OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is not just for backs! It is a form of diagnostic manual medicine. Osteopaths are regulated expert diagnostic medical professionals, specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and management of spinal and joint problems.

Osteopathy is a natural form of physical therapy concentrating on gentle muscle and joint manipulation, mobilisation, exercise and stretching. This form of medicine focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Osteopathic practitioners focus on a holistic approach to your condition considering both the region you experience your symptoms, but also a global holistic view of other body regions which may be contributing to your individual symptoms.

Osteopathy is suitable for everyone from young children to the very elderly.

Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body is a self-healing organism and that the musculoskeletal system plays a vital role in overall health.

Osteopaths believe that when the musculoskeletal system is not functioning properly, it can lead to pain and other health problems. Osteopaths, use a variety of hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems.

WESTERN MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

Western Medical Acupuncture, also known as dry needling, is a modern adaptation of traditional Chinese acupuncture. It is a technique used by therapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which is based on the concept of energy flow along meridians, Western Medical Acupuncture focuses on the anatomical and neurophysiological effects of needle insertion.

Western Medical Acupuncture primarily focuses upon the relief of pain symptoms. It is a gentle form of therapy requiring the insertion of very thin single-use disposable, sterile needles at key points within the body to bring about muscular relaxation, release of pain-killing endorphins and the relief of pain.

Massage therapy

Massage Therapy has existed for thousands of years and within many different cultures around the world, as a gentle means of reducing muscle and joint pain, enhancing well-being and restoring function. Massage can assist blood flow, reduce muscle spasm, enhance muscle tone and aid recovery from training and competition.

There are also highly beneficial effects in reducing stress and the impact of anxiety. Massage Therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin.

It is a widely practiced and popular form of complementary and alternative medicine, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Massage is less a luxury and more a valuable form of enhancing health, function and overall well-being. Whether sedentary or an elite level sportsperson, everyone can benefit from a healthy massage.

Sports Massage: A form of deep tissue massage that targets soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and fascia to relieve tension, improve flexibility, and enhance athletic performance or recovery, whether you're an athlete or not!

Swedish Relaxation Massage: Also known as classical massage, is a type of massage therapy that focuses on relaxation and overall well-being, using techniques like gliding strokes, kneading, and friction to release muscle tension and improve circulation. Provided for full body, back, neck, shoulders, head and scalp.

​DIANOSTIC IMAGING

As a clinic, we facilitate referrals for Musculoskeletal (MSK) Diagnostic Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) through a structured process that ensures patient eligibility, appropriate clinical indications, and secure communication with our affiliate providers. After a thorough clinical assessment, our practitioners complete a referral form with accurate patient details and a clear clinical history describing the medical need for imaging. This form is then sent electronically to our designated affiliate diagnostic centers, where the procedure is performed. We maintain open communication with the imaging service to track progress and results.

Once the imaging is completed, a detailed report is sent back to our clinic promptly, typically within a few working days. Our clinicians review these results and integrate the findings into the patient’s care plan, ensuring timely follow-up. This referral process allows us to provide seamless access to advanced imaging when necessary, supporting precise diagnosis and efficient management of spine and musculoskeletal pain for our clients.

​Musculoskeletal (MSK) Diagnostic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess and visualise soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints throughout the body. Using high-frequency sound waves, this scan produces real-time images that help detect injuries, inflammation, tears, or abnormalities within musculoskeletal structures. It is particularly useful for evaluating conditions affecting the spine, shoulders, knees, and other joints, assisting healthcare providers in diagnosing the source of pain and monitoring recovery. This procedure is painless, does not use radiation, and allows for dynamic assessments, sometimes with the patient moving the affected area during scanning, which can highlight issues not visible at rest.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging modality that utilises powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of bones, muscles, discs, nerves, and other tissues within the spine and musculoskeletal system. MRI is highly effective for diagnosing complex spinal conditions such as herniated discs, nerve compression, bone fractures, tumours, and soft tissue injuries that may not be seen using other modalities. Unlike ultrasound, MRI can image deep structures and is especially valuable when precise anatomical detail is critical for treatment planning. Referred clients benefit from MRI’s accuracy, as it aids clinicians in identifying underlying causes of spine pain and determining the most appropriate intervention.

​OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERS

​At our clinic, we are proud to work alongside trusted partners who share our commitment to clinical excellence, patient care and diagnostic accuracy. Our affiliate relationships ensure that our patients receive the highest standard of assessment and imaging support.

Vista Health Logo

​We are proud to partner with Vista Health, one of the UK’s leading providers of diagnostic imaging services. Vista Health has established a strong national reputation for its commitment to patient-centred care, clinical excellence and efficient service delivery. With a comprehensive network of state-of-the-art imaging centres across the UK, Vista Health provides rapid access to high-quality MRI scans and a range of other diagnostic investigations, with the aim of location in mind.

Their team of consultant radiologists and highly trained imaging specialists are dedicated to ensuring every scan is performed and interpreted with the highest standards of precision, clarity and clinical accuracy. Using advanced MRI technology and rigorous quality assurance processes, Vista Health delivers reliable imaging results that form a vital part of our patients’ diagnostic journey

Our partnership with Vista Health allows us to offer seamless referral pathways and swift access to MRI appointments, ensuring our patients receive timely and accurate assessments. This collaboration enhances our ability to support early diagnosis, guide treatment decisions and optimise overall patient care

Together, we share a commitment to improving diagnostic access, clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience, combining our expertise to deliver the highest standards in musculoskeletal and general healthcare.



European School of Osteopathy Logo

​We are proud to collaborate with the European School of Osteopathy (ESO), a world-renowned institution recognised for its academic and research excellence in the field of osteopathy. Founded on a commitment to advancing osteopathic education and clinical practice, the ESO has established an international reputation for producing highly skilled and compassionate practitioners. Its teaching philosophy blends traditional osteopathic principles with the latest scientific research, fostering a deep understanding of musculoskeletal health, patient-centred care, and holistic treatment approaches.

Through this valued partnership, we are privileged to utilise the ESO’s exceptional clinical environment for our Musculoskeletal Ultrasound referrals. This collaboration enables us to combine advanced diagnostic imaging with expert osteopathic insight, offering our patients comprehensive, evidence-based assessments that address both structure and function.

Working alongside the ESO, we continue to champion excellence in musculoskeletal health, uniting diagnostic precision with the holistic principles that define osteopathic care. Together, we aim to enhance understanding, improve outcomes and contribute meaningfully to the future of musculoskeletal medicine.

EXERCISE REHABILITATION

Exercise Rehabilitation is a process of restoring physical function and movement after an injury, surgery, or illness. It involves a personalised program of exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Exercise Rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process and can help people return to their previous level of activity and independence.

Research informs us that a significant part of recovering from and preventing injury or preparing for and recovering from surgery, involves effective tailored advice on physical activity and exercise that helps support your body in its need to function effectively. We can provide you with expert tailored rehabilitation programmes and tailored instruction within our comprehensive rehabilitation partnered gym facility. We also provide you with realistic, practical simple office or home-based exercise and mobility advice you can easily incorporate, no matter where you are. The exercises will be designed to target the affected area and gradually increase in intensity as you progress.

what we treat

We may specialise in backs but we are able to treat many more conditions and work to relieve your pain. Osteopathy is not just for backs!


BACK PAIN, SLIPPED, HERNIATED DISCS & SCIATICA

Spinal pain is the most common condition we see at Swale Back Pain Clinic. One in two people experience some form of back pain in their lives. From very moderate to severe. With or without leg pain. Thankfully over 92% of people experiencing some form of back pain resolve or improve without the need for invasive treatment. Swale Back Pain Clinic can offer you the broadest and most up to date expert advice and care on helping resolve your back pain issue.


SHOULDER PAIN, SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT FROZEN SHOULDER

The most common problem we see most at Swale Back Pain Clinic next to back pain. The shoulder is a very mobile joint but also prone to injury and overstrain. We can offer you expert advice, diagnostic imaging, therapy and management strategies to have you functioning well again.


NECK PAIN & TRAPPED NERVES

We now live in the era of “tech neck”. With so many of us working from computers and hand-held devices, positional strain put upon our necks and spines can lead to pain, headaches, restriction and immobility. We are well placed at Swale Back Pain Clinic to help resolve your neck pain via our broad range of therapies, advice and support.


SPORTS INJURIES

Whether a weekend warrior or an elite level athlete, injury can occur. You could be struggling to find a solution or advised not to continue sport or indeed train. At Swale Back Pain Clinic we can provide a swift and accurate diagnosis to inform therapy and optimal rehabilitation choices, restoring you back to full fitness as swiftly as possible.


CHRONIC TENSION HEADACHES (CERVICOGENIC)

A debilitating condition that can impact severely on day-to- ay life, industry and wellness. Headaches originating from the neck, shoulder and spinal region, can respond extremely well to a number of our provided therapies. At Swale Back Pain Clinic we can advise you on the best approach for your specific problem.


TENNIS & GOLFER'S ELBOW

These common, painful and frustrating conditions benefit from a multi-factorial approach including osteopathy, acupuncture, self-help advice and exercise rehabilitation. You don’t have to be a tennis player or golfer to experience them! We can help with a holistic approach to rehabilitate and resolve.


ILLIO-TIBIAL BAND SYNDROME BURSITIS (ITB PAIN)

These conditions are very-common in keen walkers, runners and cyclists. It can greatly impact upon normal function and sporting performance. At Swale Back Pain Clinic, we can provide a variety of approaches from massage, acupuncture, stretching, gait analysis and remedial exercise which can all help you to resolve the problem.


KNEE, ANKLE & HIP PAIN

From mild osteoarthritis to ligament strains. Tendonitis to patellofemoral joint pain. It is likely we have a solution for your problem. Our comprehensive range of therapies and diagnostic capabilities allow us to provide fast and effective strategies and treatment to have you moving freely again.


PREGNANCY RELATED BACK & SACRO-ILLIAC PAIN

During pregnancy, the mother’s body goes through many adaptations and changes. It is very common for mothers-to-be to experience back or pelvic pain. We can provide Osteopathy as a gentle, safe form of therapy which can help you greatly through your pregnancy as your body continues to adjust.