Wealden Times | WT163 | September 2015 | Education supplement inside

All lined up
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The body is a complex piece of machinery consisting of over 200 bones held
together and manipulated by 640 skeletal muscles. Where do we go for help
when the machine needs fixing? We asked three practitioners from different
therapies how they help patients deal with musculoskeletal problems...
The Alexander Technique teacher
Charlotte Rolleston-Smith BA MSTAT
Who was Alexander? Alexander was an Australian reciter born in 1869. He discovered he could make
lasting changes to the quality of his voice by stopping restrictive movement patterns coming into play every
time he began to speak. He realised further that this new awareness of control encompassed all activity
and influenced the efficiency of everything he did. He also noticed that it could bring about marked
improvements in health as well as benefitting performance. He established a practice in London in the
early 1900s and his work was highly acclaimed by leading literary, scientific and political figures of his day.
Is the Alexander Technique about prevention or can it cure existing problems? The
Alexander Technique aims to re-educate. Any curative effect is indirect. By applying its
principles we prevent poor habits of use from dominating our behaviour and develop
a more aware, balanced approach to action. These changes bring about improved
carriage and co-ordination, and existing problems often resolve in the process.
How do I learn the Technique? The Technique is taught on a one-to-one basis. Lessons
are typically 30 to 40 minutes’ duration and for the most part are undertaken weekly. A
course of around 20 lessons is recommended. Many people have more over a long period
of time, others fewer. It is an individual choice and re-learning happens from lesson one.
Charlotte is a registered member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander
Technique (STAT). She has taught the Alexander Technique since qualifying
in 1986 and currently teaches in Tunbridge Wells and Wadhurst.
For appointments contact 01892 783707 / charlotte.rs@uwclub.net
The Osteopath
Michael Lingard BSc. DO. BBEC
How does osteopathy work? The body is an amazingly complex bio-mechanical structure.
Therefore it would seem only common sense to expect it to be subject to the same laws of
mechanics as a car or a clock. Thus the osteopath claims it matters how we are assembled, that
all the mechanics are working as they were built to work. There is a fundamental concept that
“Structure governs function”, so if there is a misalignment anywhere in our structure it will
impact unfavourably on all the functions linked to that structure. The pain in the upper back
is what the patient notices most, but remember it may be also causing you heart or stomach
problems too. Osteopathy was founded as a total medical system, not just for bad backs.
Is osteopathy a painful process? When the preparatory work is done well with release of muscular
tension and relaxation of the patient it should be possible to treat most conditions with minimal
discomfort. There may be 24 hours of mild discomfort as the body re-adjusts to normal again,
after which there is usually a period of improved mobility and reduced pain. It is not uncommon
for there to be a return of some of the symptoms after a week or so, indicating that not all the
mechanical adjustments have held and a further session is needed to stabilize the structure.
You also practise orthopathy, and how does this differ from traditional osteopathy?
Osteopathy focuses on the structure of the body but orthopaths add other modalities
to this work such as nutrition, acupuncture, and breath training. I am a fully trained
Buteyko Educator as well as having an osteopathic qualification and I routinely check
every patient’s breathing as part of their examination. This is important as I find almost
90% of my patients have poor breathing that is adding to their health problems.
Mr. Michael Lingard is a qualified osteopath in Tunbridge Wells, member of the
General Osteopathic Council. He offers alternative medical treatments to patients
with muscle and bone problems. In 2013 he brought together a group of Buteyko
Practitioners to establish the formal registering body in the UK, the BBEC (Buteyko
Breathing Educators Council). For appointments call 01580 752852.
The Physiotherapy Manager
Shinu Vargese
What is physiotherapy? At Benenden
Hospital our physiotherapists are all highly
skilled at assessing the underlying cause
of joint, muscle and nerve pain. The
objective of the physiotherapy is to return
clients to their maximum independence
in the shortest possible time by using
a variety of techniques ranging from
gentle mobilisations and strengthening
to therapeutic pain-relieving techniques
and firmer soft tissue techniques. These
techniques are combined with exercises
and education aimed at managing your
condition and preventing recurrences.
Does physiotherapy require high
tech machinery, or is it a manual
therapy? It can involve either or both.
Physiotherapy commonly includes advice
on, and assistance with, specific exercises,
combined with manual therapy and/
or manipulation, often as a result of
consulting diagnostics results. However,
in some cases further mechanical or
electronic devices can be used, such as
traction, heat or cold treatments, and
electric or sonic devices, amongst others.
At Benenden we can also offer sports
massage, electrotherapy, acupuncture and
one-to-one Pilates. Each case is considered
on its own merits and the appropriate
treatment proposed accordingly.
Do I need to be referred to a
physiotherapist by a doctor? Existing
Benenden members will need a
referral letter from their GP to request
physiotherapy treatment before contacting
the member services team to arrange an
appointment. As a private patient, you may
refer yourself directly, with no need for
a referral letter, by contacting Benenden
Hospital direct. If you are using a private
insurance company you will need to
contact your insurance company for their
guidelines before contacting our Private
Patient Co-ordinator based at the hospital.
Shinu Vargese is Physiotherapy Manager
at Benenden Hospital. For more details
of the services offered and membership
please visit www.benendenhospital.
org.uk or call 01580 240333.
127 www.wealdentimes.co.uk