• female doctor with side of her hand pressing on the top of a mans back

    Osteopathy

    We currently have 3 resident Osteopaths at The Acorn Clinic, who together share over 65 years of experience between them.

    • Our Osteopaths

    SARAH BREARE D.O. qualified from the British School of Osteopathy in 1990. She has worked in Dartford since then (initially working in Sevenoaks as well), and she took over ownership of The Acorn Clinic in 2002.

    SAMANTHA VENCAT M.Ost DO ND qualified from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013 and has additional qualifications in Paediatric Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy and Dry Needling. She joined us in 2020. She has particular interest in the treatment of children and babies.

    SUZANNE RILEY BSc Ost (HONS) qualified from the European School of Osteopathy in 2000. She has worked in the NHS, private practice and is a clinic tutor at the ESO. She spent 10 years working in South Africa before returning to the UK. She is a qualified Pilates instructor and has a additional qualification in nutrition.

    What is osteopathy?

    Osteopathy is a 'non-invasive' method of 'hands-on' diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the body.

    The body requires good mechanical health of the bone, joint and muscular systems for the rest of the body to function properly.

    Therefore, disturbance of the circulatory and nervous systems caused by mechanical problems can lead to not only muscle and joint aches and pains and also symptoms of dysfunction in internal organs – and vice versa.

    Osteopathy focuses on diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders using manual drug free methods.

    woman laying on her front with sports bra and two people pressing their hands into her back
    Black patient pointing with finger at knee near doctor

    What do Osteopaths treat?

    Osteopaths commonly treat back and neck conditions, postural problems, sports injuries, and other conditions that result in deterioration of joint function. Although Osteopaths are commonly considered to be ‘Back People’, they will also treat problems with any joints in the body. Osteopathy can help many people including those with arthritic joints, and problems associated with pregnancy.

    What does a session with the Osteopath involve?

    An initial consultation will involve taking a detailed 'case history' including personal details such as age, occupation, hobbies etc. Details of the condition i.e. the onset and history, any treatments already had, and also details of past medical and general health. This enables the Osteopath to build up a 'holistic' view of the patient and their health. This is usually followed by an examination and very often by treatment if appropriate. It is usual for the Osteopath to ask you to remove some clothing in the affected area, down to your underwear, so it is advisable to wear something comfortable. The Osteopath will also discuss the general management of the condition, the potential outcome i.e. number of treatments and may give advice on exercises. If treatment is not deemed possible or appropriate we can arrange for referral to another practitioner or for further investigations such as x-rays or scans.

    woman laying on her front getting a back massage

    YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE REFERRED BY A DOCTOR – JUST GIVE US A CALL.

    Payment is due at the end of each treatment, and we are also registered with all the leading Health Insurance companies.

    If you would like to speak to one of our Osteopaths or make an appointment please don’t hesitate to call.

    All details are treated in strictest confidence.