Complementary Health Centre - let us take care of you

Therapists: Deryck Breinburg, James Britton, Erika Dannmayr, Gill Howells, Nikki Moss, Lyndsay Mudford, Nik Patel

What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a unique system of diagnosis and treatment that focuses on the structural integrity of the whole body. When the body is correctly aligned, the systems within work more efficiently with the minimum of wear, stress and use of energy, which may reduce pain and disability, and help to bring about a sense of well-being.

A subtle form of touch known as palpation is used to detect muscular strain, tissue congestion, and to assess quality of movement in the spine and other joints. Various manual techniques are employed which may relieve pain and stiffness, relax tense muscles and help to stimulate the circulation, the lymphatics and the nervous system. These include spinal manipulation, stretching and moving joints through their range of motion, and gentle pressures and stretches of soft tissues.

In addition to the treatment we aim to help each patient understand his problem, appreciate why it has occurred and provide him with strategies to speed recovery and
help prevent further episodes occurring. These might include exercises, advice on posture, correct breathing, relaxation, positioning at work stations or dietary changes.

What conditions may be seen by an Osteopath?
Osteopathy is widely recognised for its success in treating patients with low back pain,
but may also be effective for patients with a variety of other symptoms/conditions, eg,

migraine and headaches
frozen and stiff shoulders
repetitive strain injuries
sports injuries
knee and hip problems
arthritic pain and stiffness
trapped nerves
cramps
leg pain and sciatica
ankle and foot problems
whiplash injuries
tennis elbow and wrist pain

Postural re-education and ergonomic assessment are an integral part of osteopathic treatment.

Osteopathy is also suitable for those who do not have any specific pains but feel they are developing a poor posture and are generally unfit due to a sedentary job and lack of exercise. The hands-on treatment helps people to become aware of areas of tightness and tension that they have come to consider as normal, and how they might be using their own body incorrectly.

Who is osteopathy suitable for?
Everyone! Osteopathy may help babies, children, adults, the elderly or disabled , pregnant women as well as athletes.

What happens when I see an osteopath?
On your first appointment a case history will be taken and a physical assessment performed. As part of the physical examination, you may be asked to remove some outer clothing and do a few simple movements. This will provide an overall impression of your posture and build, and highlight areas of stiffness and pain. After a thorough assessment, the osteopath will explain what he or she believes to be causing your symptoms and will proceed to your first treatment. Problems that have been going on for several months or years are likely to need a series of treatments over several weeks, whereas those which have just developed can often be resolved with one or two treatments.

Therapists

Deryck Breinburg
Deryck Breinburg has been involved with the practice for 19 years. He trained at the British School of Osteopathy and qualified in 1989. He works at five busy practices in and around London.
Deryck was a biochemistry graduate working in medical research before training as an osteopath. He has a wealth of experience in the treatment and management of musculo-skeletal disorders.
Availability:
Mondays 4.00pm to 8.30pm
Fridays 4.00pm to 9.00pm
Deryck is registered with several Health Insurance companies including PPP and BUPA.

Erika Dannmayr
I graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 2000, after completing a BSc Honours Degree in Osteopathy. Since then I have practiced Osteopathy in South East London, Kent and taught Osteopathic techniques at the European School of Osteopathy.

As well as being registered with the General Osteopathic Council, I am a member of the professional body the British Osteopathic Association. I am also AXA PPP and BUPA registered.

I have enjoyed working from the Complementary Health Centre since 2002, as well as starting my own practice in Beckenham and working with a GP's Surgery to provide Osteopathy on the NHS.

I enjoy using both Traditional Osteopathic and Cranial Osteopathic approaches in treating my patients. Therefore, I treat a wide range of people with musculoskeletal problems. I also see babies, children and women ante and post-natally, who may present with a variety of symptoms.

I live locally with my husband and young son.

Gill Howells

I qualified as a Physiotherapist in 1971 and then went on to train as an Osteopath qualifying from The British School of Osteopathy in 1975. I started the practice which became the Complementary Health Centre in order to offer patients the opportunity to consult a broad range of Practitioners and receive treatment "under one roof". I now live in Wales, but play a very active role in the organisation and running of the centre, helped by a wonderful group of Health Professionals. I run Posture and Ergonomic advice workshops in the exercise studio. Please contact reception for the next available date.

Nikki Moss
I graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 1976 after 4 years of training and returned as a clinical tutor from 1977-1982. I worked in practices in central London, Kent, Buckingham shire and Cambridge during the next 10 years.

Trained as a Bodywork teacher in 1983.This is a Pilates based exercise programme –a gentle method of strengthening and stretching. I then taught this and ante-and postnatal classes at Chelsea Dance studios and Lambton Place Health Club over the
following 3 years.

I have always had an interest in sports and dance injuries and worked at the Urdang ballet school from 1986-88; treating young trainee ballet students. I currently work at Laban School of Dance.

I have been at the Complementary Health Centre for the last 20 years and over the last 12 years I have also taught 'Body-conditioning classes- Pilates based with relaxation'. These classes help people with or without back pain to improve their posture and strengthen and take control of their bodies.

Lyndsay Mudford
I graduated from the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy, now known as The British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), in 2000 with a First Class Honours Degree and have ten years experience in practice.

I have worked at various practices in north London and here at the Complementary Health Centre for nine years. I have been a clinic tutor and taught soft tissue technique and visceral osteopathy at BCOM.

Previously I was a Registered Nurse at the Royal London Hospital in East London and volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospice Hackney, practicing holistic massage.

Having also studied Naturopathy, I incorporate those principles into my practice as an osteopath. As well as addressing the immediate pains and physical difficulties of my patients, I am also interested in their general well-being which can involve discussing diet, physical activity, ability to relax and current stress factors, all of which can lend insight into their presenting problem.

Further information can be found on my website http://www.lyndsaymudford.co.uk

Nik Patel

Nik Works on Saturdays. (Further info will be added shortly)

Cranial Osteopathy

Therapists: Erika Dannmayr and James Britton

Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of Osteopathic treatment that harnesses the patients' 'cranial rhythm' or 'involuntary motion' to encourage the release of physical and emotional restrictions in their body. This is accomplished by the application of gentle pressure to the head and body. It may help in a wide range of conditions in people of all ages.

Cranial Osteopathy is taught as part of the BSc Honours Degree at some Osteopathic Colleges. On graduation an Osteopath wishing to develop this approach undertakes further post graduate training. Cranial Osteopaths are those who have developed their skills in this field though training and experience.

Cranial Osteopaths apply the principles of Osteopathy to patients with a wide variety of conditions. Please ask to speak to an Osteopath to discuss whether the symptoms or condition you have may be helped by treatment.

Cranial Osteopathic assessment is recommended for all mothers, following the physical trauma of labour and delivery. People of all ages may also benefit from treatment, even if symptom free, as Osteopathic treatment improves the mechanical functioning of the body.