home   contact us   facilities & access   gift vouchers   links   location & reception hours   spotlight   practise with us Osteopathy - what is it? Osteopathy is a manual system of diagnosis and treatment. It is essentially a natural therapy that seeks to overcome a wide range of "dis-eases", and pain that can result from disturbances in the musculo-skeletal system. Osteopathy is now recognised and the title protected in law. In order to practice an osteopath must have successfully completed a proscribed course of study which will consist of over 1000 hours clinical work. Only then will they be invited to join the General Osteopathic Council which regulates the profession. All practitioners have full public liability insurance. How does it work? An Osteopath will take a detailed case history on your initial visit. This will cover your present condition and any relevant history. You will also be asked about your past medical history, previous accidents, operations and any medication you are currently taking. The Osteopath will then examine you, assessing both the sites of pain and your general posture and mobility. Specialised examinations i.e. reflexes, blood pressure reading may also be performed. If necessary, you will be referred to your GP if further medical tests are required. The diagnosis is an assessment of the local problem and the factors contributing to it. These can be both physical internal factors i.e. a spinal curvature and/or external influences such as poor seating, stressful lifestyle. Treatment normally consists of a variety of techniques to encourage normal functioning of the body. Manipulation (clicking) of joints will be used if appropriate. Advice about rest, exercise and possible lifestyle changes will be given. You will be advised on the frequency and interval of treatment.   Osteopathy can be used to treat the following conditions:       Ageing problems - bunions, fallen arches, joint pain, stiffness, digestive disorders. Read more... (opens new browser window). Babies - Colic, sleeping or feeding difficulties, head shaking, restlessness, growing pains and shin splints. Read more... (opens new browser window). Children - hyperactivity, growing pains, bone growth problems e.g scoliosis, osteochondritis. Contracture of stroke, MS or cerebral palsy. Injuries - sprains, strains, whiplash. Neuralgia - pressure on nerves e.g Sciatica. Pain -  from arthritis, rheumatism, injury, overwork. Pregnancy -  easing physical discomfort, preparing for labour, aiding post-natal recovery. Read more... (opens new browser window). Sports injuries, slipped discs, tennis/golfers elbow. Stress - grief, trauma, overwork, or worry. Stiffness - from exercise, aging, accident, illness, asthma, or childbirth. Tension, anxiety and panic attacks, headaches and shoulder pain, digestive difficulties. Work injuries - Frozen shoulder, RSI, Carpal tunnel, bursitis.          Practitioners        Helen Clarke Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Osteopathy. Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy. Professional membership: Member of General Osteopathic Council. Member of British Osteopathic Association. Approved practitioner on Sutherland Society’s Register of Cranial Practitioners. Alumni member of Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy. Approved practitioner on Dance UK’s register. Helen is an honours graduate of the British School of Osteopathy.  She treats both structurally and cranially and has specialised in cranial osteopathy at a post  graduate level for many years. She worked for some years at the world famous Osteopathic Centre for Children (now the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy) and received  their post  graduate qualification in paediatric osteopathy. She is particularly interested in women’s health issues, caring for women pre and post partum and sees many babies and children in her practice. As a former professional dancer herself, Helen retains links with the dance world and enjoys treating both professional and student dancers.  She is on the register of approved practitioners of Dance UK. Helen also has a particular interest in addressing problems related to posture.  Her experience of Alexander technique and Pilates also informs her work. Helen's web site     Price list: Please enquire for concessionary rates First 60 minute session Subsequent 30 minute sessions Children: First 60 minute session Subsequent 30 minute sessions £50 £38 £40 £33               Donald Kean Qualifications: Diploma in Osteopathy (D.O.) Professional membership: General Osteopathic Council British Osteopathic Association Sutherland Cranial Society London Osteopathic Society NBPA – Backcare Donald qualified from the BSO in 1986 and has spent over 20 years working in South East London forging a reputation as an experienced and skillful osteopath. In addition to working at The Greenwich Natural Health Centre he has his own private practice in Blackheath which he established in 1995. His approach to osteopathy encompasses both structural and cranial techniques and in his practice he sees people of all ages. As part of his work, he focuses on discussion of the patient's work, lifestyle and changes that could be made by the individual to improve their general posture and health, such as specific exercise or in some cases, exercise! He is particularly interested in treating sports injuries and musicians and enjoys the challenge of treating chronic injuries. Donald's web site     Price list: Please enquire for concessionary rates First 60 minute session Subsequent 30 minute sessions Children: First 60 minute session Subsequent 30 minute sessions £50 £38 £40 £33             Andrew Oliver Qualifications: BOst. Dip. Sports Injuries and Massage Professional membership: British Osteopathic Association Institute of Classical Osteopathy London Osteopathic Society Andrew trained at the British School of Osteopathy, where he developed a strong medical and evidence-based approach to osteopathy. He is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and alongside his private clinics in Blackheath and Greenwich, he also works as an Osteopath within NHS Kensington and Chelsea and with the St Mungo’s Charity for the homeless in Central London. Andrew prides himself on having a professional, friendly manner and on offering his patients excellence in osteopathic health care, enabling them to return to a normal life. He employs a wide variety of techniques including: Classical, Cranial, Structural and Sports Massage to remedy a broad range of medical conditions, providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to osteopathy from babies to the mature. Andrew's web site     Price list: First 60 minute consultation Subsequent 40 minute sessions Children: First 60 minute session Subsequent 30 minute sessions £50 £40 £40 £33               Carol Williams Director GNHC Qualifications: Osteopath DO Member of: General Osteopathic Council     Carol graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 1983 and founded The Greenwich Natural Health Centre in 1994. Her approach to health is through the whole body and providing treatments gentle enough for all ages, including: Cranial Osteopathy for new-born babies. Trauma studies with College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy Special interest: Nutrition and Dietics (British School of Osteopathy). Cranial Treatment for trauma. Reiki Carol's web site     Post Graduate Training Courses attended     2009 Residential Permaculture and Nutrition course: Permaculture Association of Great Britain. Autogenic Training at Lewisham College. CCST course on Diaphragms and Somato-emotional release.     2008 CCST course on Cranial approach to effect of Dentistry on cranial mechanism and jaw joint.     2007 CCST course on Cranial treatment of trauma. Bromley Autistic Trust 16 week courses on Communication and Working with people on the  Autistic and Asperger spectrum. Seminar training in the use of herbal combinations and food supplements.     2006 Residential  course in Pilates. Seminar training in the use of herbal combinations and food supplements.     2005 Residential  course in Yoga. Seminar training in the use of herbal combinations and food supplements.     2004 Dry Needling (acupuncture for muscular-skeletal conditions) at the Royal Homeopathic Hospital. Highlights, treatment of fibromyalgia and encapsulitis (e.g frozen shoulder). Seminar training in the use of herbal combinations and food supplements.     2001 Reiki I & II     2000 Shiatsu foundation course with Shan McCanliss.     1996 CCST course on Cranial approach to the heart fascias.     1993-1995 College of Homeopathy  - clinical observation and ongoing case consultations around shared clients.     1992-1993 Tutoring on 1st and 2nd year CCST Cranial courses.     1991-1992 CCST 2 year part time Cranial course. Specialism; treatment of Babies .    1983 and 1984 British School of Osteopathy: Cranial 10 day courses with Professor Rolin Becker.     1982 Touch for Health course (Applied Kinesiology Muscle testing for food sensitivities).     1979-1983 British School of Osteopathy. Special interest Nutrition and Dietics with James Lambert Mount, consultant at the London Homeopathic Hospital and founder of McCarrison Society.      Price list: Please enquire for concessionary rates First 80 minute session Subsequent 40 minute sessions Children: First 80 minute session Subsequent 40 minute sessions £50 £38 £40 £33           home       The Greenwich Natural Health Centre Neptune House 70 Royal Hill Greenwich London SE10 8RF Tel: 020 8691 5408 Directors: Carol Williams & Pat Truman de Reimers. Content copyright © 2005-2008 The Greenwich Natural Health Centre.