Times are changing here at the North London Clinic. After nearly 30 years of running my busy Osteopathy clinics single-handedly, I’ve taken on a new Associate at The Twyford Practice. 

I’m delighted to welcome Registered Osteopath Motoko Nagasaki, who graduated from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) and has more than 10 years’ experience in the health and wellbeing industry. 

‘Motoko Nagasaki is dedicated to patient-centred care’

Registered with the The General Osteopathic Council, Motoko has gained a M.Ost Osteopathy degree, a Naturopathic Diploma and a certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy, which includes undertaking a postgraduate course at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in London. She has also trained in Medical (Western) Acupuncture.

Alongside her Classical Osteopathy work, which can help with health conditions like arthritic pain and Sciatica, Motoko will offer wider Osteopathic treatments in the Fortis Green-based practice, as she specialises in Cranial Osteopathy and Visceral Osteopathy.

Both Osteopathic techniques are gentle and non-invasive types of Osteopathy. Cranial Osteopathy can be safely used with newborn babies and pre and post-natal women. While Visceral Osteopathy focuses on the body’s internal organs. 

Ahead of her joining, I asked Motoko to detail why she decided to specialise in Cranial and Visceral Osteopathy and how her first-class Osteopathy services can help improve your overall health.

 

Getting to know Motoko Nagasaki 

 

Why did you decide to become an Osteopath?

“I’ve always been interested in helping people improve their physical and emotional wellbeing. I started out in the health and wellbeing industry just over 10 years ago as a Massage Therapist, offering Deep Tissue, Sports and Pregnancy Massage. And prior to this, I gained a Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy and Level 3 Diploma in Diet & Nutrition for Complementary Therapists. 

“Alongside my role as a Massage Therapist, I was also studying for a Diploma in Naturopathy at the BCOM — which is a complementary health profession based on the age-old philosophy that the human body has the innate ability to heal itself through nature.  

“To cut a long story short: everything I studied kept coming back to Osteopathy, which aims to help improve specific conditions and boost your overall health. So I retrained at the BCOM as an Osteopath and gained my M.Ost Osteopathy degree. The rest, they say, is history.”

 

What’s your approach to health and wellbeing?

“The MindBody is one. Therefore I believe in achieving physical and emotional wellbeing through a holistic approach.

“I won’t just look at the physical symptoms patients are presenting with. I’d assess everything from nutrition and stress levels to environmental factors and family orientation. This helps understand the root of the problem, which may help reoccurrences. I’m also a very empathic person and I can sympathise with many people.

“I’ve seen first-hand how my Osteopathic care can help people live life to the fullest, free of pain”. 

 

What clinical expertise do you bring to the clinic?

“In addition to Classical Osteopathy, I specialise in Cranial and Visceral Osteopathy. Cranial Osteopathy is a safe and non-invasive hands-on practice where gentle manipulation and massage is often applied to the head, spine and/or sacrum. This can be safely used with newborn babies and pre and post-natal women. 

“Whereas Visceral Osteopathy is a very gentle form of Osteopathy, focusing on the body’s internal organs like the lungs, kidneys, heart, liver and stomach.

“Visceral Osteopathy can help to relieve imbalances and restrictions in the interconnections between the motions of all the organs and structures of the body.”

Why did you decide to specialise in these two areas?

Little baby receiving osteopathic treatment of head and neck

“Good question. A woman’s body changes a lot during pregnancy. For example, there is the softening of ligaments, weight increase and changes to posture. This can result in additional pressure on joints in numerous areas of the body, including the spine and pelvis. 

“I want to help pre and post-natal women achieve an improved sense of wellbeing through the use of Classical and Cranial Osteopathy, which includes gentle massage techniques and may help relieve the stresses and tensions on the body during pregnancy and after birth. This gentle and non-invasive form of Osteopathy can also be used on babies to help soothe and relax them.

“I’m also fascinated by the enteric nervous system (ENS), which governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract. I could talk about this for hours. The gut is another brain and 95% of serotonin (the chemical that regulates things like mood, sleep and digestion) is produced in the intestine. Visceral Osteopathy promotes better organ functionality and restores balance in the body.”

 

What health conditions can you help with?

“Quite a few. Along with helping mothers and babies who are suffering from pre or post-natal concerns, as stated by the Advertising Standards Authority, I can also help teenagers and adults with: 

  • Arthritic pain
  • Circulatory problems
  • Cramp
  • Digestion problems
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Frozen shoulder/ shoulder and elbow pain/ tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck, but not isolated occurrences)
  • Headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic)
  • Joint pains
  • Joint pains including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis as an adjunct to core OA treatments and exercise
  • General, acute & chronic backache, back pain (not arising from injury or accident)
  • Generalised aches and pains
  • Lumbago
  • Migraine prevention
  • Minor sports injuries
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neuralgia
  • Tension and inability to relax
  • Rheumatic pain
  • Sciatica
  • Uncomplicated mechanical neck pain (as opposed to neck pain following injury i.e. whiplash)”.

 

Away from the Osteopathic couch, what do you enjoy doing?

“Naturally, I’m a very curious person. When I’m not looking into the latest research studies into healing and wellbeing or expanding my bank of knowledge on the mother-baby dyad, I’m often relaxing in green spaces, walking in forests or leaning first-hand how to become a better health practitioner by studying the behaviours of my two daughters, aged 7 and 17 years old.”

 

Motoko Nagasaki is now available at the North London clinic on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons. Robin will be holding clinics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are suffering with any aches or pains, schedule a consultation either online, via phone or by sending an email.

You might be wondering how ‘snorkels’ and ‘Osteopaths’ would ever appear in the same sentence. But having worked as an Osteopath for more than 25 years, Robin Kiashek is no stranger to looking at the bigger picture. Especially when it comes to the topic of health.

At Robin’s London clinics, one appointment could be spent tending to a patient’s chronic back pain. While the next could see him help long Covid patients using the Perrin Technique™.

“When you’re an osteopath, every day is different,” Robin says.

One case which shows the breadth and depth of an Osteopath’s skills was the case of Patient X – who reported a 40% improvement just one week after visiting Robin.

 

The problem

Patient X was referred to Robin by a neurologist.  They presented with intermittent nausea and feelings of constant imbalance. The patient also experienced daily headaches.

 

The medical history

Along with chronic lower back pain, Patient X has a history of tinnitus – a horrible ringing sensation in one both ears.

There was a history of imbalance which would last several minutes when open water swimming. So much so, Patient X would have to lift their head out of the water frequently to see where they were going.

“It would take a day for the patient to recover from the general sense of unwellness and dizziness,” Robin recalls.

 

The diagnosis?

Robin says: “I believe that Patient X’s imbalance resulted from sub-occipital vertebral artery compression.  Which can be exacerbated by cervical extension – as noted with open water swimming.

“The irritation of these nerves during cervical extension, can cause the diaphragm to contract,” Robin explains. “As the stomach sits superior to the diaphragm, any contraction of the diaphragm will cause undue pressure on the stomach, resulting in a sense of nausea.”

 

The treatment?

Robin focused on releasing Patient X’s mid thoracic misalignment, where cervical active movements emanate from, using gentle osteopathic technique.

He avoided direct treatment to the patient’s neck.  Instead, he used medical acupuncture to the trapezii region and to the right pelvic imbalance.

Robin also suggested that Patient X uses a snorkel and mask when swimming, to avoid cervical extension, and invest in a new pillow.

 

The progress speaks for itself

Just one week later, Patient X reported a general 40% subjective improvement.

“Patient X’s imbalance was no longer constant,” Robin says. “The patient also only experienced one headache. After buying a snorkel, mask and a new pillow – Patient X was left feeling a good deal better.”

 

If you are suffering with any kind of health problem, whether it’s headaches, stomach pains, or mobility issues, don’t hesitate to call Robin or book in for an initial consultation.

There are many reasons why you might visit an Osteopath.

Whether it’s a back, joint, or stress-induced condition, or more specific workplace or sporting injury – Osteopathy can help improve a range of ailments.

Robin Kiashek  is an Osteopath with more than 25 years’ experience in his field. He says: “Using a range of techniques, Osteopaths can reduce pain, increase joint mobility, relieve muscle tension and enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, to help the body’s own healing mechanism.”

Maybe you have already booked an appointment with an Osteopath or are planning to – either way, here’s what to expect from your initial consultation to your patient discharge.

 

Visiting an Osteopath

On the first visit, your Osteopath will take a detailed case history including a full medical history, information about your symptoms, health problems and any medical care you have been receiving.

Depending on the location of the problem, this is followed by a physical examination during which they will ask you to undergo various movements in a bid to reproduce your symptoms.

To help understand the problem at hand, an Osteopath will use a combination of visual analysis and touch (or palpation). They may also use orthopaedic tests and occasionally refer for further x-ray or MRI investigation to help form a diagnosis.

 

At the end of first consultation

Once a diagnosis has been reached, your Osteopath will give you a full explanation and treatment plan. A treatment will be included in the initial Osteopathic consultation, assuming it’s safe to do so.

Robin adds: “I take on a more holistic approach, treating musculoskeletal disorders relating to muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, cartilage, tendons and the general skeletal system. But I’ll also identify underlying causative factors. So I’ll work with you to help heal your specific condition/s and work towards preventing this from happening again.”

The treatment plan will let you know what aggravating factors to avoid and will include lifestyle advice to help you do so.

 

Length of Consultation

Generally speaking, your first consultation will last around 45 minutes with any subsequent visits lasting for half an hour.

However, please do note that these appointment lengths may vary as some conditions need extra time and some require less.

Robin says: “The important thing to remember is that each session is dependent on the individual patient. Therefore, each treatment is tailored to a patient’s specific problem.”

 

How many treatments will you need?

Resolving acute pain can be relatively easy.  However, understanding how and why the pain came about is more difficult.

Robin says: “Unfortunately Osteopathy can be seen as a ‘quick fix’ for both acute and chronic pain. Yes, it can resolve pain quickly but so can taking painkillers. I believe that unless we understand why the pain started – whether it be physical, postural and or emotional or even nutritional – there can be an increased probability of pain returning.

“I find that underlying many acute problems there is a history of physical and/or emotional patterns, which the patient may not always be aware of.”

Which is why, there is no one answer fits all to this question.

Robin adds: “Some patients can have two or three treatments, while others will need a few more to help put them on the road to recover and rid these underlying patterns once and for all.”

 

If you are suffering with any kind of health problem, whether it’s headaches, stomach pains, or mobility issues, don’t hesitate to call Robin or book in for an initial consultation.

The title of this blog is not just a play on words from one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. It is also the question that most Osteopaths ask themselves each time they see a new patient.

Osteopaths take a holistic approach when it comes to treating musculoskeletal disorders relating to muscles, ligaments, nerves joints cartilage, tendons and the general skeletal system.

They also identify any underlying factors to get to the root cause of the problem. Which is why Osteopathy can not only help ease specific conditions, but also work towards improving your overall health.

 

Extensive training

 

Osteopaths are trained to degree level, with courses usually lasting four or five years.  These are a combination of academic studies, research and more than 1,000 hours of hands-on patient-facing training.

An important part of the training is about establishing whether the symptoms that patients present with require further medical investigation or a referral.

Registered Osteopath Robin Kiashek graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Osteopathic Medicine. He has since gone on to add a number of other qualification strings to his bow. Robin said: “I work with patients to address their presenting symptoms and understand causative factors to promote ongoing health.

“Much of my initial process is around ruling out other pathologies. As a member of the General Osteopathic Council – the body that promotes patient safety by setting, maintaining and developing standards of osteopathic practice and conduct – I am committed to helping my patients achieved optimal physical and emotional wellbeing.”

 

Referral required

 

At an initial consultation Robin spends around 30 minutes taking a detailed patient history.  This includes physical and emotional lifestyle factors.  Then he moves on to a physical examination.

And if there any indicators that further investigation or medical involvement would be appropriate then he won’t hesitate to make a referral.

For example, earlier this year, a patient came to Robin after two trips to a local hospital with lower back and abdominal pain. Both times she had been sent home without being examined and painkillers had been prescribed.

Robin explains: “I conducted a physical examination and it was immediately clear that this pain was not going to be cured by painkillers.  I wrote a letter referring the patient to A&E. The diagnosis was eventually a stone in the ureter. And that required follow-up treatment.”

 

Face to face with your Osteopath

 

Osteopaths are classed as key workers. Therefore, Robin has been able to keep both his clinics open during lockdown. He adheres to all government guidelines of course and, being a sole practitioner, patients are not sitting in a crowded waiting room.

 

Obviously, changes and concessions to face to face medical appointments had to be made during the past year.  But it’s reassuring for patients to know that face to face Osteopathy is still available should they be in pain.  And that Osteopaths not only have the skills to provide treatment but also the training to know when to refer.

 

So, patients really are in safe hands.

 

If you are in pain then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

‘What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?’

A frequently asked question for many Osteopaths.

There are a handful of similarities between the two professions, but also differences in terms of their philosophy, patient assessment and the way they treat patients. And it’s useful to understand how each operates when you are considering treatment.

 The philosophy of Osteopaths

Osteopaths deal with the whole body.

They take on a more holistic approach, treating musculoskeletal disorders relating to muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, cartilage, tendons and the general skeletal system.

They also identify underlying, causative factors.  So, Osteopathy can not only help to heal specific conditions but also work towards improving your overall health.

Osteopaths will consider where the root cause of your problem may be originating.  For example, a patient may be suffering with facial pain, but this could be stemming from a problem in their neck.  Which is, in turn, related to the function of the upper back, which is dependent to some extent on the biomechanics of their lower back. And their lower back is linked to the pelvic area – so they could be suffering with possible issues in their knees or feet.

Osteopath Robin Kiashek, who has more than 25 years’ experience said: “To help my patients understand the difference, I encourage them to think about house subsidence. London’s housing stock is built on clay, and during the hot summer months it is not uncommon to find the older properties developing cracks in the upper floors. One option is to fill in the cracks every year. But the problem is to do with ground movement below the house.

“Therefore, to solve the problem once and for all, Osteopaths generally address those underlying factors. In other words, they will, of course, fill in the cracks. But they will also address the movement below the house.”

The philosophy of Chiropractors

Chiropractors primarily focus on the spine.

Generally speaking, Chiropractors believe that spinal misalignment is the root cause of their patient’s back symptoms. The spinal cord is simply an extension of the brain, and according to chiropractic belief, slight misalignment of a vertebra will affect the spinal nerves coming off the spinal cord.

Chiropractors believe that manipulation of the displaced vertebra, will address the spinal nerve compression and hence associated muscle or organ involvement.

Assessment with Osteopaths

At the initial consultation, Osteopaths will take a case history of the patient’s problem. This is followed by a physical examination during which they will ask the patient to undergo various movements in a bid to reproduce their symptoms.

The Osteopath will use a combination of visual analysis and touch (or palpation) to understand the problem at hand. They may also use orthopaedic tests and occasionally refer for further x-ray or MRI investigation to help form a diagnosis.

Once a diagnosis has been reached, an Osteopath will give the patient a full explanation and a treatment plan. A treatment will be included in the initial Osteopathic consultation, assuming it is safe to do so.

The treatment plan will let the patient know what aggravating factors to avoid and will include lifestyle advice to help them do so.

Assessment with a Chiropractor

At a Chiropractor’s initial consultation, they will usually come to diagnosis from the use of x-rays, focussing largely on the spinal integrity. On the second visit, the patient will be informed of the Chiropractor’s diagnosis and on the third visit, treatment will commence.

Treatment: what to expect with an Osteopath

After the initial consultation, treatment will begin, and most Osteopaths will then see patient once a week for half an hour.

Treatments may include gentle soft tissue release through massage, joint mobilisation and gentle conservative spinal manipulation. In addition, Robin Kiashek may use a range of allied therapies including Western Medical Acupuncture and Low Level Laser Therapy.

Treatment: what to expect with a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are more well known for focusing on the spinal adjustments or clicking which may not be as gentle as Osteopathic treatment. The Chiropractor will focus primarily on the lower and upper back and neck.

Chiropractors tend to see their patients ‘little and often’. Treatments themselves normally last around 15 minutes. But they may see their patients two to three times a week.

A final word from Robin

Robin added: “In addition to the difference between Osteopathy and Chiropractic outlined above, it’s important to remember that each Osteopath and Chiropractor will practice in their own unique way.  They may have particular specialisms or areas of interest.  So, don’t’ be afraid to do your research – practitioners will be more than happy to answer your questions.”

If you are in pain or have any questions about how Osteopath, Robin Kiashek, could be of benefit,  then please get in touch. Osteopaths are deemed as essential workers. Therefore, they can continue to treat patients through lockdown and patients are permitted to seek medical help. Robin Kiashek is fully compliant with Government regulations re PPE.