them previously. You can bring your contact lenses case with you.

You don’t need to do anything at all but enjoy your treatment!

Sometimes the practitioner will ask you to do specific movements to help with the treatment, especially if you came for remedial/sports massage or to treat any specific injury or problem.

Some clients like to talk during the treatment. That is ok with me although my feeling is that you will benefit much more if you just get in touch with your body by placing your awareness in the areas that are being worked on.

Most of us live in our heads most of the time and this is a fantastic opportunity for you to switch off your mind, put your attention on your body and just “feel your body”.

See where it feels a bit tight or maybe a bit painful, or maybe it feels great to have pressure, etc…but above all, enjoy. Just by becoming aware your system will start the process of releasing and healing whatever it is there to be released and healed.

If you feel that you need more pressure or less pressure or there is an area where you would like more work or anything you feel might help, please say it. You therapist will always appreciate your feedback and will be delighted to be guided by you!

Not at all! Just let your breathing be as it is naturally. You may want to “send air internally” to the area that is being worked on to help the tension to release. Kind of “breathing into the area”. Some people are able to do this naturally as soon as they relax. It would be good for you to try it but if trying to do this, is going to stress you out, it is much better not to try to do anything and just enjoy the session!

There are many different possible causes for headaches. One of the most common causes is tension on the muscles at the back of the neck and the base of the skull. These are called cervical or tension headaches and they are often associated with neck pain and stiffness. If you are suffering from these types of headaches, remedial deep tissue massage could definitely help you.

 Absolutely. Deep Tissue Massage does not mean it is going to be hard, or painful or dangerous. It means it is going to go as deep as the tissues allow, without forcing anything. That is why it feels so good but also it is so effective.

However, it would be great if you could get your doctor to agree to you having massage treatment. This consent will be needed if you are pregnant less than 3 months.

Massage stimulates the part of the nervous system that needs to be activated for us to be relaxed (parasympathetic nervous system) Receiving regular massage treatments will “wake up” the relaxation processes and “remind” our nervous system that it doesn’t need to be in state of constant alert.

• I suffer from frequent headaches. Can massage help?

There are many different possible causes for headaches. One of the most common causes is tension on the muscles at the back of the neck and the base of the skull. These are called cervical or tension headaches and they are often associated with neck pain and stiffness. If you are suffering from these types of headaches, remedial deep tissue massage could definitely help you.

•  I am pregnant and my shoulders ache constantly. Can I have deep tissue massage?

 Absolutely. Deep Tissue Massage does not mean it is going to be hard, or painful or dangerous. It means it is going to go as deep as the tissues allow, without forcing anything. That is why it feels so good but also it is so effective.

However, it would be great if you could get your doctor to agree to you having massage treatment. This consent will be needed if you are pregnant less than 3 months.

• I am going through a very stressful time at the moment. How is massage going to help?

Massage stimulates the part of the nervous system that needs to be activated for us to be relaxed (parasympathetic nervous system) Receiving regular massage treatments will “wake up” the relaxation processes and “remind” our nervous system that it doesn’t need to be in state of constant alert.

Is there anything I should or shouldn’t do after my treatment?

You should just follow your common sense:

You don’t want to drink lots of alcohol straight away. It would be better to drink a bit more water than you are used to after the session.

You will maybe feel a bit spaced out so walk for a few minutes before you start driving.

It is good to go for a walk after a session to feel how your body is responding to movement and gravity. To see if anything feels different. After a deep tissue session you will probably feel looser and more flexible, have less pain than you had before if you had any and have more freedom of movement in general. So just enjoy the feeling!

Massage will encourage your system to go into recovery mode so maybe you’ll feel a bit tired and lethargic just after the treatment, although your levels of energy are likely to rise up after 1/2 hour or so.

It is possible that you feel a bit of soreness the following day in the areas that have been worked on. This doesn’t happen often but it may happen. Don’t worry about it. It won’t last for long and sometimes things get a bit worse before they get a bit better. If you have any doubt, contact your massage practitioner.

You should just follow your common sense:

You don’t want to drink lots of alcohol straight away. It would be better to drink a bit more water than you are used to after the session.

You will maybe feel a bit spaced out so walk for a few minutes before you start driving.

It is good to go for a walk after a session to feel how your body is responding to movement and gravity. To see if anything feels different. After a deep tissue session you will probably feel looser and more flexible, have less pain than you had before if you had any and have more freedom of movement in general. So just enjoy the feeling!

Massage will encourage your system to go into recovery mode so maybe you’ll feel a bit tired and lethargic just after the treatment, although your levels of energy are likely to rise up after 1/2 hour or so.

It is possible that you feel a bit of soreness the following day in the areas that have been worked on. This doesn’t happen often but it may happen. Don’t worry about it. It won’t last for long and sometimes things get a bit worse before they get a bit better. If you have any doubt, contact your massage practitioner.

That depends on what you want to achieve. In general, if you are happy with how your body feels and you just want to receive regular sessions for maintenance, I advise once monthly at least.

If you are a very sporty person, probably it will be better to come more often to condition your muscular skeletal system so that you can prevent injuries and optimise performance. In this case I would suggest once per week or at least once every 2 weeks.

If you have a sedentary job (desk office/ psychotherapist, etc) or a job that involves repetitive movements of limbs (computer work, hairdressing, etc) you would benefit from bodywork treatments once every 2 or 3 weeks.

If you are treating an injury or chronic problem, the best course to follow is to have a few treatments close together (once a week for 3 or 4 weeks or even twice per week for the first 2 or 3 treatments to be able to shift an unhealthy neuro muscular pattern) and afterwards, when you start getting better, you can start coming less often.

As a rule of thumb, the best is always to come for a session before you have any pain or injury. Better prevention than cure! Also remember, massage therapy is one of few things that are good for you and also feel good. So my advice is treat yourself well as much as you can!

In most cases noticeable results are achieved just after three treatments.

The hairs will fall out naturally over a period of 1-3 weeks.

This is the only treatment that will leave your skin soft and silky with permanent removal of unwanted
body hair. No longer will you have ingrown hairs, shaving rash, or frequent waxing and electrolysis

Laser hair removal sessions are carried out at 6-8 weekly intervals on an average of 4-6

treatments being required

I use the energist ultra VPL system which is the latest advanced system in pioneering variable pulsed light technology.

It has been clinically proven to remove hair from all parts of the body. The variable pulse settings mean it can effectively treat different types of hair on a wide range of skin types

Carefully filtered pulses of light are absorbed by melanin, the pigment found in hair. The absorption process produces heat, damaging the follicle along with the ability to regenerate. Hundreds of hair follicles are treated with each pulse making the energist ultra system a fast and effective way to treat unwanted hair.

Hypnosis is a pleasant state of mind that is brought about by ‘imagining’ a series of progressively more relaxing images and situations.  It has been described as ‘guided daydreaming’ and is a very relaxed and pleasant state.  It is rather similar to being completely absorbed in your favourite book or movie, or perhaps you have that experience when you have been driving your car and arrived at your destination without quiet knowing how you got there!

Yes, you will.  You will hear everything that is said and will be able to move at will, scratch your nose, yawn etc but you may just feel so relaxed you just may choose not to!

Believe it or not, there will have been many times in your life when you have already felt what it is like to ‘be in hypnosis’ but maybe you haven’t labelled it! Hypnosis is natural phenomenons which daydreaming and becoming absorbed in something you are doing are just a couple of ways you have ‘felt’ hypnosis before. As people are unique so is the way hypnosis is experienced.

I don’t know can you? Certainly not by me! Hypnosis is a state of relaxed awareness, you stay fully in control, and everything you do under hypnosis is done voluntarily.  Your ability to decide what you should and shouldn’t do is unaffected.

No, your conscious will, conscience and morals will still be present throughout and you retain the ability to exercise these at will.

Another misconception is that you won’t be able to remember anything that went on in the session.  The truth is that you will be able to remember most of it.  Any portions not remembered, will be where your mind has drifted off to some distant thought or memory, but remembering or not remembering does NOT affect the work done in hypnosis.

No not at all. It’s just a deep state of relaxation.

People who want to be hypnotised can be.

I won’t, you will! All hypnosis is self-hypnosis; I will just facilitate the process with you!

Chinese herbal medicine has a role to play in the treatment of the following conditions:

Skin disease, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria

• Gastro-intestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis
• Gynaecological conditions, including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, infertility
• Hepatitis and HIV: some promising results have been obtained for treatment of Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial in the case of HIV
• Chronic fatigue syndromes, whether with a background of viral infection or in other situations
• Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs, allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis
• Rheumatological conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Urinary conditions including chronic cystitis
• Psychological problems (e.g. depression, anxiety)

Chinese medicine can be used by people of any age or constitution. Your practitioner will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before prescribing herbs to you.. With suitable adjustments for dosage and with some provisos which will be determined by your practitioner, children and pregnant women can very well be treated by Chinese medicine.

Herbs are now available in a number of formats, both traditional and modern. The traditional method is to boil a mixture of dried herbs to make a tea or to use pills. The herbs are also now commonly prescribed as freeze dried powders or tinctures. The herbs will at first taste unusual and often bitter to anyone who has not tried them before, but the vast majority of people get used to the taste very quickly.

There are no standard prices for consultations or for herbs. This will depend on the individual practitioner and the part of the country you are in. You should enquire about charges when making your appointment. Many private health insurance companies are now covering acupuncture and a few will also pay for herbal treatment. You should contact your insurance company to check.

Chinese herbs are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Over the centuries, doctors have compiled detailed information about the pharmacopoiea and placed great emphasis on the protection of the patient. Adverse reactions can occur with any form of medicine. In the case of Chinese herbal medicine, these are rare. RCHM members give guidance on this to all patients. The RCHM also works with the Bristol Chinese Herb Garden and with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in building botanical knowledge of high quality herbal medicines.

FACIAL COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE 

What is facial cosmetic acupuncture? 

Cosmetic acupuncture involves deep tissue massage techniques and the insertion of fine needles into the face and sometimes other points in the body, in order to minimise fine lines and wrinkles, and to improve skin appearance and tone.

What are the effects of cosmetic acupuncture? 

Cosmetic acupuncture minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. It also improves the appearance of the skin and skin tone. It is a subtle treatment, and patients generally find that friends and family comment on how well and radiant they are looking, but they can’t quite pin point why. It is not a face lift or botox treatment and therefore does not produce such dramatic results, but it is a natural alternative treatment for those of you concerned with your appearance, but who do not want to undergo surgery or other more invasive techniques.

It can help with:

• Crows feet and forehead lines
• Wrinkles
• Nose to mouth lines and sagging skin tone
• Poor complexion and open pores

How does it work? 

Cosmetic acupuncture works by stimulating circulation, and releasing tense facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles and sagging skin tone.

Does it hurt? 

Most people find the sessions very enjoyable and relaxing. The needles used are extremely fine (0.2mm thickness) and you may be aware of the needles being inserted but it should not be painful.

How many treatments will I need? 

You should notice a difference after the first session, but we recommend at least 6 treatments initially, at once or twice a week intervals as the results accumulate over time. Follow up treatments will be discussed with you, and will vary with each individual, but may be just be whenever you feel you need a ‘top up’.

What is Psychotherapy and how can it help me? 

Taken literally Psychotherapy means ‘Soul Healing’, but in more practical terms it is a form of professional conversation, where personal issues and concerns can be explored in a safe and confidential space. Most people find that just being listened to in an attentive and non judgemental way can be helpful, but what else happens in psychotherapy?

The aim of psychotherapy is to help raise awareness of how your current way of thinking about yourself and of doing things may be preventing you from getting the most out of your life.

We can uncover fixed patterns of thoughts and behaviour that you may have developed over time (sometimes with their origins in childhood) that are no longer helpful in your current situation. Through experimentation with new behaviour in the present moment we can undo these fixed patterns and move forward in our lives.

Take for instance the issue of depression which is one reason people may seek a psychotherapist for help. Over time you may have learnt

Winchmore Hill Clinic of Osteopathy & Natural Health

925 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, London, N21 2PB.

020 8360 3485 

www.winchmore-osteopaths.co.uk

to keep your feelings hidden and not to express anger or hurt when things happened in your life. This may be because in your family you were taught not to show feelings or maybe the culture you grew up in frowned upon open displays of emotion.

The consequence of repressing so called ‘negative’ feelings can be depression. By coming to see me we might begin to explore how you have come to hide your feelings and then learn how to express them in a more healthy way. This then would help to alleviate any depression and help you regain control of your life. Psychotherapy is not a quick fix or a magic solution. Often problems are long standing and it takes time to undo old beliefs and habits and develop new healthier ones. Some people find that they can make significant progress in a short space of time and for others the journey is longer.

A commitment to improving the quality of your life and relationships is needed and the long term benefits of psychotherapy are truly worth investing in

Contact the clinic if you would like 

to explore your concerns in a safe confidential space 

Shonishin for babies and children

Shonishin (children’s needle therapy) is a unique and specialised style of acupuncture developed over 250 years ago in Japan for babies & children. It is well tolerated due to its very gentle and effective approach.

NO NEEDLES !

Shonishin recognises that children do not like needles and has instead developed specific techniques, many of which are non-invasive and thus not frightening to the child. The channels and points are stimulated by gently stroking, rubbing or tapping with a variety of rounded silver, gold and stainless steel tools. Without penetrating the skin, these different kinds of stimulation have a strong therapeutic effect.

When applied for short periods of time in simple systematic patterns, these techniques have been found to be very helpful for both parents and their children. It is used particularly from birth through to age five or older.

What happens during the treatment? 

After a discussion of your child’s condition and medical history, the pulse is taken and the abdomen is felt, in order to evaluate areas of imbalance. Initial treatment consists of a few minutes of stimulating the channels using Shonishin tools. Particular points may then be stimulated to specifically address the underlying imbalance. At the end of the treatment a small ‘press sphere’, a tiny round ball bearing (usually gold or silver) might be placed on the skin that can be left in for a few hours.

Home Therapy

Shonishin is a whole treatment for your child in several steps. Whilst some of these steps can only be done by an acupuncturist, other techniques can be taught to parents, so that the effects can be reinforced by regular application at home. This approach is appreciated by parents who welcome the opportunity to participate more actively in their children’s wellbeing.

Scope of Shonishin

The general treatment can be very helpful for supporting your child’s vital energy and health. When correctly applied, Shonishin is very relaxing and gives a sense of well-being. It is a valuable support to parents, enabling them to reinforce these techniques at home.

Ask about Shonishin at the clinic today.   020 8360 3485