Osteopathy is a system of healthcare focusing on the body as a whole, rather than just treating the area of injury. Osteopathic training lasts 4-5 years and is a masters degree level qualification. Experts in anatomy and functional anatomy the osteopath can choose from many treatment techniques including, soft tissue, joint manipulation, articulation, stretching among many others. Treatments will involve an initial consultation and appropriate hands on treatment, your issue will first be discussed and a treatment plan formulated.
Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle technique involving the placing of hands on the head or spine, the practitioner then applies gentle pressure in order to influence the correct functioning and movement throughout the body, this helps to rebalance and also stimulate healthy self repair. Cranial osteopathy is suitable for all ages and is very effective for babies and children.
Paediatric Osteopaths complete a further 2 years post graduate training and specialise in the treatment of babies, children and adolescents.
Trigger-point acupuncture is a modern form of acupuncture where needle sites are selected first through palpation, then needling of the points happens in a quick ‘in/out’ process.
It is very affective against any type of pain both chronic and acute including but not limited to back pain, headaches and sporting injuries. Sports people find it excellent at releasing muscles to help reduce spasm, avoid injury and increase performance.
Trigger-points were first documented by Travell and Simons in their1983 book ‘Myofascial Pain And Dysfunction’. These doctors found patterns in the presentation of pain even though the root cause of the pain was different.
They systematically developed an understanding of how muscles themselves can generate both local and referred pain, which could be reproduced by pressing specific areas on symptomatic muscles. They called these specific areas trigger-points. The generation of a ‘local twitch response’ (a funning twitching of the muscle when the needle hits the ‘trigger-point’) seemed to both reduce the pain but also return function to the contracted symptomatic muscle.
Traditional Acupuncture has been used to great effect in the East for thousands of years. Using Chinese principles of Yin and Yang, of energetic balance and the flow of Qi the acupuncturist brings harmony by inserting fine needles into specific points in the body, the balance achieved provides an environment for healing and health.
Over many years different Schools of acupuncture have developed through observation of nature and how each person is influenced by both the external and the internal environment. The body is seen as a microcosm of the macrocosm and treatments are designed to bring the body in tune with nature and the world around us.
Different types of acupuncture and specialties are practiced at SJOA including ‘5 Element style’ Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese acupuncture, Ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and fertility acupuncture.
Sport massage training involves gaining a deeper understanding of anatomy, functional anatomy, sports rehabilitation as well as more advanced massage techniques.
The treatments are not only helpful for sports people but also for those who require a firmer massage.
Homeopathy is a system of healing which uses the principle ‘like treats like’ small pills with which the active ingredient has been diluted to a microscopic amount. If the ingredient were given at full strength it would give the symptoms that one is being treated for. The effectiveness of homeopathy is related to the skill of the practitioner to diagnose the correct remedy.
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary health therapy. It is based on the theory that there are microsystems on the feet and hands where each of the body’s parts, organs and systems are reflected.
By massaging zones and points within these microsystems it is possible to stimulate corresponding areas on the body, helping to restore and maintain one’s natural state of equilibrium.
Reflexology a very deep, relaxing treatment that is wonderful for combating stress, preventing illness and also effective at alleviating a wide range of conditions.
Also known as Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture this is a healthy alternative to botox, chemical peels and fillers. The qualified acupuncturist inserts superfine needles in to both acupuncture points and also specific muscles. This helps increase blood flow, lay-down collagen, increase lymphatic drainage and stimulate repair of damaged tissue through natural process’.
A wonderfully relaxing facial massage that combines Facial Reflexology with traditional Japanese facial massage techniques. While this is fantastic for the skin, it also has significant health and relaxation benefits.
Using just fingers and choice of either rose-hip or frankincense oil, the treatment begins with a gentle stimulation of selected facial acupuncture points. The reflexology zones are then assessed using slow pulling motions before focusing the treatment accordingly. This is followed by the Japanese Facial Massage and lymphatic drainage techniques, which are slow, deep and hypnotic.
In addition to treating the outer layer of the skin, these combined methods work the meridians, facial nerves and muscles, ensuring a balancing effect for the whole body, as well as relieving tension in the face and jaw.
It can be used as a one-off treatment, giving you a radiant glow and helping you feel relaxed before a special occasion or meeting. Or as a course of treatments, helping to reduce lines and wrinkles, and improve the texture of the skin.
Natural fertility treatments, obstetrics and gyne and general women’s heath issues can be treated using individual treatments or a combined approach; Traditional Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Reflexology.
How we hold ourselves, our posture and also how we move has a big impact on our health. At SJOA we have a number of different movement therapies to help strengthen, balance and connect your body’s ability to thrive.
How we walk and stand is fundamental to our wellbeing.
Anatomy in Motion uses standing posture and gait (how we walk) to assess and understand a person’s pain or movement restrictions, and then utilises simple full body exercises to help free them up and move them out of pain.
Injuries, operations/scarring, lifestyle, footwear, occupation etc. all play a part in how we stand and walk. A thorough assessment will reveal what movements a person is avoiding or is unable to do.
Once identified, the missing movements are reintroduced and then integrated through whole-body exercises that assimilate phases of the gait cycle.
Who can it help?
Anatomy in Motion is a process designed to help you understand why you are in pain and give you the tools to help you out of it.
A combination of reflexology, deep tissue massage, foot mobilisations and movement.
This brings together the benefits of reflexology (relaxation, stress relief, improved blood flow, decreased pain etc) with the biomechanical benefits of improved foot function.
We free the feet up with reflexology, massage and mobilisation techniques and then do some simple exercises to promote better foot pronation and supination. The two foot shapes we need to move effortlessly and efficiently.
A great introduction to the Anatomy in Motion way of thinking. You’ll be amazed at the difference in your body when your feet start moving better.
"Kate’s sports massage treatments have been so effective WITH all my day to day aches and pains”
“I worked as a chef in pain with my lower back for years, after a combo of acupuncture and osteopathy from Byron my pain resolved and hasn’t come back”
Byron first became interested in bodywork in the mid 90’s training and qualifying in1995 in massage including deep tissue, myofascial and Japanese acupressure techniques. After experiencing acupuncture treatment Byron was inspired and went on to study Chinese medicine qualifying as traditional acupuncturist. Further acupuncture study included specialist courses in Japanese acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, women health, facelift acupuncture, ear acupuncture and many other techniques. Having always wanting to study osteopathy Byron attended the British School of Osteopathy and in 2008 completed his training.
Byron mixes traditional and trigger-point acupuncture with osteopathy; using this combination Byron is able to resolve both chronic and acute pain, help increase athletic performance as well as treat everyday issues.
Matt is passionate about osteopathy and its ability help people heal and stay healthy naturally. Matt has been practicing osteopathy since 2008 both in north London and Windsor. Matts osteopathy has a holistic outlook - “I am interested in all the factors that play a role in tension and dysfunction in the body. I enjoy the process of working with my clients to find what the body needs to manage what is going on, relieve symptoms and improve health”. As well as keeping up to date with the latest research and development in the profession Matt is a specialist in paediatric osteopathy as well as studying cranial osteopathy, counselling skills, nutrition and acupuncture.
Soliman is a highly skilled multidisciplinary Bodyworker, Naturopathic Iridologist and Healer. Combining many years of knowledge and experience of hands on treatments and healing. Soliman uses Neuromuscular Therapy which can include massage, spinal mobilisation, intra-oral tissue release amongst others, along side Trigger-Point Acupuncture. Soliman's treatments can be remedial and deeply therapeutic depending upon the clients needs, specifically designed to treat pain patterns , movement dysfunction, increase ROM, assist rehabilitation, improve posture and overall well-being.
After suffering from chronic knee pain at 19 due to an accident Babs visited an acupuncturist who successfully helped resolved her symptoms. The same acupuncturist then helped cure her insomnia. Finding the treatment to be so effective Babs decided to study at The London School of Acupuncture a subject that fascinates her to this day.
‘I enjoy the unique challenges that each of my patients bring, and it is important for me to impart knowledge to empower them with the healing process.’
Babs has been an acupuncturist for over 25 years and prides herself on her approach of creating bespoke acupuncture treatments for all of her clients.
A specialist in woman’s health, fertility and pregnancy as well as common complaints, from musculoskeletal issues to digestive problems. Babs has helped many people with her combination of Chinese acupuncture and massage. She is also highly regarded for her cosmetic/skincare acupuncture which helps increase circulation, reduce fine lines and lift the face.
Robert’s passion for the human body began during his time as a competitive swimmer and swim coach. Robert initially trained as a massage therapist 25 years ago and over the years has developed a unique bodywork system focused on identifying and releasing residual muscle tension present even when the body is at rest. This approach targets the fascia of the body, the muscles, skeletal structure, and subtle energy systems. Drawing from a variety of disciplines—including Deep Tissue massage, Thai massage, acupressure, reflexology, breath-work and joint manipulation, Robert helps individuals release residual tension and achieve optimal performance, and support overall well-being by promoting balance in the body.
These techniques allow Robert to not only address the physical aspects of tension but also help relieve emotional and mental stresses that can manifest in the body.
Robert’s work is highly effective for athletes looking to optimise performance by eliminating muscle tightness and discomfort, as well as for individuals dealing with pain for example from sedentary lifestyles, bad posture, or stress. His holistic method addresses specific injuries and also helps prevent future ones, enhancing overall physical well-being. Countless clients have found relief from conditions such as migraines, neck, back, foot and shoulder pain, and sciatica.
Robert tailors each treatment to the unique needs of the client. Whether the issue stems from physical strain or emotional stress, Robert’s integrative approach provides a complete mind-body solution, helping clients reach their full potential "
Felicity has been in practice for over 30 years. She is passionate about an integrated approach to healthcare, having worked for many years at Viveka – an integrated healthcare clinic which combined both Medical Doctors and Complementary Practitioners working together, as well as at the birth unit at St John and St Elizabeth Hospital. Given her background in Psychology, Counselling and more recently Family Constellation Therapy, although she consults broadly, special interests include:
Rupert’s first encounter with reflexology was about 20 years ago, when suffering from a bout of stress-related insomnia. Having explored other avenues without success, he decided to give reflexology a try. One treatment was all it took to break the cycle of his insomnia and this inspired him to find out more.
Rupert qualified from the Central London School of Reflexology in 2004 and has since studied with many of the world’s leading authorities on reflexology, helping him to refine his techniques and enabling him to adapt his treatments to whatever is needed.
Rupert works with all types of conditions but specialises in pain & stress relief, hormonal dis-orders and pregnancy.
Rupert has a keen interest in the biomechanical relationship between the feet and the body, how poor movement in one affects the other, and how that in turn can impact on our health.
He is the only reflexologist in the world to have studied Gary Ward’s Anatomy in Motion (AIM), a movement therapy that uses gait and posture to unravel and solve people’s longstanding and often unexplained pain.
The feet are key to this process because if they can’t pronate or supinate well then the rest of the body has to compensate.
His ‘Free your Feet’ treatment is a great introduction to this and combines reflexology, mobilisation and massage with some AIM techniques and movements.
In addition to this Rupert also offers two treatments on the face – Facial Reflexology & Japanese Facial Lifting. Both are fantastic for stress, great for the skin and work well with hormonal imbalances.
Alessia Caramellino graduated from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine. Initially qualifying as a naturopath, whilst pursuing her passion to become an osteopath in London and completed various courses including dry needling, cranial and visceral osteopathy. Alessia has a special interest in chronic pain and holistic medicine and treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
