Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of diagnosis and treatment that focuses on the link between the structure of the body and the way that it functions.
Osteopaths follow well established principles to treat each patient using safe and effective manual techniques. These techniques vary from extremely gentle cranial methods to high velocity treatments which include joint manipulations. The treatment usually also involves work on the muscles and soft tissues which may include stretching and massage work. Every treatment is tailored to the individual, taking full account of their needs and expectations.
Treatment can be beneficial for a wide variety of individuals. Our patients have included babies and children, expectant mothers, sports men and women, labourers and office workers as well as the elderly.
Osteopathy is a statutory regulated profession and all Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. To remain registered, all Osteopaths are required to complete regular professional development including courses, self study and peer reviews. This ensures that the knowledge and skills of each Osteopath remains in-keeping with the latest reaserch.
What to Expect?
During your first consultations Osteopaths will take time to go through a full and thorough case history. During this time we will discuss the main reason that you have come for the appointment but also there will be questions on your general health, lifestyle and any past medical history.
The Consultation lasts between 30-45 minutes. Following the case history if apporopriate we will do an examination. For this you may be asked to undress, possibly to underwear depending on where the problem is. If you feel more comfortable you can wear soft shorts and a vest.
We will discuss any examination findings with you and if appropriate treatement will normally be provided within this first session.
Your Osteopath will discuss with you how many sessions you may need and can book you for a follow up treatment within the timescale that has been discused.
Massage
Massage uses manipulation of the soft tissues and stretching to promote muscle relaxation, lengthening and promote healing of the tissues. It can be used to help with the recovery from an injury, reduce pain and relieve stress. Its a wonderful therapy for both the body and the mind.
Many people find it beneficial to have massage on a regular basis to help optimise their general health and wellbeing or to maintain optimal performance during sports or exercise. Others enjoy regular massage to simply de-stress and unwind.
Our Osteopaths work within a clinic where there is an excellent referral network of massage therapists for our clients.
Children and Babies
During the miracle of birth, babies undergo enormous forces within the birth canal. Of course as nature shows us they are designed to cope with this remakably well but sometimes it does leave them with strains through the bones, muscles and joints. These can be particularly strong if there are complications during labour, forceps or ventouse use, long or quick labours or if after a progressive labour emergency caesarian section is needed.
Osteopathy is a safe, gentle and effective way of relieving any tensions in the skull and joints and may help the baby overcome these strains. Babies can be treated using cranial techniques as well as very gentle structural techniques to help overcome the symptoms of many conditions.
After treatment babies are often relaxed and tired however, some babies can take a few days to settle.
Infant Feeding Support
Whether you choose to Breastfeed or Bottle Feed your baby, getting it right can seem overwhelming. Gemma one of our Osteopaths is a trained Infant Feeding Coach and can support you on your feeding journey. This service can be provided as part of an Osteopathic Assessment or as a stand alone service. Gemma can help you overcome pain whilst breastfeeding, establish a good feeing position for you and your baby, assess babies tongue function if appropriate and give guidance on the use of bottles and expressing.
Meet the Team
Gemma Horne
Osteopath, Infant Feeding Coach and Tongue-Tie Assessor
Gemma graduated form the European School of osteopathy (ESO) in 2010 and has since worked in various busy clinics across Kent, Surrey and Essex. Gemma is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and a member of the Institute of Osteopathy.
Gemma treats a wide range of people and complaints including newborn babies and children, pre and post-natal women and men and women with postural and work related complaints. Gemma has also taken postgraduate training with Stuart McGregor at the OCA to enable her to treat horses and dogs with Osteopathy.
Prior to her Osteopathic training Gemma worked as a Veterinary nurse at a busy small animal clinic in Kent. As head nurse she led many health clinics for pets which sparked a wider interest in general health and wellbeing in both people and animals.
Gemma particularly enjoys treating babies and children as well as mothers throughout pregnancy. The health and wellbeing of the mother thorughout her pregnancy can have a huge impact on labour itself and the early days when the baby arrives. Therefore ensuring new mothers enjoy a comfortable pregnancy and are educated on self care is a priority. Gemma is a trained Infant feeding Coach and offers feeding support for both bottle and breast feeding parents. She is also able to give prenatal advice to help you get off to the best start when baby arrives. Gemma is an Accredited Tongue-Tie Assessor and is able to assess babies for tongue tie and initiate a private referral if appropriate.
Outside work Gemma has always been a keen horse rider owning horse since she was 10 and competing on the county showing circuit as a teenager. Now Gemma’s time is mostly spent with her two young children. Gemma is also a partner at Hever Health Ltd
Email: gemma@oxted-osteopathy.co.uk
Paul Moody
Osteopath
Paul is a registered Osteopath of 27 years experience. He is particularly interested in health and wellbeing bringing together the physical, mental and internal functions of the body.
After A-Levels Paul joined the Devon and Cornwall police as a beat officer. He then spent a year as a coroner officer and 2 and a half years as a traffic officer. After 8 and a half years he changed careeres and studied Osteopathy at the British School of Osteopathy in London for 4 years qualifying in 1991. He is registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
Paul is a member of Hever Castle Golf Club and is also a partner of Hever Health Ltd
Email: paul.ingledale@gmail.com
Prices
Osteopathy
New Patient- 30-45 minutes session time dependent on practitioner.
Osteopathy
Routine Treatment- 30 minutes average session time depending on practitioner.