About me. |
|
Hello, I’m Petra, an osteopath based in Orkney, Scotland. I work with women, children, and babies, with a focus on musculoskeletal issues. Osteopathy can support people experiencing a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as mechanical back pain, neck pain, headaches associated with neck tension, arthritic knee discomfort, pelvic girdle pain and other physical discomfort related to postural changes during pregnancy.
I graduated from the British School of Osteopathy (BSO), where I undertook a specialist training in OsteoMAP - osteopathy, mindfulness and acceptance based programme, integrating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with osteopathic treatment for people suffering from persistent musculoskeletal pain. This programme was developed with Surrey and Borders NHS Partnership Foundation Trust and funded by UK Department of Health. My interest in paediatrics led me to complete a two-year Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy with the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy (known as the OCC) in London. During this time, I gained clinical experience on the Starlight neonatal ward at Barnet Hospital, assisting in the osteopathic care of premature babies and those with complex respiratory problems and other early challenges. I continue to undertake training in the care of babies with feeding difficulties and postural imbalances. To further my work in women’s health, I completed a two-year Diploma in Women’s Health Osteopathy with the Molinari Institute in London. Since then, I also completed courses on vaginal ring pessary sizing and fitting for incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (this service is not currently available), gynaecological assessment for allied health professionals, and on menopause, including training with the Newson Health Menopause Society and clinical observation at a specialist menopause clinic at Guy’s Hospital, London. My continuous training in these fields enables me to advise patients on available treatment options and to refer them appropriately. I’ve also completed in-depth training with the Association for Continence Advice UK on the assessment and management of continence issues in adults, and I continue to train in paediatric continence care through ERIC, The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity, and Bladder & Bowel UK. In addition, I am a certified ScarWork™ practitioner, with further training in scar care following breast cancer treatment, oncology-related scar treatment, and shoulder rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery through the PROSPER programme, developed by the University of Exeter. Outside of clinical practice, I regularly offer educational talks and workshops to community groups. Topics include Introduction to female pelvic health, Promoting continence and pelvic floor health, Introduction to menopause and beyond, Managing constipation, and Scar tissue self-care. I also deliver webinars and in-person workshops for practitioners on Introduction to menopause & beyond. To deepen my practice, I continue postgraduate osteopathic training with organisations such as the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy (SCCO), Barral Institute, Biobasics, and Biodynamics of Osteopathy. I am registered with the General Osteopathic Council (registration number 8714), a member of the Institute of Osteopathy, and part of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme run by Disclosure Scotland. |
|
|
|
About Osteopathy & my approach. |
|
Many aches and pains resolve on their own, but some are just a little more stubborn. Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that seeks to restore natural balance within the musculoskeletal system, including joints, muscles and ligaments, as well as other systems, such as the visceral (organs), fascial (type of connective tissue) and lymphatic systems. It is a framework of diagnosis and treatment based on principles that the body can heal itself if it is given the opportunity.
Osteopathy seeks to stimulate the body's healing mechanisms and regain its naturally healthy state. This is achieved by using a wide range of techniques from articulation, mobilisation, stretching, massage and trigger point inhibition to more subtle approaches, such as gently balancing ligamentous tension, scar tissue release, or cranial and visceral techniques. All aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms from recurring. I also use kinesio tape, offer advice on posture, work station set-up, exercise and recommendations for other self-care therapies, as future prevention is key. |
|
|
|
My mission statement. |
Supporting, educating and empowering women. |
