Services
Below is a description of my services, values and mission statement as well as a FAQ sections.
Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a hands-on, holistic therapy that relieves pain and tension in the musculoskeletal system. Tailored to each patient it improves joint mobility, boosts circulation and nerve function. This supports the body’s natural healing.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is complicated!
To match this requirement Hugh has developed a unique, unmatched treatment in Devon that integrates Osteopathy, acupuncture, his Royal Marines background and home exercises that build strength and traction your spine, leading to long term pain relief.
Acupuncture
Chinese medicine sees acupuncture as improving energy flow (Qi) to ease pain and boost circulation. Western medicine explains it as triggering natural pain relief via the brain and spinal cord, especially helpful for chronic pain. Hugh prefers the western view but stays open to new evidence.
What is your mission statement and your values? ​
I believe that values are important to define as a business because they provide the framework upon which I can make all decisions. ​
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Values:
1. Sustainable health changes
I aim to equip you with the necessary skills to effectively remove/manage your pain. This way, if you experience a flare-up there is no need to worry. You will know precisely how to handle the situation. ​
2. Truthful
I've discovered that open and non-judgemental discussion about health are surprisingly uncommon. This approach isn't about pointing fingers; rather, it focuses on collaberative 'how can we resolve this?' approach.
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​3. Charity work
I volunteer for Rock 2 Recovery, Royal Marines Association and I offer a blue light discount. When its alll said and done, the dust settles, and I retire, I know that charity work with veterns will be something that I wish I did more of. Life and responsibilites makes this tricky so I have become content to do what I can. ​
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Mission statement:
At my core, I am committed to fostering lasting health transformations through truthfulness, empowering individuals with the skills to manage their own well-being, and dedicating time to meaningful charity work with our veteran communities; Rock to recovery and the Royal Marines Association.​
What happens in first session
During your first visit Hugh will take a detailed history of your condition, and your wider health in order to build a clear picture of how you came to where you are. The main aim of your initial consultation is to determine what is causing your pain. In some cases if this cannot be determined Hugh might refer you to your GP.
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This will be followed by testing and an assessment to determine the root cause of your pain. We can then discuss treatment options and together we can make a plan.
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Please wear light fitting clothing or gym clothes.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to the first appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing like a T-shirt, shorts, or leggings that allows for easy movement and access to the body area that is being treated. Avoid bulky items like jeans, and be prepared to undress, although you do not have to.
How long are the appointments?
The first appointment is 1 hour and your second appointment is typically 30 minutes. Once you start to recover and I am confident in our diagnoses we can shorten to 20 minutes.
Where do I park?
There is parking directly in front of the practice, which is 1 minute from Penn Inn roundabout. Once you book your appointment you will receive more information by email.
How many appointments will I need?
This does depend on the individual and my aim is to reduce the frequenctly of your appointments as fast as I can. My patients typically notice a big improvement within 3-5 sessions.
What will I feel like after the first session?
This varies from person to person, treatment to treatment. A reaction to treatment is normal and you might feel an increase in muscle stiffness or soreness, similar to a post exercise tightness for 24 -48 hours, but this is normal and will pass.
Is Osteopathy safe?
Yes Osteopathy is very safe. It is a legally protected name and regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, who ensure competency.
Who sets the standards and training for Osteopaths?
The General Osteopathic Council regulates the profession and ensures that all Osteopaths are registered, insured, hold the appropriate qualifications and complete annual standards for continued professional development.
What do you do to become an osteopath?
Osteopaths are required to complete a comprehensive 4-year Master's degree in Osteopathic Medicine. This program includes an extensive 1,000 hours of practical experience, allowing students to treat real patients in a student clinic. This hands-on training is essential for developing the skills needed to provide effective care in the field of osteopathy.
What's the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
There are more that unites Osteopaths and Chiropractors than divides. In my time working in many different countries and industries I have found there to be good, bad and average within every profession. My personal opinion is to ignore the titles and find a professional who aligns best to your values, and who you feel comfortable being treated by.
'Hugh was recommended when I was suffering with a sore back and knee. So painful that I needed time off work because I couldn’t even get out of the car. I am now totally pain free and able to walk 26 mile walks. I feel the fittest I’ve ever been. Hugh is fun and approachable'.
Karen Platten
'I suffered with lower back pain from an ongoing injury & after a few sessions with Hugh I am feeling that the pain is under control! I can’t recommend him enough and will continue to use his service..
Nat Bowden
Can’t thank hugh enough his knowledge in anatomy is brilliant and he helped me out so much! I pulled a shoulder which left me out the gym for a while and I suffer with a bad back due to poor posture at work he gave me some simple but so effective stretches and strengthening exercises and all I needed was 2 sessions with him! So happy with the results get booked!
Vanessa Basford
This man knows his stuff and I would recomend him to anyone.
Angela Russell