Treatments

Physiotherapy | Acupuncture | Massage | Integrative Medicine | Chinese Medicine
Aromatherapy | Pilates | Osteopathy

The following treatments are available at the clinics indicated by the following abbreviations:
B= Breakspeare A = Abingdon O = Oaktree

Physiotherapy (B,A & O)

A CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST treats injuries and diseases by correcting and improving the body’s own natural healing mechanisms. A wide variety of techniques are used to help muscles and joints work to their full potential.

These techniques include:

MANIPULATION
MOBILISATION
MASSAGE
EXERCISES
ACUPUNCTURE
ELECTROTHERAPY

Acupuncture for pain relief (A & B)

Increasingly, Chartered Physiotherapists are finding ACUPUNCTURE an effective complement to their established skills. Chartered Physiotherapists are in a unique position of being able to combine ACUPUNCTURE with other natural treatment methods, such as exercise, manual therapy and relaxation techniques. It is often worth trying ACUPUNCTURE for conditions that have not responded well to orthodox medicine.

Conditions that may be helped by Acupuncture

Back and neck pain
Acute chronic injuries
Muscle and joint problems
Headaches
Sports injuries
Arthritis and rheumatism
Pain, nausea and dizziness
Neurological conditions

Massage

Massage (B)

Sports massage has five main benefits: • Maintains the entire body in better physical condition. • Prevents injuries and loss of mobility. • Cures and restores the mobility to injured muscle tissue. • Boosts athletic performance and endurance. • Extends both the good health and duration of your athletic career.

Remedial Massage (A)

Remedial massage is useful for treating strains, sprains, backache, painful joints and many other types of conditions. It is deep tissue massage that removes blockages and damaged cells after injury and encourages more complete healing.

Indian Head Massage (A & B)

Indian Head massage is a technique of manipulating soft tissue in the shoulders and scalp. A range of different massage pressures and rhythms are used to stimulate and relax the head and shoulders.

Chinese Medicine (B)

Chinese Medicine is complementary to orthodox medicine and can be particularly successful at treating chronic conditions such as aches & pains including headaches, period problems & menopausal symptoms, sleeplessness, tiredness, anxiety, fatigue, infertility and digestive problems (inc. IBS).

Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to health where mind & body are treated as one. During consultations, the practitioner uses various diagnostic techniques coupled with interview to establish the cause of illness and to prescribe an appropriate blend of treatments.

Aromatherapy (B)

Aromatherapy combines therapeutic massage and essential oils to promote relaxation, physical and emotional well-being. • Therapeutic Massage and Clinical Aromatherapy • Lymph Drainage Therapy • Indian Head Massage • Aromatherapy Bespoke Product Range

• Reduction in edemas (swelling)

• Detoxification of the body

• Regeneration of tissues (e.g., from burns and pre and post-surgical scarring) and anti-aging effects

• Relief of chronic inflammation and conditions such as acne, eczema and allergies
Immune system stimulation for preventive and therapeutic effects

• Reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

• Relief of chronic pain

• Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, stress, loss of vitality and loss to memory

• Antispastic actions to relieve conditions such as voluntary or involuntary muscle hypertonus

• Alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue

Pilates (A & B)

The Pilates method of exercising offers a way to tone your body, improve fitness, calm your mind, and bring your body into proper alignment. It is especially beneficial to people who suffer from lower back problems helping to improve lower back stability.

The Physiotherapy and Pilates Centre at Abingdon has a fully equipped studio where Helena Bradwell, the Pilates teacher offers sessions both individually and in groups after an initial private assessment.

Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine is concerned with the treatment of many chronic and recurrent illnesses that are affected, to a greater or lesser extent, by foods of environmental factors. It involves the search for causes of symptoms, particularly the exposures that provoke them, and the micronutrient deficiencies that contribute. A surprising number of common conditions are amenable to this approach and these include irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, eczema, hay fever, asthma, arthritis, candidasis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment leads to reduced symptoms and improvement in general well-being and a significant reduction in the use of medication.

There is great emphasis placed on prevention, where simple lifestyle modification and regular nutritional supplementation is often suggested. This also applies to preconception counselling, particularly where there has been a previous miscarriage or infertility.

How Many Treatments Are Necessary

Everyone is different, and all treatment courses are tailored to the individual. A fair prognosis would be offered at the end of either the 1st or 2nd consultation, and agreement will always be sought from the patient before a course of treatment is undertaken. Progress monitoring allows the patient input for their treatment program.

Treatment

The first consultation involves detailed questioning about all the patients symptoms, as well as past medical history, medications taken and other treatments used. Occasionally investigations are required, including blood analysis, salivary testing and nutritional status assessment. However, most information is gained by response to treatment, which includes dietary, environmental and nutritional modification. Sometimes a technique of low-dose desensititasation may be used in patients with difficult to control symptoms or in those who have multiple allergies or chemical sensitivities. Homeopathic and herbal remedies are also recommended.

The initial consultation is 60 minutes and follow-up appointments of 30 minutes are arranged as necessary. The number required depends on the condition treated and the response of the patient.

If this approach to illness is one you would like to explore, please arrange a consultation with Dr Dawkins at The Breakspeare Clinic on 01993 830913.

Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a distinctive and complete system of health care, which aims to establish the source of and solution to a wide range of bodily problems. It focuses on the musculo-skeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia), and considers the links between all structures and organs in making up a fully functioning body.

Osteopathy deals with problems relating to all parts of the body, although it is best recognised for its ability to alleviate back and neck difficulties.

Osteopathy is applicable to all age groups, from babies to the elderly, and you can have beneficial effects on almost all types of injury and pain, from trauma and sporting causes, to those related to posture and work (both sedentary and active).

Initial Consultation

On a first visit, the osteopath endeavours to establish a clear picture of the individual. This is achieved by taking a thorough case history. Giving the patient a chance to tell their “story”. It would also include medical history, lifestyle and anything else that may be pertinent to the presenting symptoms. This is followed by medical testing and examination of relevant systems, and a complete osteopathic examination, based on an expert knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Ultimately leading to a diagnosis and explanation of what is going on.

Consideration will be given to your individual needs and abilities, and appropriate advice may be given at this time. This may include remedial exercise advice, dietary and lifestyle suggestions or if appropriate, referral to a more suitable specialist (G.P podiatrist, Pilates etc).

Examination and Treatment

Joints and tissues are examined for their quality of movement and texture, for evidence of inflammation or misalignment, which may be responsible for stiffness, immobility or pressure on nerves, causing pain. Treatment involves a wide range of manipulative techniques, including gentle or deep massage, joint articulation and muscle stretching. “Thrust” techniques may sometimes be employed to realign skeletal structures, or alleviate built-up pressure in localised areas of the body.

PRICES

Prices for the treatments are available on request. Please contact the relevant clinic.

back to top