About me. |
Hi, I am Petra, an osteopath working with women, children and babies in Orkney, Scotland. Osteopathy can help with musculoskeletal pain such as mechanical back pain, neck pain, headaches arising from neck tension, chronic migraine prevention, arthritic knee pain, pelvic girdle pain and other aches associated with postural changes during pregnancy.
I graduated from the British School of Osteopathy (BSO), where I elected to train in OsteoMAP - osteopathy, mindfulness and acceptance based programme, integrating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with osteopathic treatment for people suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. This programme was developed with Surrey and Borders NHS Partnership Foundation Trust and funded by UK Department of Health. I went on to pursue a two-year Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy with the Foundation of Paediatric Osteopathy (generally known as the OCC) in London. Part of my training was attending Barnet hospital’s Starlight neonatal ward, assisting in the treatment of babies born prematurely, those with severe respiratory problems and other conditions. And I continue to train in treatment of babies with feeding difficulties and postural imbalance. I then completed a two-year Diploma in Women's Health Osteopathy with the Molinari Institute in London. I took courses on vaginal ring pessary sizing and fitting for incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (this service is not currently available), and gynaecology assessment and examination for nurses and allied health professionals. Also on menopause, including training with the Newson Health Menopause Society, and I observed in a specialist menopause clinic in Guy's hospital, London. All to deepen my knowledge, to advise my patients on available treatment options and to refer appropriately. I completed comprehensive training in assessment and treatment of continence issues in adults with the Association for Continence Advice UK. I also continue to train in the assessment and treatment of continence issues in children with ERIC, The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity and Bladder & Bowel UK . I am a certified ScarWork™ practitioner, and have completed training in treatment of scar tissue after breast cancer treatment, in oncology scar treatment, as well as training in shoulder rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery called PROSPER, developed by University of Exeter. I offer educational talks to groups and organisations on the following subjects - Introduction to female pelvic health, Promoting continence and pelvic floor health, Introduction to menopause and beyond, Managing constipation, and Scar tissue self-care. Within osteopathy, I have trained and continue to train with the Sutherland's College of Osteopathy (SCCO), Barral Institute, Biobasics and Biodynamics of Osteopathy. I am registered with the General Osteopathic Council (8714), and am a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme by Disclosure Scotland, and of the Institute of Osteopathy. |
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. |