Backs Etc. Osteopathy & Functional Training in Clapham

Following a back injury in 2018, and years of poor posture working at my desk, I had a lot of back pain and poor general mobility. I slowly regained some functionality with regular individual Pilates sessions. However some fundamental underlying problems remained, and it seemed like they just couldnt be resolved. They were also stopping me from doing the things I wanted to do, like running and cycling. I started to believe that my back was never going to be fixed, that pain and restricted mobility were things that I just needed to put up with, and that they went hand in hand with ageing. I saw my GP and was referred for an outpatient rheumatology appointment. I guessed that medication for the rest of my life was going to be the next step. At the same time I heard about Sue and Jack at Backs Etc. I started seeing Sue weekly, and she slowly but systematically uncovered multiple issues and weaknesses, which were causing my problems and my pain, and gave me simple exercises to do each day to set me in the right direction. She also taught me how to breathe properly, and I now realise how this underpins good health. Her expertise was enhanced by a couple of sessions with Jack, who taught me some core strength training exercises. It is now a few months later and I am absolutely delighted to be 100% pain free, with excellent functional movement. I am now running again, and cycling, and am feeling great! So great in fact that I cancelled my rheumatology appointment! I realise now that my back health is in my hands. I now accept that I will have to always do regular exercises to keep everything ticking over, and I know that if I dont do them I will regress. My back health is now my choice, and I need to work at it. I guess it is payback for all the years when I wasnt looking after myself. I really never expected to be in this position, and I am so immensely grateful to Sue and Jack for sharing their expertise and for sorting me out! On top of this, they are such lovely people, and I really felt supported by them throughout. Sue and Jack, thank you so much!
May 28th, 2020

I had a debilitating pain in my arm and shoulder.It was so painful I couldnt sleep or manage without pain relief .It was the worst pain I have ever had and Ive broken bones falling off horses in the past . I have been successfully treated by Sue in the past and have always been impressed with her range of knowledge and skills . I had a zoom diagnostic and she gave me some small exercises/ movements .5 mins after finishing the consultation ,she had sent me a video demonstrating the movements and a link to a breathing video .It was so useful and made following the treatment plan easy . Within 2 days my shoulder and arm where so much better and after 4 days have regained full movement in them . I have to say Sues zoom diagnostic technique was brilliant and getting such quick visual feedback on movement and exercise was such a relief especially during these isolating time . I couldnt recommend her more highly . Catherine Doran
May 17th, 2020

Joel was recommended to me for my forearm injury by a friend and so far I had one appointment with him. He performed a very thorough assessment and treatment, plus recommended exercises as homework. I felt relief the very next day and my forearm and elbow were much less stiff. The practice is nice and the approach professional.
Mar 19th, 2020

I have had both Sue and Joel work on a couple of injuries over the last two years and I have to say that the results have been fantastic. they both really take the time to discover the source of the injury and often quite surprising. I went with what I thought was a knee injury to discover that I it was the result of a sprained ankle 18 months previously which I thought was better. I cannot recommend both of them highly enough. To be honest I now go to them before I see a doctor and get the "pain killer" approach. Thank you both PS don't get too popular as appointments are becoming a little harder to come by.
Jan 29th, 2020

Having herniated a disc in my lumbar spine 5 years ago, my body adopted a series of stubborn compensation patterns which left me unable to return to exercise and dance. I found Joel who in the space of 3 months accomplished more than 9 other physical therapists did in 4 years! His knowledge and expertise has taken me from being in daily pain to finally returning to physical activity! Something I was always determined to do but because of my slow of progress, I secretly doubted was possible. Im so thankful to have found him as every other therapist Ive seen exhausted their knowledge within a few months but Joel has been amazing and has expertly identified and unraveled the compensation patterns in my body. Not only that but hes warm, extremely accommodating and passionate about his profession. Put simply, hes amazing, and I recommend him to everyone.
Apr 18th, 2020