Private Medical Practise in Portobello, London

Nutrition

We are delighted to announce that Jane has moved her private nutrition practice to The Portobello Clinic from January 2010. She consults here with us on Wednesday each week. Appointments are available through the main practice telephone number, 020 8962 0635.  Jane is available to see any of your patients and encourages anyone who has concerns about their dietry or nutritional needs to book in for an initial consultation.

As Jane says "I have moved my Private Nutrition Practice slightly west to Notting Hill just off the Portobello Road which I’m very excited about. This change in the practice has been largely brought about by my desire to see my outpatients in great premises, working alongside other wonderful doctors and therapists within the Portobello Clinic, but also I want to be able to offer home visits and to see and look after patients when they’re in hospital. In essence I want to bring back the old fashioned community style nutritional care, which I think is sadly lacking".

Appointments are £170 for each of the first two assessments, and £100 for each follow up consultation.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is used for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, these include back and neck pain, as well as general aches and pains in the muscles or the joints.

Most common conditions treated include:

• upper/lower back pain/sciatica, neck pain/whiplash
• trapped nerves, disc displacement
• tension headaches, jaw/facial pain
• frozen shoulder, acute/chronic/post operative
• all sporting/recreational/occupational injuries
• ligament strains/joint sprains, including repetitive strains (RSI)
• postural misalignment, muscular imbalance and foot orthotic support
• pre/post surgery rehabilitation
• pre/post natal conditions
• exercise regimes to develop flexibility/strength/stability.

Treatments offered here at The Portobello Clinic are:

• Soft tissue mobilisation
• Joint mobilisation or manipulation
• Electrotherapy
• Exercises
• Myofascial release
• Visceral mobilisation
• Gait re-education
• Postural/ergonomic advice
• Domiciliary visits as and if appropriate.

Women's Health Physiotherapy

Women's Health focuses on all issues related to Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  Whether you are pregnant, a new mum, recovering from gynaecological surgery or experiencing continence or pelvic floor concerns Women's Health Physiotherapy can help to improve your health, fitness and well being.

Pregnancy and beyond…

Pregnancy can be a very exciting time but it can also be an uncomfortable one.  Back and pelvic pain are very common at this time affecting up to 90% of women.  During your pregnancy your body releases the hormone relaxin which softens your ligaments.  This allows for the body to accommodate your baby whilst aiding its natural delivery at the end of pregnancy.  The softening of these ligaments also means that your joints are less well supported and as a result you are more susceptible to experiencing pain and discomfort.

What can Women's Health Physiotherapy help with during pregnancy / post-nataly?

• pelvic pain (including Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
• low back pain
• thoracic pain
• rib pain
• tingling hands
• coccyx pain
• pain from your caesarean scar
• rectus abdominus divarication (a separation of the abdominal muscles following the birth of your baby)

We can also provide you with:

• one-to-one advice on coping with labour if you have specific pelvic or low back pain during pregnancy.
• advice on comfort and back care during pregnancy.
• specific exercise advice once you have had the baby to ensure a safe return to your pre-pregnancy physique.
• advice on how to achieve a full recovery following gynaecological surgery.

'Only when I sneeze…'

Women's health problems are incredibly common and can occur at any age.  Often women put up with symptoms as they don't realise that there are often simple conservative measures that can help to remedy the problem.  Research has shown that physiotherapy can be effective in the treatment of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapses thereby postponing, or in many cases eliminating the need for drugs or surgery.

What gynaecological concerns can Women's Health Physiotherapy help to treat?

• pelvic organ prolapse
• urinary frequency (going to the toilet more than 8 times a day)
• urinary urgency / urge incontinence
• stress urinary incontinence
• constipation
• faecal incontinence
• sexual discomfort
• weak pelvic floor muscles following childbirth

Integrated healthcare:

Our Women's Health Physiotherapist, Claire Head, is a specialist in her field and works closely with our GP's and in house Gynaecologists.  She also works with midwives and Obstetricians at the Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth where she is based.

You may be referred to Claire by your doctor or health professional but you are also able to self-refer.  We understand the sometimes sensitive nature of women's health concerns and the need to be discreet. Claire is therefore happy to take any email queries you may have prior to starting your treatment at:

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Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is assured at all times.

Cranioscaral Therapy

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy utilizes the cerebrospinal fluid that moves in a slight but perceptible tide-like manner. Craniosacral therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction where this tide-like motion is limited, confined and immobilized. It's is a "hands on" therapy. For treatment you will usually lie on a treatment couch and experience the very light touch of the therapist's hands. By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic and balanced, and the central nervous system is restored. You may feel a deep sense of relaxation and possibly become aware of heat, tingling, pulsations or other sensations.

What can craniosacral therapy treat?

A wide variety of disorders can benefit; from back pain, headaches and migraines to stress - related and emotional problems, including difficult conditions such as autism. It is particularly used in the treatment of babies and young children. Craniosacral therapy is effective in treating problems arising from a difficult birth.

Craniosacral therapy for babies

One of the joys of treating babies is that they tend to respond so well to treatment and more quickly than adults. Many infant problems like colic, sucking problems, breathing difficulties, restlessness and irritability may result from craniosacral imbalances caused during the birth process. Treatment of young infants may help to relieve such problems.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. It has a therapeutic effect on the body and improves health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved and physical dysfunction and pain can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy. You don't have to be an athlete to benefit from deep tissue massage - day to day life can cause a chronic build up of tension, often around the shoulders and neck, which can be greatly reduced through deep tissue massage techniques.

Nutritional Therapy

“You are what you eat” is no longer a catch phrase! If you feed your body the proper nutrients your energy levels will soar, your immune and digestive system will work more efficiently and common symptoms and health conditions will be addressed.

Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how nutrients are used in the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease.

Nutritional health is a system of health care that accentuates personal responsibility and a co-operative relationship between practitioner and client. It aims is to unify the physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional and spiritual components of the client’s life. These, together with correct lifestyle changes, promote healing and wellbeing.

The Role of a Nutrional Therapist

A Nutritional therapist works with their client to identify and treat factors affecting health and to help them improve their overall wellbeing. A one to one consultation would encompass the following:

• Obtaining information regarding presenting symptoms, personal medical history, family history, current diet and lifestyle. The study of all body systems to ascertain any information that will help with the final treatment plan.
• Providing a personalised dietary plan and possible supplementation if at all necessary
• Weekly planning, menu suggestions, shopping recommendations.
• Depending on severity and client compliance, follow up consultations are required to reach the ultimate goal.

Hynotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a reliable and safe treatment that is now recognised by many branches of orthodox medicine as an extremely effective therapy.  It is a completely natural state of mind and something that you experience daily on a regular basis, for example just before waking and before sleeping. You are not unconscious while in hypnosis, your ‘focus of attention’ has simply altered and you remain in control at all times.

Hypnosis itself does not relieve symptoms, it is the therapy applied while under hypnosis that attains the desired results.

Hypnotherapy is a very effective way to deal with inner emotional conflicts that can also manifest themselves on a physical level. Sandie utilises hypnotherapy as an effective tool to enable each individual to facilitate a more enjoyable daily and future life.

Conditions treated include:

Depression

Stress

Anxiety all types e.g. Driving Test/Exam nerves through to social phobia)

Fears and Phobias

Addictions and Habits

Weight Management

Smoking

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Blushing

Skin Problems

Self-hypnosis

Motivational issues

Aptitude/Performance enhancement

Insomnia

Pain (ongoing and incidental)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest forms of medicine and is based on the concept of 'Qi' (vital energy), which is said to travel around the body along specific channels or 'meridians'. Due to number of lifestyle and environmental reasons, Qi can become disturbed, depleted or blocked, which can result in some symptoms of some pain and dis-ease. In certain instances, traditional Chinese acupuncutre can be an effecitive therpay to help restore balance and promote physical and emotional harmony. Acupucture treatment is aimed at the root cause of your condition as well as your main symptoms.  This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your feeling of wellbeing.  You may notice other niggleing problems resolve as your main health complaint improves.

During an acupuncture treatment, fine single-use, sterile disposable needles are used to puncture the skin at certain defined acupuncture points (in Chinese 穴 or xue meaning "cavities") to restore the balance of ‘Qi’ and establish health. A variety of interventions including finger acupressure, moxabustion (heat from herb Artemisia Vulgaris), and suction cups may be used in combination with acupuncture during treatment.

Acupuncture is now widely used and accepted all over the world.  In 2009 the National Institue for Health and Clinical Excellence recommended that acupuncture should be made availabe on the NHS, as a cost-effective short-term treatment for the management of early, persistent non-specific lower back pain. Because traditional Chinese acupuncture aims to treat the whole person rather then specific symptoms in isolation, it can be effective for a range of conditions. Some people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or to relieve specific pains like osteoarthritis of the knee. Others choose acupuncture simply to help maintain good health, as a preventive measure, or improve their general sense of wellbeing. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages. It can be used effectively alongside conventional medicine.

If your have been prescribed medication we recommend you tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture. Do not stop taking your medication. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication and supplements you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Reflexology

Reflexology is believed to have its roots in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, Africa and the native Indian tribes of America. It is a precisely defined form of treatment based on the principle that the body’s anatomy is reflected in miniature in zones on the feet and hands. By manipulating specific zones, healing is initiated and accelerated in the corresponding area of the body. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances from touching the feet, and working on reflex points can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination improved: the body is encouraged to heal itself.

Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, but also the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications) such as deep vein thrombosis or fractures are present.

It can bring about the sensations of deep relaxation and restfulness and is most useful in the treatment of stress and related conditions. Many modern illnesses are stress related and sufferers of diverse conditions have reported benefits from reflexology: PMS, sciatica, sinusitis, insomnia, aches and pains, digestive disorders etc. An increasing number of people use this safe, natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body. 

Podiatry

Common pathologies treated by a Podiatrist: (all foot and ankle pains)

• Bunions
• Neuromas
• Heel Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Claw/hammer/curly/mallet toes
• Back, Hip, Knee, Leg, Ankle and / or Foot pain
• Biomechanical abnormalities; may be causing back, knee, hip or foot pain.
• Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis causing foot pain.
• Shin splints
• Achilles Tendon Pain.
• Leg length differences
• Burning, sharp, shooting pains in the feet
• Advice regarding foot surgery
• Trainer/Footwear advice

Chiropody

• Nail Surgery
• Corns
• Hard skin, nail care
• Verrucae
• Fungal infections
• Footwear Advice

Areas of Speciality:

Sports Injuries, biomechanics and gait analysis (abnormal biomechanics can contribute to back, knee and hip pain), Orthoses, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetic Foot complications.  Louise is passionate about all aspects of Podiatry and is also very experienced in providing chiropody care and nail surgery.