"for osteopathy + health"
ABOUT JOINT MECHANICS
The human body is the most amazing machine in existence. We treat it with love and respect. The 'joint mechanics' are highly skilled in treating the human body to keep it functioning efficiently through osteopathy, sports massage, dry needling, reflexology, physiotherapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and shockwave therapy.
Our 'mechanics'
Howard Gilbert BA (Hons) B.Ost.
Osteopath / Shockwave Therapy / Dry Needling
Joint Mechanics was established by Howard Gilbert. Howard studied osteopathy at the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) and qualified with a Bachelor of Osteopathy (BOst) degree. He has experience in treating a wide range of people, including pregnant women, the elderly and those with sports injuries, amongst others.
Prior to training as an osteopath, Howard worked in Japan for 2 years, and then as a city broker for 3 years. He then decided to re-train in manual medicine. Having participated in numerous global triathlon events and suffered from niggling sports injuries, this fuelled a desire to study osteopathy and treat the body as a whole in order to resolve symptoms.
Howard qualified in Personal Training and Sports Massage Therapy in March 2004, and was then employed as a sports massage therapist in La Manga Club resort in Spain, treating golfers and tennis players. He then spent 14 months working in a ski resort in Norway, at the prestigious Dr Holms Hotel in Geilo. In 2004, Howard was an interpreter for the Japanese national swimming, gymnastic and cycling teams at the Athens Olympics.
He has a current First Aid certificate, has been trained in the use of ultrasound and is qualified to undertake dry needling (a form of acupuncture). He has worked as the Civil Service Rugby Club osteopath, giving both pitchside first aid and treating various injuries. He has worked at The Royal Courts of Justice on The Strand, The Royal Automobile Club, Nokia HQ and has also treated actors in the West End.
Howard, a keen triathlete, has completed 3 Ironman competitions and represented Great Britain in the 2002 Long Distance Triathlon World Championships. He is an avid downhill and cross country skier, a kendo participant (Japanese fencing) and is a cycling enthusiast. He loves travelling, having visited over 30 countries, shadowing osteopaths in Spain, Norway, Japan and Australia.
Lydia Armitage M.Ost. BSc DO
Osteopath / Shockwave Therapy / Dry Needling
Lydia qualified following four years of study at the renowned European School of Osteopathy in Kent. She has a strong sporting background which led her to first study Exercise and Sport Science at The University of Exeter where she attained a BSc with honours.
As a qualified tennis coach and ski instructor, she has a thorough understanding and appreciation of the stresses and strains placed though the body during sport and exercise, as well as during every- day life. Lydia applies a dynamic and versatile approach, incorporating both structural and cranial techniques, whilst treating a wide variety of patients from all different backgrounds.
Lydia enjoys treating all types of patients and has developed interests in treating sports men and women, children and expectant mothers; completing her final year dissertation researching the treatment of low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.
With a true passion for health Lydia believes that the most effective functioning of the body is essential and works with patients to develop an individually tailored treatment plan to facilitate optimum results.
Lydia attended City of London Freemen’s School in Ashtead and after her time away in Exeter and Kent is delighted to return to the area to practice her chosen career, where it all began.
She also offers dry needling (western medical acupuncture) as a form of treatment where appropriate.
Maggie Gilbert
Reflexology
Maggie has undertaken an intensive training course through the renowned London School of Reflexology, qualifying with a Level 3 Diploma. Subsequently, she has added Certificates in Spinal Reflexology and also in Pre-Conception, Pregnancy and Post Natal Care. She holds a current First Aid certificate and more recently qualified in Healthy Eating and Wellbeing for Complementary Therapists, enabling her to provide nutritional advice too.
She is a full member of the Association of Reflexologists, registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council and is fully insured to practice.
Maggie is also trained in Fine Art, specialising in sculpture, is an art teacher and technical illustrator. She was once a licensee of an old coaching inn, the carer for her disabled daughter, developed and managed several charities, has an HND in business and finance, a Marketing Diploma and part one of an MBA.
So an artist; mother; publican; cook; carer; entrepreneur and reflexologist…… with a passionate belief in complementary therapies and a strong drive to help others!
Inna Wearn
Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine
Inna is a weight loss and hormone nutrition expert. She will help you to get slim, to get more energy and deal with your haywire hormones so you can look and feel like the best version of yourself - the one you remember from years ago!
Her signature nutrition & lifestyle programs help you transform the way you eat and the way you live your life - simply and without deprivation - so that you can have a real breakthrough in your health.
Inna has undertaken rigorous training at the well-known Institute for Optimum Nutrition, qualifying with Diploma in Nutritional Therapy. She is full member of the British Association of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine and registered with the Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council and fully insured to practice.
Inna offers nutrition and lifestyle advice to men and women based on latest scientific research in food and lifestyle.
Inna also enjoys working with chronic conditions such as obesity, painful joints, arthritis, chronic fatigue, Type2 diabetes, high blood pressure, gut and hormonal health.
Inna is passionate about nutrition and its role in our health and she believes that with right nutrition and lifestyle everyone can be full of energy and vitality.
At your one to one appointment Inna will use nutritional therapy to help achieve your goals and if you have a health concern she will work to address its underlying cause. She works on practical and inspiring food plans designed around your individual requirements, and suitable tests and supplements plans if it is appropriate.
Helen Molloy MSc BSc (hons) MCSP HCPC registered
Women's Health Physiotherapy / Non-Surgical Face Lift (Shockwave) & Shockwave for Cellulite
Helen has over 8 years of experience as a Women's Health physiotherapy in both the NHS and private sector.
She provides treatment for patients suffering from bladder and bowel continence issues, prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain including vulvodynia and vaginismus, painful bladder syndrome and pregnancy and post-natal pain. She also provides help to women with a gap in their abdominal muscles (diastasis) postnatally to improve the appearance of their tummy and the function of their core muscles.
She is trained in acupuncture and finds this very helpful for patients with overactive bladders, she also does dry needling.
She is a MUMMY MOT practitioner. A MUMMY MOT is a specialist postnatal examination for women following both vaginal and c-section deliveries. It assesses how your posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles are recovering after childbirth and provides you with exercise and treatment to help your recovery and get you back on track with your fitness goals.
Helen is also trained in shockwave therapy for the face and anti-cellulite. Shockwave therapy for the face results in the Non-Surgical Face Lift and is a great alternative to fillers and chemical treatments. Shockwave is a totally natural treatment.
Helen is kept busy as a mum to two young boys. She likes swimming, cycling and yoga and exploring the gorgeous Surrey and Sussex countryside, forests and parks.
To book an appointment with Helen please call her directly on: 07779 277553
or email her at helenmolloyuk@gmail.com
Tracey Slater TCM BSc (hons), FHT member
Acupuncture / Shockwave Therapy / Therapeutic Massage (Females only) / Cupping
Our acupuncturist, Tracey Slater graduated with a Health Science BSc (hons) degree in TCM: Acupuncture in 2008. Tracey tailors the most appropriate treatment for the individual needs of each patient to encourage the body’s self-healing process, optimising the client’s physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Acupuncture and where appropriate moxibustion and cupping therapies are used to improve the wellbeing of the patient.
Tracey specialises in women's health, particularly fertility and menopause, however is experienced in treating many common conditions and symptoms including:
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Pain – sports injuries, back and neck pain, knee pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and arthritis
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Digestive disorders – IBS, indigestion, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and constipation
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Stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addiction
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Menstrual and menopausal disorders – PMT, painful periods, endometriosis, PCOS, and hot flushes
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Pregnancy discomforts and labour induction
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Fertility – including IVF support
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Headaches and migraines
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Skin conditions – eczema, asthma, psoriasis, and acne
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Insomnia and chronic fatigue
Cosmetic Acupuncture / Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Cosmetic Acupuncture is totally natural treatment that more and more people are turning to as an alternative to invasive injections, fillers and chemical treatments.
It is a whole-body treatment based on traditional acupuncture theories so you will glow from the inside out. Improved sleep, energy, digestion and mood are other common positive effects.
A study showed that of 800 cases treated with cosmetic acupuncture, 90% had marked effects with just one course of treatment.
Cupping
Cupping is a method of creating a vacuum on the patients skin to dispel stagnation (stagnant blood and lymph), thereby improving 'qi' flow and stimulates healing. It is used in conjunction with acupuncture. It is effective at stretching tight fascia and muscles. Cupping helps the tissue develop new blood flow and causes anti-inflammatory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonias and also muscular aches and pains.
Tracey also offers therapeutic massage to females and Shockwave Therapy at the clinic.
Please ask for more information.
Being a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapies (FHT), Tracey regularly attends Continuous Professional Development courses (CPD) and adheres to strict codes of ethics and professionalism, with an empathetic and sensitive approach to patients.
To book an appointment with Tracey please call her directly on: 07793 451845
Natalie Swanson BSc, BComm (Hons), DipCHyp, HPD, NLP Prac
Cognitive Hypnotherapist
Natalie attained her diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy (DipCHyp) and an NLP Practitioner Certificate (NLP (Prac)) from the internationally recognised Quest Institute in London and holds the Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD), an exam accredited jointly by the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the independent accrediting body the NCFE. She is an Accredited Member of the NCH, which is a leading regulator of hypnotherapists in the UK.
Hypnotherapy can be used for a wide variety of issues. Confidence, stress and anxiety, smoking, phobias, sexual issues, weight loss, public speaking nerves, panic attacks, and sleeping issues are some examples of what can be treated.
Hypnotherapy is not meant to be long term, and people are often surprised at how few sessions are needed to make a positive impact.
Natalie is also a Confident ChildbirthTM (hypnobirthing) practitioner, where she teaches pregnant women self-hypnosis and techniques in pain management in order to help them feel more confident and in control during labour and delivery.
In addition to treating specific issues and concerns, Natalie also provides wellbeing sessions, which promote relaxation, a sense of calm, and grounding. These sessions leave you floating out of the room!
Prior to becoming a hypnotherapist, Natalie obtained her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degrees from the University of Manitoba in Canada and was employed in the financial industry in Winnipeg, Prague, and London.
Natalie has a kind, friendly, non-judgemental approach, and is passionate about helping her clients overcome what is holding them back.
To book an appointment with Natalie please call her directly on: 07909 883 531
THE MECHANICS TOOLS
A core principle behind osteopathy is the idea that the body is an integrated and indivisible whole, containing self-healing mechanisms that can be utilised as part of the treatment. No part of the body works, or can be considered, in isolation. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the process of patient diagnosis.
The key tools for osteopathic diagnosis centre around listening to the patient's history, examining the muscles and joints and observing movements. X -rays, scans and other clinical investigations can also used if required. A wide range of gentle, non-invasive manual techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint articulation and manipulation are applied therapeutically.
Osteopathy is a primary health care system and is complementary to other medical practices. It is a suitable system for almost anyone and can contribute to the treatment and management of a wide range of conditions. Osteopaths primarily work through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, using holistic and patient-centric approaches.
