osteopathy & physiotherapy

OSTEOPATHY: Jo Bowyer, Julia Finlay, & Tim Whelan

This is a therapy that aims to pinpoint and treat any problem that is of a mechanical nature. Problems that prevent the body from working correctly or that create pain can be caused by an injury or stress. This can result in what is known as a tension headache since the stress experienced causes a contraction in muscles.

In osteopathy, it is believed that if the basic framework of the body is undamaged, then all physical activities can be accomplished efficiently and without causing any problems. The majority of disorders are of the spine resulting in pain in the lower back and neck. Manipulation techniques are used on joints as well as massage to free tension. Can be used to relieve chronic or minor problems:

PHYSIOTHERAPY AND CRANIO-OSTEOPATHY  -Jo Bowyer

Jo Bowyer is a generalist Chartered Physiotherapist and Registered Osteopath who has a particular interest in 'chronic and difficult to manage' cases.

She has been involved in the management and treatment of world class sports people and other performers for over 25 years, in the Uk and abroad.

She spent 9 years working in the NHS in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and then at Bedford General Hospital on medical and care of the elderly wards, where she developed an interest in the treatment of chest conditions, stroke and the effects of aging and wear and tear on the musculoskeletal system.

She spent a further 6 years as Deputy Superintendent Physiotherapist at the Lister Hospital in Chelsea, where she managed the Outpatients and Sports Injury Clinic.

For the past 15 years she has been in private practice in Clapham and Bedford.

SPECIALIST PHYSIOTHERAPIST - Debbie Stuart

Debbie Stuart, a Chartered Physiotherapist, specialising in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

Debbie comes from a Specialist role within Continence care and Women's Health in large NHS hospitals in Scotland and Milton Keynes.  In these roles she has been instrumental in ensuring that patients receive timely, effective care. 

A full member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Women's Health, Debbie has completed modules towards an MSc in 'Physiotherapy for continence care and Women's Health' at the University of Bradford.

At private clinics in London and Bedfordshire Debbie offers discreet, effective assessment and treatment to patients enduring the symptoms of bladder and bowel incontinence.

Originally from a musculoskeletal background, Debbie has combined her intricate knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvic girdle and the pelvic floor musculature enabling her to also offer treatment to women with Symphysis Pubis pain and other pregnancy related ailments.

Specialist assessment and treatment for:

Bladder & Bowel Dysfunction,
eg; Urinary stress and/or urge incontinence in men, women and children Faecal
urgency and/or incontinence
Pelvic pain
Female sexual dysfunction secondary to childbirth
Incontinence post surgery - prostatectomy, hysterectomy, third degree tears

Antenatal & Postnatal Musculoskeletal Disorders
eg; Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Advice and exercise for pregnancy, birth and motherhood

The 'Pelvic Floor' is probably the most misunderstood muscle group within the human body and definately most likely to be forgotten or incorrectly  activated, during exercise regimes focussing on toning the whole body!

In general women have heard of their pelvic floor but when questioned they admit that they don't really know exactly where it is and what it is responsible for.  However, all women are familiar with the symptoms of a dysfunctional pelvic floor; sadly these symptoms can be prevented and treated but all too often women suffer in silence.

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs for a number of reasons:
childbirth, obesity, decreased activity, constipation, repetitive heavy lifting, caffeine, chronic cough, menopause.

Specialist Physiotherapy aims to teach women to isolate their pelvic floor muscles and retrain them effectively.  Following a short course of treatment most women can regain a normal quality of life without fear of incontinence.

All consultations are strictly confidential.