Tom Nottingham who practices osteopathy at Cowdray’s Therapy Rooms describes how he found his passion for sport, fitness and healthy living while working in the sailing and yachting industry in Greece and the UK. Tom also talks about how osteopathy is important in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems or injuries and what he likes to get up to in his spare time.

About Tom

Tom is a fully qualified osteopath who has worked with elite GB sprinters, Hampstead and Westminster Hockey club and the Wasps Ladies and Barbarian rugby teams. His osteopathic assessments can help to diagnose a variety of musculoskeletal problems. His core belief in the appropriate application of massage, joint mobilisation and stretching techniques, alongside personalised exercise guidance, and rehabilitation, can help to improve the function of the body and restore the optimum conditions needed for recovery and general well-being.

To book call Tom: 07551 424370 or email: tom@knotsosteopathy.co.uk

What exactly is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a complementary therapy that can be helpful with diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and injuries. It is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.

Osteopaths assess an individual by undertaking a thorough case history and clinical examination to better understand the likely cause of their pain and symptoms. To do this, an osteopath will assess the muscles and joints using a variety of techniques such as active movements, physical mobilisation, stretching and massage.

Do you feel that your love of exercise and healthy living helps and inspires you in your job?

Since embarking on my career as an osteopath, I have combined my passion for osteopathy with my love for sport, fitness and healthy living. When I first started osteopathy, I worked with several medical teams that were responsible for providing rehabilitation and injury prevention programmes for athletes. I worked with the GB and development sprinters alongside internationally acclaimed coaches at Speedworks and West London Track and Field. I have also worked with the Ladies First team at Hampstead and Westminster Hockey Club and was the Clinical Lead for the Wasps Ladies’ rugby team in the Tyrrells 15s Premiership. My passion for osteopathy continued to grow during these times as I found it incredibly rewarding to help people with injuries and pain that were preventing them from participating to working their way back to optimum performance. I utilise all the knowledge and experiences I have gained from my time in sports to try and help every individual that I see in the clinic.

What did you do before becoming an osteopath?

Before becoming an osteopath, I worked for thirteen years in the sailing and yachting industry as a senior and advanced sailing instructor, where I coached and trained amateur and elite sailors in Greece and the UK. During this time, I achieved a lifelong goal of sailing across the Atlantic Ocean as well as competing in multiple national and European sailing championships. It was during this time that I discovered the importance of health and fitness, as well as developing my passion for injury rehabilitation and healthy living.

What is your treatment style?

As an osteopath, I utilise a variety of treatment techniques to diagnose and help with a variety of musculoskeletal problems or injuries. My core belief is that the appropriate application of massage, mobilisation and stretching techniques, alongside personalised exercise guidance and nutritional advice, can help to improve the function of the body and therefore create the optimum conditions needed for recovery and well-being.

What can osteopathy help you with?

Osteopathy can initially be helpful in diagnosing a musculoskeletal problem or injury that may have happened recently or possibly have been affecting an individual for some time. These problems can include issues such as neck pain, headaches, low back pain, shoulder injuries as well as knee and hip problems.

Once an issue has been diagnosed, osteopaths use manual therapy techniques such as massage and mobilisation to help improve the mobility of joints, as well as reduce muscular and joint tension and pain. Combined with a tailored exercise program to help strengthen and mobilise the affected area, as well as education and advice, osteopaths are there to help guide patients through what can be a painful and debilitating time.

Do you provide any other services such as sports massage?

As well as osteopathic assessments and treatment I also provide sports massage and dry needling which some individuals find very helpful at reducing their muscle tension and pain. I also offer sports and kinesio taping for sportsmen and women who require a little extra support and assistance with their sports.

And finally, what are your interests outside work?

Outside of osteopathy, I love running and playing golf, starting and (nearly) finishing DIY projects as well as spending time exploring the outside world and travelling to faraway countries.

Click here to find out more about Cowdray Therapy Rooms and our other therapists. To find out more about Tom, please visit his website.