Rachael Woodward

Rachael qualified as an Osteopath from the British School of Osteopathy in London in 2009. She has experience of treating patients with a wide range of conditions from helping sports people to overcome injuries, to helping elderly patients ease aches and pains, and improve their mobility. Rachael also regularly treats patients whose discomfort is related to their occupation, whether they are office workers suffering with neck and shoulder tension or manual workers struggling with low back pain.

A friendly and approachable practitioner, Rachael places great importance on identifying and discussing the cause of a patient's complaint with them, to allow them to understand and manage their condition more readily. Rachael uses a full range of osteopathic techniques to tailor treatment to the needs of the individual. Treatment involves joint mobilisation, soft tissue manipulation and stretches to ease pain, muscle spasm and restricted joints, and restore range and quality of movement; thereby enhancing nerve and blood supply to tissues and promoting the body's ability to heal itself.

Rachael's approach to examination and diagnosis is based on a firm understanding of anatomy and physiology but is always informed by a broader understanding of the patient, taking into account their lifestyle, type of work, posture and medical history etc. She is also able to provide advice on matters such as nutrition and exercise to promote the healing process and minimise the impact of musculoskeletal injuries so that her patients can get back to normal daily life as quickly as possible.

When a patient's pain may not be as a result of a musculoskeletal condition Rachael has the medical understanding to recognise when osteopathy will not help a condition, and will refer a patient to their GP when necessary.

During her 4 years training at BSO Rachael worked in a number of specialist clinics where she gained experience in the treatment of sports injuries and rehabilitation, care of expectant mothers and the treatment of those with HIV. She also has worked closely with GPs at a busy London NHS practice and with elderly patients at a community health project.

Rachael is committed to developing her knowledge and skills and regularly attends training courses. Most recently, she completed a course in biomechanical assessment of the lower limb and foot orthotic prescription. In addition Rachael is qualified in Medical Acupuncture with training allowing her to treat patients as a stand alone therapy or more often in conjunction with osteopathic treatment.

Rachael is a registered Osteopath, accredited by the General Osteopathic Council. She is also a member of the British Osteopathic Association.