Beth Forrest, who practices Osteopathy at Cowdray’s Therapy Room’s, explains what inspired her to train as an Osteopath, its benefits and how it can help people of all ages. She also describes what she likes to do in her spare time including country walks with her family.
About Beth
Beth studied Osteopathy in Australia graduating in 1998. She works with a wide variety of complaints and patients of all ages having completed her Masters in Paediatrics with the acclaimed Osteopathic Centre for Children in London in 2009. Beth utilises a full range of gentle Osteopathic techniques including Cranial Osteopathy.
Beth has more recently completed a course in Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork and is looking forward to incorporating that into her practice
For bookings or queries please email beth@bethforrest.co.uk or use the Booking link on the website www.bethforrest.co.uk
Why did you decide to become an Osteopath?
I knew from a young age I wanted to help people and leaned towards a career in medicine. I saw an Osteopath as a teenager for neck pain and headaches and became interested in the hands-on, non-pharmacological approach to healthcare.
What exactly is Osteopathy, and do you treat people of all ages?
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy aimed at reducing pain and dysfunction within the body as a whole. An Osteopath will listen to your full medical history, assess the way you stand and move and use a combination of a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology and a physical assessment to determine the cause of the pain or discomfort. It is suitable for all ages although not all Osteopaths treat children.
What are the benefits of Osteopathy?
Osteopathy can be beneficial for all sorts of pain or tension in the body. We primarily work with back pain, neck pain and sports injuries. Some Osteopaths specialise in treatments of certain conditions or patient populations. I see a full range of issues but did my post-graduate training in Paediatrics (children). I have a special interest in supporting breastfeeding and have undertaken many hours of lactation studies. If you are unsure, it is always worth having a chat with your local Osteopath to see if they can help you; treatment styles can vary a lot.
Can you describe your training?
Training in Osteopathy differs slightly depending on where in the world you study. I did a five-year undergraduate program in Australia heavy in clinical science. We spent many hours a week in the student clinic as well as the lectures and labs. A few years later I did a Diploma in Pain Management with the University of Otago (New Zealand) and then in 2008/9 my Masters degree in Paediatrics through the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy in London.
I now have rather frighteningly spent nearly 25 years in practice!
And finally, what are your interests outside work?
Life outside of work primarily involves family management! Two boys, a dog, and three guinea pigs keep me busy and active. We enjoy country walks, ideally including a pub lunch. I love to travel which is how I found myself living in England and am keen to get back to seeing more of Europe post-Covid as well as a long overdue trip home to New Zealand. In the infrequent quiet moments at home, I enjoy a good book, a box set or film and a glass of wine.
Click here to find out more about Cowdray Therapy Rooms and our other therapists. To book an appointment at Cowdray Therapy Rooms with Beth, please visit her website.
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