The practice was started by Colin Dove in London Road, Romford in 1957 before it moved to its current location in June 1986.  In September 2000 it was taken over by Emma Chippendale and Roy Knightbridge.

All Osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).  The practice has six treatment rooms, two of which are situated on the ground floor.  There is wheelchair access at the rear of the building and adequate parking for at least ten cars.

What we treat:

1. Back pain
2. Neck pain
3. Shoulder pain
4. Elbow and wrist pain
5. Hip problems
6. Knee pain
7. Ankle and foot pain
8. Sports Injuries
9. Children’s Osteopathy

All of the current osteopaths have undertaken a post-graduate course in cranial osteopathy. Some of them have a special interest and experience in the treatment of children and problems associated with pregnancy. One has completed a Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy and some work at the Osteopathic Centre for Children.
One of our osteopaths has completed an MSc in Osteopathic Sports Care and has had experience working with sports injuries on the European Golf Tour.

What to expect on your first visit

In arranging your first visit you will find our experienced team friendly and helpful.  They will tell you all you need to know and direct you to the practice.  One of our Osteopaths would be happy to discuss things with you if necessary. 

Your first visit will last up to an hour.  You will be asked not only about your current problem but also about your past- history of symptoms and medical history.  For example, we take into account things you were born with, past illnesses and injuries, nutrition and lifestyle.

You will then be asked to partially undress, possibly down to your underclothes and be examined by your osteopath who will assess your posture and mobility and carry out simple clinical tests.

If we can help you we should be able to provide a rough estimate of the number of treatment sessions required.  In such circumstances we often start your treatment at the first visit if you are agreeable.  If we do not think that we can help we may well suggest you consult with your GP or another appropriate health professional.

Your treatment programme

Subsequent visits for treatment will take up to half an hour and are usually with the same osteopath.  As Osteopaths, we use our hands to treat and use a variety of techniques such as:

1. Massage and soft tissue work
2. Gentle stretching of joints/tissues
3. Traction
4. Occasional manipulative techniques
5. Exercise advice
6. Cranial Osteopathy

Treatment is usually comfortable, rarely painful and we can also offer advice on diet, lifestyle, exercise as well as helping with work and general posture and advice on pillows and beds.

The Osteopaths

Emma Chippendale (partner): Graduated from BSO.  Clinic tutor and examiner at BSO, LSO and Oxford Brookes University.

Roy Knightbridge (partner): Graduated from BCOM.  Clinic tutor at BCOM.  Completing Masters in Osteopathic Sports Care with special interest in golf injuries.  Has experience working on European Golf Tour.

Daraius Cooper: Graduated from BSO.  Currently a tutor at BCOM but has previously taught at LSO and BSO.

Ben Jarvie: Graduated from BCOM.  Also works at a practice in Maldon.

Nancy Nunn: Graduated from BSO.  Completed Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy and is a tutor at Osteopathic Centre for Children.  Also tutors at BSO working with children with special educational needs. 

Felicity Vaughan: Graduated from BSO.  Currently studying for Masters in Paediatric Osteopathy

Catherine Dolan: Graduated from BSO.  Currently studying for Masters in Paediatric Osteopathy

Insurance schemes

Many insurance schemes such as PPP, BUPA and HSA cover Osteopathic treatment but we advise that you check with your insurer and our reception team before commencing treatment.

Paying for treatment

Fees are payable at the time of treatment.  We accept cash, cheque and most major credit/debit cards.

Cancelling appointments

Failure to attend an appointment may deprive others of that time so we reserve the right to charge for missed appointments.  We request that 24 hours notice is given if you wish to cancel an appointment.

Talks to groups and clubs

Colin Dove was one of the first to broadcast on osteopathy, making appearances on radio and TV.  We continue the tradition and are happy to offer talks to sports clubs, local medical groups, expectant mothers groups and other interested parties.  Nancy Nunn, who tutors at the Osteopathic Centre for Children and has a Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy, gives regular talks along side health visits at post-natal groups.O

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