Physiotherapy
Loredana Staden MCSP SRP
Dana Staden is a graduate in Physiotherapy from Sydney, Australia. She has been with the practice since 1993 providing a comprehensive service to patients treating a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints from acute accident trauma to sporting/occupational injuries. Her treatment approach also concentrates on identifying conditions which require special attention e.g. problematic postural, ergonomic and recurrent problems. This entails a holistic approach from initial identification/diagnosis to correction of muscular imbalances, misalignments and unnatural stresses that contribute to ongoing dysfunction. Such a working philosophy requires an active patient involvement with treatment emphasis on self management and prevention.
Most common conditions treated include:
• upper/lower back pain/sciatica, neck pain/whiplash
• trapped nerves, disc displacement
• tension headaches, jaw/facial pain
• frozen shoulder, acute/chronic/post operative
• all sporting/recreational/occupational injuries
• ligament strains/joint sprains, including repetitive strains (RSI)
• postural misalignment, muscular imbalance and foot orthotic support
• pre/post surgery rehabilitation
• pre/post natal conditions
• exercise regimes to develop flexibility/strength/stability.
Rebeca Nonaka MCSP RCSTA
Rebeca graduated in 1984 in Brazil as a physiotherapist and worked at a special education school for the visual and hearing impairment, Rheumatology and Traumatology clinic, Paediatric Hospital and Neonatology clinic.
Moving to England in 1989, Rebeca studied English as a foreign language for two years, and has worked in both NHS and private hospitals in London. She also travelled to the USA for six months in 1997 and worked as an outpatient physiotherapist at an American Hospital Group in London. She joined the Notting Hill Private Medical Practice in February 2002.
Her areas of interest includes:
- Back and neck derangement
- Postural problems
- Occupational related problems
- Sports injury
- Somato-emotional problems
- Stress management
Treatment offered are:
- Soft tissue mobilisation
- Joint mobilisation or manipulation
- Electrotherapy
- Exercises
- Myofascial release
- Visceral mobilisation
- Gait re-education
- Postural/ergonomic advice
- Domiciliary visits as and if appropriate.
Janette Cliffe BSc (Hons) MCSP
Janette graduated from Manchester University in 1997 and since then has practised all aspects of physiotherapy . She spent two years working as an overseas volunteer in a post - conflict environment, where she managed the physiotherapy services for those suffering from war-related injuries . One of her roles during this time was physiotherapist to the national disabled basketball team.
Janette's belief in a holistic approach to health has led her to become a certified Iyengar yoga instructor and a clinical pilates trainer . She has been teaching in London and abroad for over five years. At present, Janette's special interest is in sports injuries and rehabilitation. Having been club physiotherapist for a variety of sports and being a keen runner herself , she is aware of the fine balance between training and injury. Her other interests include postural correction through core stability training and return to fitness following childbirth.
Craniosacral Therapy
Rebeca Nonaka also graduated as a Craniosacral Therapist in 2002 in London.
The clinic includes babies and adults and are held at the practice.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy utilizes the cerebrospinal fluid that moves in a slight but perceptible tide-like manner. Craniosacral therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction where this tide-like motion is limited, confined and immobilized. It's is a "hands on" therapy. For treatment you will usually lie on a treatment couch and experience the very light touch of the therapist's hands. By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic and balanced, and the central nervous system is restored. You may feel a deep sense of relaxation and possibly become aware of heat, tingling, pulsations or other sensations.
What can craniosacral therapy treat?
A wide variety of disorders can benefit; from back pain, headaches and migraines to stress - related and emotional problems, including difficult conditions such as autism. It is particularly used in the treatment of babies and young children. Craniosacral therapy is effective in treating problems arising from a difficult birth.
Craniosacral therapy for babies
One of the joys of treating babies is that they tend to respond so well to treatment and more quickly than adults. Many infant problems like colic, sucking problems, breathing difficulties, restlessness and irritability may result from craniosacral imbalances caused during the birth process. Treatment of young infants may help to relieve such problems.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be effective in treating both acute and chronic conditions as it aims to restore, promote and maintain health by bringing the energy of the whole body into balance.
Julia Baker Lic Ac MBAcC
Julia graduated from the Northern College of Acupuncture in 2004, having completed four years of both Traditional Chinese and Western medical studies. She is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. In private practice she treats a diverse range of conditions from Arthritis, Tennis Elbow & Whiplash injuries to cases of Insomnia, Migraine & Digestive problems. She has also worked alongside fertility treatments and provided IVF support as well as using acupuncture as a preventative system of medicine in order to promote general well being and relaxation.
"I believe in helping my clients to achieve realistic goals through their treatment, using a holistic approach to maintain health within increasingly hectic lifestyles."
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. It has a therapeutic effect on the body and improves health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved and physical dysfunction and pain can be relieved or prevented through the use of massage therapy.
Darline Jurisic
Darline graduated from a 2200 hour massage therapy program in 1997 and has been practicing in Toronto Canada for the past 8 years. She has had extensive experience in treatment-based therapies including sports massage, injury rehabilitation, deep tissue massage, pregnancy and stress management.
"I have a strong belief in empowering people to help themselves through education and remedial exercise. I strive to find the cause of a problem and to treat it accordingly; as such I believe that massage therapy can play an important role in achieving a level of health beyond symptom management."
Reflexology
Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a complementary therapy, intended for use alongside conventional medical care and not as a replacement. It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, to supposedly encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health. Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications), such as veruccas or fractures, are present.
The majority of people find reflexology a very relaxing experience. The treatment restores the balance of the Qi flow in the body and improves the circulation. It is beneficial to many stress related illnesses such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, headaches, insomnia, and general aches and pains in the muscular skeletal system, as well as improving general wellbeing. After treatment, patients are advised to relax more and drink plenty of water to assist the body’s process of eliminating toxins.
Miss Ying Liu BA MIFR
Ying Liu is a member of The International Federation of Reflexologists and an experienced yoga teacher. Ying is currently undertaking a BSc reading Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Westminster. She takes a holistic approach to her practice that does not simply focus on symptoms but also takes into account other factors in a patient’s lifestyle such as stress, diet, and exercise.
Career Coaching
Susie Lawrence Bsc Econs , Msc
Susie Lawrence is a career coach who specialises in working with young adults to discover what they would like to do in life, supporting them through career choice decisions and preparing them to make an impact at interview. Susie also works with clients who are changing career or looking to return to work after children. Susie has a first degree in Psychology and an Msc in Organisational Psychology/Career Management and Counselling. Susie has extensive experience in the private/public sector and had spent the last 4 years working at the London School of Economics as a career coach. Susie has a strong interest in the relationship between work and well being and uses both counselling and psychological assessment to help clients understand both themselves and their future .
Health Screening
Our philosophy is that active disease prevention is preferable to eventual disease treatment. Health screening permits early intervention and we encourage cervical smear testing, mammography, ovarian and bowel cancer screening, blood pressure monitoring and full health checks on a regular basis. Unlike many commercial screening organisations, we tailor our examinations according to individual needs and risk factors. We also take time to discuss the results at length at a follow-up consultation where strategies for health improvement can be planned.
Patients must fast for 12 hours prior to the appointment with nothing to eat or drink except water. Appointments last approximately 1 ½ hours.
The standard screen consists of:-
Review of Current Concerns
Review of Past History - Medical/Surgical/Family and Social (i.e travel, alcohol, tobacco, sleep patterns etc)
Blood Investigations - Test s for anaemia, gout, diabetes, cholesterol, kidney function, liver function, thyroid function, and infection status.
Full Physical Examination - Eyes, Head, Ears, Nose, Throat, Mouth, Skin, Hair, Pulse, Blood Pressure, Chest, Abdomen, Spine, Leg and Arm Reflexes, Weight and Height.
Urine analysis
Faecal Occult Blood Studies
Resting ECG
Lung Function testing
Rectal Examination for Prostate (male)
Breast examination (female)
Cervical Smear (female)
Additional examinations may be carried out where past history, physical
examination,or doctor's advice indicates eg - chest x-ray, stress ECG heart monitor,
24 hour blood pressure monitor. These are carried out at extra cost and may be off site. Additionally we can include an audiometry test, glaucoma screen and a basic visual screen.
If you would like to book an appointment for a health screen, please contact a member of the reception team.
Sexual Health Screening and HIV Testing
Sexually transmitted infections (STDs) have increased rapidly in recent years, and regular screening should be undertaken by every responsible young person. Many infections, such as Chlamydia may have no symptoms and can cause infertility in later life or chronic problems such as prostatitis. Fortunately most STDs can be treated with simple antibiotics, but only after appropriate screening.
Standard Male STD Screen
This includes a blood test for Syphilis, urine analysis for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, and a urethral swab for other infections such as mycoplasma and ureaplasma. The urethral swab can be excluded in some circumstances.
Full Male STD Screen
This is the Standard Screen plus HIV and Hepatitis B testing after appropriate counseling. Other tests can be added as necessary and according to clinical requirements – eg a viral swab to confirm Herpes infection.
Standard Female STD Screen
This includes a blood test for Syphilis, a vaginal swab for trichomonas, thrush, bacterial vaginosis or other infections, and urine analysis for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
Full Female STD Screen
As for the Standard Screen but with HIV and Hepatitis B testing. Further tests can be added as necessary, such as a cervical smear and HPV screening.
HIV screening
We currently offer full HIV counseling and testing for HIV and the p24 antigen (which provides earlier diagnosis) with results within 4 hours. We can also provide rapid HIV 1+2 antibody testing with instant results – around 10 minutes in total – but a positive result would require laboratory confirmation. Appropriate support and follow-up will always be provided for HIV positive results.
You do not need to be a patient of our practice to access our Sexual Health Screening Service and HIV Testing – just call our main number and ask for STD or HIV services.
Corporate Services
We provide a range of corporate services including
- executive health screening
- executive health screens are recommended for employees over the age of 40 routinely but can be carried out for younger employees too. Typically these medicals will take a similar format to the standard practice health screens, but they can also be tailored to meet the specific needs and budget of a company.
- pre-employment medical examinations
- routine pre-employment medicals take 30 minutes and take the form of a basic clinical examination and assessment. More detailed assessments can be organised where appropriate to suit the needs of the company or insurance provider
- hotel advisory and treatment service for guests and staff
- occupational health assessments
- the practice offers a full occupation health assessment service, and can provide companies with prompt appointments for their employees who may be experiencing health problems which impact on their work or may be caused by work-related factors. These may range from general medical complaints to physical or postural issues related to the ergonomic environment, or psychological issues due to work-related stress or harassment.
Sickness and absence monitoring
- the practice can offer independent assessments of employees' ongoing medical complaints which are causing long term absence from work. Each circumstance will be different and may involve either a face to face consultation and further investigation or a review of medical records and treatment to date.
We will happily provide a doctor service to any company, dependent upon location and workload. Please contact the Manager to discuss any requirements and quotations.
Travel Clinic
The practice offers a full travel vaccination and advice service, with the latest on-line information from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases and other internet health resources. The practice nurse can usually provide a same-day appointment service for patients and their colleagues.
A full history will be taken, and vaccination records noted. Specific travel advice will be given on the destination country or countries, as well as more general advice on travelling abroad. Appropriate anti-malarial advice and relevant prescriptions will also be offered where necessary.
Patients should consult with the practice nurse at least 6-8 weeks before departure where possible to allow sufficient time for appropriate courses of treatment.