The Active Health Clinic is located within John Bell & Croyden. We have been established for twenty years and during that time have helped a great many people who both live and work in the area. Osteopaths are used to helping people with a huge variety of different conditions. Claire Cheetham and Vince Cullen are fully qualified and experienced practitioners who are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. Claire Cheetham BSc Hons, DO, qualified in 1994 from what is now the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM). Her education roles have included being a Senior Lecturer and Senior Clinic Tutor to undergraduate osteopaths and a Trainer in patient handling techniques, display screen equipment (DSE) use, manual handling and ergonomic risk assessment. She has been a council member of the board of the General Osteopathic Council and a member of the Council's Investigating Committee as part of the Fitness to Practice procedures. She completed a Master’s degree in the study of “Medicine, Science and Society” and has recently been appointed as a Panel Member for the Health Care Professions Council, as part of its Fitness to Practise regulatory functions. Vince Cullen DO qualified in 1988 from what is now the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM). In addition to practising for many years as an osteopath, he has a wide experience within the osteopathic profession, including as Head of Development and Director of Professional Standards at the General Osteopathic Council, as a senior lecturer and clinical tutor, as head of osteopathic faculty and clinic, and on the Board of Directors for the Osteopathic International Alliance. He was also instrumental in establishing the Forum for Osteopathic Regulation in Europe (FORE). He believes that healthcare should be straightforward and transparent so that individuals can take part in decisions on what ultimately for everyone is their greatest asset - their good health. Osteopathy represents this kind of approach to healthcare. |
What is osteopathy? Osteopathy is a system of medicine, which provides skilled diagnosis and treatment primarily concerning the structure and function of the body; the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues. It seeks to overcome the wide range of conditions resulting from disturbances of the body’s framework and moving parts. Osteopathy is considered to assist, and not be alternative to conventional medical care. It is classed as ‘primary contact’, so referral by your doctor is welcome but not essential. However on some occasions the best course of action may be to refer you to your doctor or other medical practitioner. Since May 2000 it has been against the law for anyone to use the title “osteopath” unless they are registered with the General Osteopathic Council. To be registered, osteopaths need to have completed an osteopathic medical degree.
For further information or if you have a complaint against an osteopath, contact:
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What to expect from your visit. On a patient’s first visit, a diagnosis is reached by taking a detailed case history, which includes the present complaint and past medical history. A thorough physical examination will follow during which you will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing. If necessary further tests such as x-rays, blood and urine analysis could be required in some cases, depending on the condition. If the practitioner is satisfied that osteopathic care is required, this will be explained to you and, and with your agreement, treatment may begin. If osteopathic treatment is unsuitable then you will be advised of this and if necessary may be referred to another practitioner or your doctor. Patients are welcome to bring a friend or relative with them to appointments and always have the right to stop examination or treatment at any time should they wish to. Treatment is based on individual needs, but may include methods for stretching tissues, passive repeated joint movement, and manipulative techniques to restore mobility and function to a joint. Active movement of muscles against resistance may also be used to restore joint movement, quality and range. Nutrition, hydrotherapy, ergonomic advice and specific exercises will commonly be included in the advice given to you by your practitioner. What do we treat? Osteopathy may be of great value in the care of the following conditions: Cost of treatment To make an appointment, please call 0207 486 8141 |