Shared Decision Making at The Health Equation

At The Health Equation clinics in London and Marlborough, we practise shared decision making. This means patients receive clear explanations about the benefits, risks, and alternatives to any proposed investigation or treatment, so they can make informed choices about their care.

All diagnostic consultations and treatments are carried out by Mr. Gerry Gajadharsingh DO, Osteopath and Diagnostic Consultant in Complementary Medicine, with over 38 years of clinical practice.

Benefits of Examination and Treatment

Clinical Examination

Osteopathic examination helps identify the root cause of symptoms. Patients may be asked to undress to their underwear for an accurate assessment of:

• Musculoskeletal function – eg posture, movement, palpation

• Cardiovascular health – eg blood pressure, pulse, auscultation

• Respiratory function – eg spirometry, capnography, O₂ saturation

• Neurological responses – eg reflexes, sensation, muscle power

Towels are provided for modesty, and patients may request a chaperone or bring a trusted companion. Examinations are repeated at follow-ups to monitor progress.

Diagnostic Investigations

• Laboratory tests – blood, urine, stool (with both functional and conventional medical/pathological interpretation)

• Imaging – X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, or CT if clinically necessary

Osteopathic Manual Technique (OMT)

OMT improves musculoskeletal, visceral, and autonomic function using a variety of techniques, from soft tissue, articulation, functional,  gentle cranio-sacral work to high velocity, low amplitude thrust (HVT) techniques.

Additional Interventions

• Exercise & Rehabilitation – targeted strategies to restore mobility and strength

• Nutrition & Biochemistry – diet optimisation and short-term supplementation

• Breathing Re-Education – retraining breathing patterns to enhance oxygen delivery and autonomic balance

• Mind-Body Support – lifestyle counselling and advice on how stress impacts physical health

When needed, Gerry can also refer patients to his network of London-based private medical specialists.

Risks of Examination and Treatment

At The Health Equation, patient safety is the top priority. All interventions carry some degree of risk, though most are negligible or minimal.

Clinical Examination

• Negligible risk

Laboratory Tests

• Urine and stool samples: negligible risk

• Blood tests: minimal risk (approx. 10% chance of minor bruising at needle entry)

Imaging

• X-rays and CT scans: very low to low risk from ionising radiation (regulated under IRMER)

• MRI and ultrasound: negligible risk (no radiation)

Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT)

Possible short-term reactions (24–48 hrs): stiffness, mild pain, fatigue, dizziness, or headache.

• Cervical HVT manipulation: very low risk (eg approx. 1.72 per 100,000 for arterial dissection)

• Lumbar HVT manipulation: minimal risk (eg 1 in 1–2 million for disc herniation or serious complications)

• Thoracic HVT manipulation: minimal risk (eg rare fracture risk in undiagnosed osteoporosis)

By comparison, common medications like Ibuprofen carry a moderate risk of GI bleeding and increased cardiovascular risk with prolonged use.

Other Interventions

• Exercise & Rehabilitation: very low risk if tailored

• Breathing Re-Education: negligible risk (may trigger mild short-term anxiety)

• Nutrition & Supplementation: negligible risk when evidence-based and used appropriately with the patient monitored

Alternatives to Treatment

Patients always remain in control. Options include:

• Accepting or declining any suggested test or treatment

• Choosing an alternative therapy or medical referral

• Opting for no treatment

Our Integrated Approach

At The Health Equation in Harley Street, London, and Marlborough, Wiltshire, we combine osteopathy, functional medicine, and complementary therapies. By clearly explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives, we empower patients to make confident decisions about their health.

The BMJ (British Medical Journal) define risk of an adverse event into the following categories: