Osteopathy is a manual approach to maintaining health. By working on the musculoskeletal system, Osteopathy aims to restore balanced relationships between ALL the systems of the body.

Osteopaths treat the whole person not just the condition, so we are interested in how the presenting complaint came about AND how other aspects of your health, your history and your lifestyle may be affecting you.

An Osteopathic approach involves palpating and gently manipulating areas of the body. The techniques can vary from stretching and articulating to the very gentle approach known as cranial osteopathy.

Osteopathy has been regulated by law since 1993. All osteopaths receive four to five years of undergraduate training and are obliged to undertake continuing professional development.

During a treatment session I would need to take a full health history. This will include illnesses, accidents and health issues from your past as well as your current state of health.

There is a standing examination in which I am looking for postural imbalances and quality of movement. This may involve removing a layer of clothing. I may need to carry out further clinical tests such as reflex testing or measuring blood pressure.

Further examination will happen whilst you are lying down. At this point I am usually able to summarise what I think may be going on.

If you are happy with the explanation, I will then proceed with treatment.

Whilst Osteopathy can resolve many issues, the techniques are complementary and cannot replace medical treatment in all cases. So, if I think your complaint is beyond the scope of Osteopathy I would explain why and, if necessary, refer you to your GP or another health care professional.

Commonly, people think of seeking Osteopathic treatment for back, neck or joint pain. But Osteopathy can help with so much more.

I often treat pregnant women to ensure they are as fit and healthy as possible ready for labour. I will see mothers in the period following birth as their bodies return to normal. Babies can also suffer physical discomfort. Sometimes difficulties feeding or settling can have a physical cause.

Parents bring children and teenagers to see me for help with the challenges of growth and development. This may include dental issues, the effects of stress or recovery from sporting demands. Buteyko breathing, which I am qualified to teach, is included in the NICE guidelines as a way of managing asthma.

I see adults of all ages to help with chronic conditions, sports injuries and the postural strains imposed by work or lifestyle.

Finally the elderly can benefit from Osteopathy to help with mobility and the effects of aging on the joints and muscles of the body.

I qualified from the British School of Osteopathy (now know as UCO) in 2002 with BSc (Hons) Ost First Class, and have worked in Salisbury and Bradford on Avon since this time.

Having undertaken nine years post graduate training in the Cranial approach to Osteopathy, I have been awarded Fellowship of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy.

I have completed the Biodynamic curriculum devised by Dr J Jealous DO.

I also have a post graduate diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy enabling me to work with babies and children of all ages. I am qualified to teach Buteyko Breathing.

I am registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and I am a member of the Institute of Osteopaths.

I live with my husband in Salisbury and have two adult sons.