• Read recent articles

  • Categories

  • Older articles

    • How to decide which therapy is best

    Posted by Osteopath Steven Bruce

    When you’re in pain, it’s difficult to know what is the best therapy. You don’t want to take drugs, but you need some relief. You need to get some sleep. And you’re worried that the pain may be a sign of something nasty.
    But how do you know who to turn to? Your friend swears by acupuncture, but you’ve seen articles on the internet that say osteopathy is best.

    You’re confused.

    • Fact 1: osteopaths undergo 5 years’ medical training and are “Primary Healthcare Practitioners”. That means that they are legally allowed to make a medical diagnosis – they will be able to determine whether what you have is just shoulder pain, or actually liver disease.
    • Fact 2: No therapy (including drugs and surgery) works for everyone. At the Ashgrove Clinic you can choose from over a dozen therapies – your practitioner will help you decide what is best for your problem.
    • Fact 3: Read about any disease on the internet and you are likely to come away thinking you’ve got it – it’s the same in medical training, whenever you learn about something new!

    You need expert help to get a proper diagnosis, treatment and reassurance.
    Almost always it won’t be as bad as you think.

    If you are in doubt, or need some advice, give us a call – 01933 328101.

    Posted in Uncategorized |

    Star Patient Toni

    Posted by Osteopath Steven Bruce

    One session of IVF had already failed when Toni Whaling came to The Ashgrove Clinic for help in July last year. Neil Kirkland, who practises Traditional Acupuncture and specialises in fertility treatment, helped out during the next cycle of IVF and the result was a resounding success – baby Anya was born in July this year!
    Neil not only assisted in the IVF process, but he was also able to use acupuncture to help alleviate Toni’s back pain and morning sickness throughout her pregnancy. In his own words, “It was a pleasure to treat such a delightful patient and really exciting to reach such a successful outcome”.

    So the star of the story is not technically a patient – it’s Anya! Many congratulations to Mum and Dad (and well done to Neil, who hasn’t stopped grinning since Anya was born!).

    If you’d like to know more about how acupuncture can help you, call us on 01933 328101.

    Posted in Acupuncture, Newsletter, The Ashgrove Clinic |

    Our Christmas Special – There’s Still Time!

    Posted by Osteopath Steven Bruce

    It’s the same every year isn’t it? That last minute hunt for the perfect present. You want it to be just right, after all it’s for someone you care for, but nothing grabs you.
    Here’s your answer! How about a Hot Stones Massage at The Ashgrove Clinic? The ultimate luxury. And perfect for the cold weather. What’s more, we will add an additional present worth an extra £10 for the first 25 gift vouchers purchased before 25th December.
    Our high quality, sophisticated gift vouchers make a fantastic present and are available for any therapy. Call now to secure your additional £10 gift – only available on the first 25 vouchers!
    Call 01933 328101 – the first 25 vouchers include our bonus gift!

    Posted in Newsletter, The Ashgrove Clinic |

    Steven’s Little Rant

    Posted by Osteopath Steven Bruce

    I had a cold recently and, being a wuss, decided that I needed Lemsip if I were to survive.  In Waitrose, I found several types, including one for flu and another for sinus symptoms.  The sinus recipe was £1 more expensive, so naturally I thought it must be better, or at least different.  Not a bit of it – EXACTLY THE SAME!

    Just one more example of how we are conned by the drug companies.  And this is only the thin end of the wedge – read ben Goldacre’s new book “Bad Pharma” and you’ll see just how bad the situation is.

    Did you know that even your GP HAS NO IDEA how safe or effective most drugs are?  This is because the drug companies are not required to release the results of any trials they don’t like – so naturally they stick to the favourable ones.

    Take statins (no, don’t!) – there is no evidence that they do what they are supposed to and, worse, they actually INCREASE THE RISK OF DYING!  And now many “experts” are recommending that everyone over the age of 50 should take them (regardless of whether they are “at risk”).  It’s not just bonkers, it’s DANGEROUS.  Don’t take my word for it – read Ben’s book and also Malcolm Kendrick’s “The Great Cholesterol Con”.  They’re both GPs, so they know what they’re talking about.

    Posted in Newsletter, The Ashgrove Clinic |

    Dorn – A New Form of Back Care

    Posted by Osteopath Steven Bruce

    Dorn treatment has actually been around in Germany for about 35 years and has proved very successful in helping relieve back and joint pain, but it’s only recently that Colleen Williamson has introduced it to The Ashgrove Clinic.

    So what’s different about Dorn?  The process is a very gentle way of helping to realign the joints.  Colleen looks at imbalances, such as leg-length differences and using very safe, gentle techniques, sets about restoring normal function.  This is done in conjunction with a specialised form of soft-tissue treatment known as Breuss massage.  Patients are also given postural advice and encouraged to carry out a range of self-help exercises at home.

    Introductory Offer:  Save £10 on all Dorn treatments booked for December and January.

    Posted in Newsletter, The Ashgrove Clinic |