Osteopathy in Chelsea & St Pauls

Osteopathy offers a manual therapy approach to the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injury through passive stretches, joint mobilisation, sports massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release.

What we treat:

Back pain – Neck pain – Muscle, tendon and ligament sprains / tears – Hip pain – Knee pain – Foot and ankle pain – Shoulder pain – Tennis elbow – Golfer’s elbow – Carpal tunnel – Sports injuries – Running injuries – Cycling injuries – Disc prolapse – Trapped nerves – Sciatica – Arthritis – Headaches – Pre/post natal care – Pre/post surgical rehabilitation – Repetitive strain injuries.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of treatment that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathy involves techniques such as joint manipulation, myofascial release, various stretches and tissue massage, aiming to promote improved mobility and musculoskeletal health through movement in order to improve your general well-being and quality of life. Osteopathy is a versatile and effective treatment option. Whether you’ve suffered an injury, you deal with persistent pain or if you’d like to explore the possibility of increased movement in your body, we here at the Ludgate Clinic can help.

Osteopathy is one of the 14 recognised allied health professions, with osteopaths training for a minimum of 4 years. Our clinicians are trained primary care practitioners, meaning they are able to identify when further diagnostic tests or alternative treatment is required and to refer you to the appropriate service. Osteopathy is registered and regulated by the General Osteopathic Council in the UK and is recognised by the NHS and major health insurers. We offer osteopathy and other treatments including physiotherapy, massage and shockwave.

If you’d like to know more about how our osteopaths here at the Ludgate Clinic can help you, call us now on 020 7427 0080 or use our quick and easy online booking system to make an appointment.

Is osteopathy right for me?

Do you lead an active lifestyle but are routinely held back by persistent pain in your muscles or joints? Perhaps you suffer from shoulder pain, neck pain, back pain or arthritis. It may be you work at a desk or sitting in a car seat for extended periods of time which has left you with aching joints and has reduced your overall movement. Are you frustrated being prescribed pain medication and told to rest, yet not seeing any improvement? If any of these are applicable to you, we can help.

Many of us work or exercise every day dealing with pain and discomfort like this in silence, perhaps feeling like there are no options left. Our osteopaths will work with you to tailor a plan that targets that discomfort. Osteopathy focuses on a wide range of specially designed techniques that aim to find the cause of your pain and alleviate it through manual based movements and stretches. We can also help you with lifestyle and small everyday changes that can give you back a sense of independence through the use of exercises, methods and advice you use at home.

So whether you are an avid sports enthusiast held back by pain in your joints, you suffer from a condition such as arthritis or sciatica, or you’re simply looking for a way to regain the mobility in your body and reduce discomfort, our therapists are committed to finding a solution that works for you.

What techniques do osteopaths use?

Osteopaths utilise a wide range of different techniques that cater to the individual, targeting specific points of pain and through the use of manual manipulation to bring you relief.

Osteopathic manipulation (HVT)

Osteopathic manipulation, also known as HVT (high velocity thrust) is a common technique used in osteopathy. It involves manipulation and quick movements, including controlled “cracking” of the joints, which aims to restore mobility and movement to restricted joints. This particular technique is often used in combination with other osteopathic treatments such as myofascial release and massage.

Soft tissue massage techniques

We use various soft tissue massage techniques, aimed at increasing circulation, reducing stiffness or tightness in the muscles or joints and bringing you relaxation and relief. Our clinicians are trained to find the source of pain and use gentle massage methods to reduce and alleviate it.

Myofascial release

Myofascial tissue is the tissue that surrounds and protects the muscles and bones. Over time, these tissues can become stiff or tight, resulting in discomfort, reduced movements and pain. Our practitioners use stretching and manual manipulation to target these areas of tension in the myofascial tissue to increase your mobility, reduce your pain and help your body return to its optimal state.

Trigger point therapy

Trigger point therapy or “dry needling” is a technique involving inserting thin needles into areas of muscle tension. This therapy aims to improve the blood flow to the affected area and release tension to bring relief. Your therapist will work closely wit

Functional Movements

Certain muscles can become tight or stiff over time, typically due to repetitive movements either while playing sports, working or otherwise engaging the same muscles in the same way many times throughout your everyday life. Our therapists can identify these affected muscles and through the use of movement and body positioning, aim to help these muscles relax, reducing muscle spasms and tension.

Certain muscles can become tight or stiff over time, typically due to repetitive movements either while playing sports, working or otherwise engaging the same muscles in the same way many times throughout your everyday life. Our therapists can identify these affected muscles and through the use of movement and body positioning, aim to help these muscles relax, reducing muscle spasms and tension.

Our Osteopath

Chris Belderbos, Ludgate Clinic

Chris Belderbos

BSc (Hons) Osteopathy

Experience: Chris graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 1999 and worked within the National Health Service and in private practice at Lloyd’s of London before establishing the Ludgate Clinic in 2003.

Governing body: Osteopaths undergo a full time 4 year degree course and are registered with The General Osteopathic Council.

Answers to Common Questions

Is the treatment right for me?

Please call us and arrange to speak to an Osteopath or Physiotherapist if you are unsure about the nature of your injury or what treatment would be right for you. If treatment is not deemed appropriate there will be no charge made for your appointment.

What does the treatment involve?

Osteopathy offers a hands-on, manual therapy approach to the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries using mobilisation and stretches, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release to restore the health of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints.

What should I wear?

As the treatment involves massage and stretching techniques you may need to remove some outer layers of clothing such as shirt, jumper or trousers. If you are suffering from low back pain or leg pain you may wish to bring shorts or loose trousers to change into. Women suffering from back and upper limb pain may wish to wear a vest top.

How is my medical data stored?

Your initial consultation involves the osteopath or physiotherapist taking a full medical history, treatment notes are then also taken at subsequent visits. Medical histories are kept on our secure practice software in accordance with data protection and the code of practice set out by The General Osteopathic Council and The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. Medical history and treatment notes are not disclosed to any third party such as General Practitioners or health insurance providers without the permission of the patient.

Do I need to see my GP first?

Osteopaths and physiotherapists are trained as primary healthcare practitioners and patients can seek treatment without referral. If necessary you will be advised to see your GP or you may be referred for further investigations such x-ray or MRI. Please note most Health Insurance companies ask that you contact your GP before seeking treatment.

Our Clinics

State-of-the-art clinics in two conveniently central locations.

Book your appointment now

Don’t wait any longer, book your appointment with us today to find out how our osteopaths can help you achieve your potential and increase your quality of life. Our clinics are conveniently located in St. Pauls and Chelsea, just use our quick and simple online booking system or call us on 020 7427 0080 . Whether you want to book your first appointment or would like to know more about how we can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us.