We have two Registered Osteopaths, Fiona Robertson, and Suzanne Cooper, they are both members of the General Osteopathic Council. ( www.osteopathy.org.uk )Fiona Robertson has practiced for fourteen years and prior to that as a nurse for twelve,she is also a qualified Naturopath.
Suzanne Cooper BSc Hons (Osteopathy) BA (Hons) MA
Suzanne qualified as an osteopath after a 5-year Bachelor of Science degree from the London School of Osteopathy, which is one of the oldest osteopathic training colleges in the country. She is also trained in sports massage, strapping (e.g. sports injuries), dry needling (medical acupuncture) and orthotic (shoe insole) prescribing.
Suzanne is a qualified trainer and has lectured at the London School of Osteopathy www.lso.ac.uk
Prior to becoming an osteopath, Suzanne worked in health education and ran a national training programme for nurses and GPs on cancer screening. She began her career in a large NHS Teaching hospital, managing a urology department and A&E team. She has also worked in business development and has a good knowledge of work ergonomics as she was responsible for 'train the trainers' in manual handling for a major UK health charity.
Speaking to your group or staff:
Suzanne regularly undertakes public speaking and health promotion work. If you are in the Northwood or Canary Wharf/Westferry area and are interested in having Suzanne speak at your school, organisation or company, please call Resolve. This is normally free of charge to not for profit organisations.
We can normally offer treatment through all major
health insurance companies. Please tell us when you book if you are claiming from an insurer.
Amanda Kersen (also our homeopath) is our Pilates teacher and is a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a method of diagnosis and treatment which is primarily concerned with structural and mechanical failures of the body which can lead to pain & disability.
At your first appointment, normally 45mins to one hour, the Osteopath will first look into the history of your symptoms and any other illnesses you may have suffered from. They will then carry out a physical examination of your body. After a thorough evaluation of your posture, movement and the state of your body tissues they will be able to give you a diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan with you. You will then normally receive your first treatment.
Most patients receive full benefit from an average of four treatments although some may need several more to maintain a satisfactory level of mobility and pain releif.
Treatment involves a carefully selected combination of techniques including soft tissue massage, joint movements, gentle stretches, and manipulation.
All treatments are individual and according to your needs. You will then be advised on how to prevent future problems and be given exercises to do at home to help the healing process.
Conditions treated include:
- neck and back pain
- muscle spasms
- sciatica
- neuralgia
- joint pains
- whiplash
- cramp
Naturopathy is a system of healing that recognises the body`s inate power to heal itself by treating the whole person and not just their symptoms.At your first appointment, usually an hour, the Naturopath will enquire into the history of your physical and emotional wellbeing in order to discover the cause of any illness. They will then be able to prescribe the best form of treatment. They will be able to assist you in creating a healthier diet and lifestyle uniquely tailored for you. This may include nutritional advice and appropriate supplementation, detoxification diets,
relaxation techniques and stress management.
Conditions treated include
- headaches
- migraines
- digestive disorders
- candida
- food intolerances
- irritable bowel syndrome
- menstrual and menopausal problems
- fatigue
- skin conditions
- eczema
- asthma
- lowered immunity
- stress related problems
Appointments are available:
Tuesdays 10am - 6pm, Thursdays 2pm - 7pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
Cost - £46 for First Appointment (45mins/1 Hour)
Cost - £38 for Subsequent Appointments (1/2 Hour)
Pilates
Pilates is a form of exercise that if performed regularly re-establishes correct muscle recruitment which restores good posture. This is achieved by identifying which muscles are weak, strong, short, long, etc., and then correcting the muscle imbalances by stretching and relaxing tight short muscles and then strengthening weak long ones. You do not need to have any obvious muscular problems to gain benefits from this form of exercise, you can just do it to increase your strength and fitness as well as posture.
Poor muscle recruitment is likely when muscles are not at their correct length, often resulting in joints being out of alignment. There are many attributing factors for this such as: sedentary lifestyle, sustained positions, workplace conditions, repetitive movements, stress, illness and injuries. Since it is likely that these changes have occurred over a long period of time, this faulty pattern can feel normal. Usually pain is the first sign that there is a problem, although some people have bad posture and no pain.
What are the benefits of Pilates ?
The benefits are immense and can include:-
* Less incidence of back pain
* Better posture
* Improved flexibility
* Lowered stress levels
* Toned buttocks & thighs
* Toned arms and shoulder area
* A flatter stomach and a trimmer waist
* Fewer headaches ( where they are posture related )
* More efficient respiratory, lymphatic and circulatory system
* No more unevenly worn shoes ( wher posture related )
* Greater strength and muscle tone
* Boosted immune system
* Increased bone density
* Greater joint mobility
* Fewer injuries
* Improved performance
Its success rate has brought it to the attention of the Medical Profession, Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists as well as in the world of Dance and Sport.
What to expect
Firstly, an assessment is made to ensure that you only perform exercises that you can do safely. If you have been referred by a Specialist Practitioner, e.g. Doctor, Osteopath, etc., we will ask your permission to liase with them to ensure you get the best possible care.
Next, body awareness is focused on. Most people have very poor sensory awareness. Pilates teaches you how to focus and concentrate while moving, how to release unwanted tension from your body and to relax.
Lateral thoracic breathing into the lower lungs is taught as well as how to find your best possible posture alignment. This will change over time as Pilates corrects your posture. You will learn how to engage your deep stabilising muscles of the lumbar spine ( transversus abdominis, pelvic floor and multifidus ), how to keep your pelvis stable and the importance of doing so, and good scapul-humeral rhythm is taught for better shoulder mobility.
As you progress, more movement skills and strengthening techniques are introduced. As we recognise people will progress at different rates you will only ever be asked to perform the level of exercise that you can safely achieve. However, you will be gently encouraged to step out of your comfort zone so that you do not become static in your development. But, we cannot emphasise enough that safety is always paramount.
Amanda Kersen
Amanda is our Pilates Teacher and is a member of the Exercise Professionals Association, she is also our Homeopath.
Amanda charges £40 per one hour session for one to one instruction. She can also see two/three people together at Alternatives if you wish to share the cost, but of course the instruction will be less individual.