home   contact us   accessibility   gift vouchers   links   location & opening times   spotlight   terms & conditions   practise with us Osteopathy - what is it? Osteopathy is a manual system of diagnosis and therapy. 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. What to expect 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 examine you as part of your consultation. This is to assess the area that is painful and to look at your general posture and mobility. At the first visit it is very helpful for the osteopath to be able to have a good look at your spine.  To do this we may need to ask you to get undressed, and you may feel more comfortable in suitable underwear/shorts/leggings/jogging bottoms etc. for this part of the consultation. A chaperone can be present if necessary. Specialised examinations i.e. reflexes, blood pressure reading may also be performed.  If necessary, you will 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. Osteopathy 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 your therapy plan. As with all complementary therapies, we recommend you seek the advice of your GP or regular medical practitioner before committing yourself to significant therapies, especially those that are physically invasive.     Osteopathy may help with the following conditions (*see link below):       Aches and pains Arthritic pain Backache Back pain Circulatory problems (local or minor) Cramp Digestion problems Fibromyalgia (fibrositis) Frozen shoulder Inability to relax Joint pains Lumbago Muscle spasms Muscle tension Neuralgia Rheumatic pain Sciatica Minor sports injuries Tension     * Link to Committee of Advertising Practice: Further information about osteopathy at:          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 provide both structural and cranial therapies 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 working with 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 £53 £42 £42 £35               Donald Kean Qualifications: Diploma in Osteopathy (D.O.) Professional membership: Member of General Osteopathic Council. Member of British Osteopathic Association. Approved practitioner on Sutherland Society’s Register of Cranial Practitioners. Member of London Osteopathic Society. Member of NBPA - Backcare. Donald qualified from the BSO in 1986 and has spent over 25 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, from young babies to mature adults. As part of his work, he focuses on discussion of the person' s work, lifestyle and changes that could be made by the individual to improve their general posture and health, such as specific exercises or advice on seating and carrying. As part of the continued professional development that all osteopaths are required take part in, he is part of a year long pilot study, starting in September 2011, into the revalidation of all osteopaths which will become mandatory in the coming years. He is particularly interested in working with sports injuries, babies, children and musicians and the challenge of working with 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 £53 £42 £42 £35             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 clients 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 £53 £42 £42 £35               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.oh cats Her approach to health is through the whole body and providing therapies 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 Therapy for trauma. Reiki Carol's web site     Post Graduate Training Courses attended     2010 CCST course on Meditation, Visualisation and the Cranial therapy for the Transverse Diaphragms.   2009 Studied Eeman technique and influence on the Autonomic Nervous System, at the Maidstone School of Osteopathy. 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. Guest lecturer at Greenwich University on Effect and Management of Stress and Trauma on body health.     2007 CCST course on Cranial therapy for 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, therapy for 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; therapies for 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 £53 £42 £42 £35           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 © 2005-2011 The Greenwich Natural Health Centre.