Osteopathy Marlborough Wiltshire & Central London

Osteopathy Marlborough Wiltshire & Central London

Mr Gerry Gajadharsingh DO

Osteopathy is an established, holistic system of medicine, originally developed in the USA in the 1880’s by Dr Andrew Taylor Still. Osteopaths are regulated by law in the UK by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Osteopaths uses similar diagnostics procedures to conventional medicine, such as case history taking, clinical examination, imaging and laboratory investigations, to formulate a differential diagnosis. However, Osteopaths also utilise palpation, a highly developed sense of touch to complement their diagnostic process. As well as ruling out obvious pathology where conventional medical referral may be more appropriate,  Osteopaths tend to concentrate more on the functional factors which contribute to patient’s health problems.

Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT)

After the case history and clinical examination and if Osteopathic treatment is considered appropriate for your problem, treatment consists of manual techniques, which range from classical structural approaches, such as soft tissue, articulation and HVT (minimal leverage High Velocity low amplitude Thrust-direct manipulative treatment), to very gentle approaches such as Cranio-Sacral and functional/fascial approaches, including the use of gentle visceral manipulation. Gerry is a recognised expert in Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT), having also lectured in the specialist subject at both undergraduate and postgraduate level during his entire practising life.

The actual treatment used by Gerry depends on the patient, their preferences and the type of condition they have, considering both relative and absolute contraindications to any particular technique.

Lifestyle factors, such as nutrition and stress, contribute to many of the health problems that Gerry encounters – facts reflected in your evaluation and subsequent health management strategies. Osteopathic treatment can be applicable to many health care problems and to all ages, from babies to the elderly.

Musculoskeletal Conditions (MSK)

Although we do not particularly like “labels”, we understand  that potential patients search for specific things, we have listed below some of the problems that Osteopaths have an enviable record in diagnosing and treating in regard to musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) such as

Neck Pain

Cervical Disc Pain and associated arm pain

Headache/Migraine (the MSK components)

Shoulder Pain

Elbow Pain

Wrist/hand pain

Ribcage Pain

Thoracic Pain

Back Pain or Spinal Pain (general)

Pelvic Pain

Low Back Pain

Lumbar Disc Pain and associated leg pain

Hip Pain

Knee Pain

Foot and Ankle Pain

Certain types of Neuralgia (nerve Pain), such as Sciatica

It may be helpful to also understand the following:

Orthopaedics- Orthopaedic surgeons and Orthopaedic physicians

Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures such as muscles tendons and ligaments.

There are numerous conditions which fall under the category of orthopaedics. During the case history and clinical examination, it may be necessary to arrange imaging of the particular structure causing the symptoms. Depending on the diagnosis you may be referred for an orthopaedic surgical opinion or an orthopaedic physician opinion, if for example injection techniques may well be helpful as part of your treatment plan.

Rheumatology- Rheumatologists (physicians specialising in rheumatology)

Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that cause your immune system to attack your joints, muscles, bones and organs. Rheumatic diseases are often grouped under the term “arthritis” which is used to describe over 100 diseases and conditions. The word “arthritis” can be confusing. as apart from rheumatological “arthritis” problems there are also a whole host of osteoarthritis O/A problems often due to “wear and tear”, which are more correctly labelled underneath the practice of orthopaedics.

During the case history and clinical examination Gerry might suggest that blood tests, to rule out formal rheumatological disease may well be helpful, or to explore functional factors contributing towards inflammation.

Because of the autoimmune nature of many rheumatological/inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions, Gerry’s integrated approach to diagnostics and treatment can often be very helpful, if he thinks treating and managing these functional factors may be helpful, or otherwise to formally refer for specialist rheumatological opinion.

The common rheumatology blood profiles Gerry uses are Rheumatology Profile 1 & 3, the details of the exact parameters and the costs are available in the link below on our fees page as well as details of more comprehensive profiles which can help with better management.

Osteopathy in Marlborough Wiltshire & London

Osteopathic Medicine and its broad scope

Gerry believes Osteopathy to be a philosophical approach to medicine. As such, he has always adopted a very wide scope to the application of osteopathic medicine. Many of his patients are referred by a variety of clinicians for non-musculoskeletal problems. His opinion is that Osteopathy (almost 140 years old) is one of the original forms of functional medicine a term which is increasingly being understood by both patients and other clinicians.

Using his functional diagnostic paradigm, he is often able to come up with unique and individual solutions, especially for complex healthcare problems. Then adopting, with your consent, an integrated approach to treatment which will include treatment and management/advice from himself and sometimes referral to other clinicians for other areas of expertise, where he feels it would benefit you, the patient.

The management and advice given by an experienced clinician (outside of actual treatment), for all health problems is often underestimated. A detailed understanding of why you are ill or have your problem, why now and how treatment can work and can help you recover, is often a critical part in patient recovery. Patients are also understanding the value of prevention, Gerry is an educator and many of his patients will learn a lot about what makes them healthy (or unhealthy) during their consultations.

Chronic Pain (long term and complex pain) is a great example of a complex problem, it is often multifactorial and therefore often needing a good understanding of the factors that contribute to it, including the concept of central nervous system sensitisation.

For further information on central sensitisation you might like to read one of my blogs

https://www.thehealthequation.co.uk/pain-reprocessing-therapy-helps-with-chronic-back-pain/

Mr Gerry Gajadharsingh DO  provides Osteopathy and Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT) at The Health Equation.

New patients can either book a New Patient Consultation (45 minutes)  or a Diagnostic Consultation (60 minutes) with Gerry, depending on whether they think they have a simple/discrete musculoskeletal problem or a more complex clinical problem. Please note that the majority of Gerry’s patients have already seen various clinicians and therefore often have complex clinical problems. Depending on the complexity of the situation there may or may not be time during the initial consultation for treatment.

I have seen Gerry a number of times in the last 15 years after flare-ups, generally caused by skiing, and every time his treatment has been highly effective. Last year, I again injured my back in a minor skiing accident; causing a partial loss of function in my right foot – I was referred to a Neurologist and also decided to see Gerry. Whilst the Neurologist was able to diagnose the problem, Gerry actually helped fix it. 10 months later, in February this year, I took part in a 90km skiing marathon in Norway and my back suffered no discernible impact – without Gerry’s treatment I am sure this would not have been possible

Charles Beech, London

I have found Gerry to be understanding and expert in his treatment of me over many years. He has demonstrated not just a technical expertise but a personal understanding of the human nature of a patient- consultant relationship in which he excels and which is so rare. I have no hesitation in
recommending him.

Adam Shaw, London

For at least 21 years, I have been going to Mr Gerry Gajadharsingh on a consultation and natural treatment basis mainly for a problem with my back, spine and neck. Sometimes, on arrival for my appointment, I might be very bent over then after treatment able to walk out straight as an arrow. The treatment might be followed by one or two visits, or none. During these years, I have usually visited Mr Gerry Gajadharsingh, at The Health Equation, on average once or twice every 18 months, or so, with very satisfactory results. I have had total confidence in his treatment from my very first visit, and indeed have recommended him to many other patients over the years. I cannot speak highly enough of this practice.

Valerie Scriven, Shropshire

Gerry, the truth is that you have been highly instrumental in keeping me upright and active over the years, and it has been fantastic to have someone who understands my condition(s) so well that I do not have to say anything…just lie there, and under your expert guidance, just get better…!

William Van Straubenze , London

“Gerry has been my family’s Osteopath for the last 16 years. We first went to see him as he was recommended by our doctor (who always recommends the best!) and we weren’t disappointed. We have since called upon Gerry’s expertise for all sorts of problems. Once my 5-year-old daughter (now 20 year old daughter) woke with an acute torticollis- an extremely frozen neck, screaming! In desperation I called Gerry and he saw us at 8am. His sure, experienced touch eased her neck, it seemed miraculous. Recently he diagnosed a slipped disc, after arranging MR Imaging and has put me in the right frame of mind and helped enough that it is getting better, without surgery. When I also mentioned that I always felt tired, he ran some tests to rule out iron deficiency anaemia or thyroid problems and found out that I was magnesium deficient. My asthmatic son has been on his breathing machine (capnometer) to learn how to breathe properly and ease his asthma. Gerry is not just a “back doctor” he is more holistic than this. Over the years he has been brilliant in helping my family and me, relieving our symptoms and making our lives happier. Anyone who finds themself in Gerry’s consulting rooms is lucky! For he will sort them out and then they will have his number for future problems. We can’t recommend him highly enough.”

Georgia Byng, Author

Gerry has mended my body and mind many, many times over the last 25 years. I first went to him to piece me together following a horse racing fall with the instruction to “get me back on a horse as soon as possible”. His practical, no fuss approach, suited my needs at the time and he did just what I asked, very effectively. My needs and his practice have developed a long way since then, but his ability to diagnose and find the right treatment is second to none. I always feel better following a session with Gerry and, if I have a friend in pain, whatever the condition, Gerry is the first person I recommend they go and see.

John Sunnucks, Dorset
I have been treated by Gerry for over two years. What is very unique about Gerry is that he looks at the person as a whole and not just the ailment. Because he actually cares about his patients he always takes the time to talk to you and see what’s going on to try and get a broader view of what the problem could be. He looks at all levels of the person. Not to mention the fact that he is the most skilled Osteopath that I have ever come across and one of the nicest people. So if you are in Gerry’s care you will be in the hands of the best.
Paola Lombard