My name is Jo Barber and I have been practising osteopathy in West Sussex for 15 years. I qualified with a first class Honours Degree in Osteopathic Medicine in 2000. I am registered with the General Osteopathic Council. I have also completed post-graduate training in Western Acupuncture, Cranial Osteopathy and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation.

Most people think of osteopaths as ‘back specialists’ and although I treat a lot of patients with back pain, osteopathy is more versatile than that. Osteopathy does not target symptoms but treats the parts of the body that have caused the symptoms. It’s a holistic approach because your whole body will work well if it’s in good structural balance. Osteopathy uses touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of the joints, relieve muscle tension, enhance the blood and nerve supply to the tissues and help the body’s own healing mechanism. A gentle treatment with a broad approach, osteopathy focuses on each patient’s precise needs and is appropriate for all: from the elderly to the newborn and from pregnant women to sports people.

Before I treat you, I will make a full medical assessment. I take time to listen and ask questions to make sure I understand your medical history and your day-to-day routine. This information may give clues to help with my diagnosis.

I usually look at your posture and how you move your body. I may also assess what happens when I move your body for you to see what hurts where and when. Using touch, I may also find the areas that feel sensitive or tight and this helps me to identify what’s going on. Sometimes, osteopathy is not appropriate for you and I may refer you to your GP or another specialist. I may discuss exercises that you can do to improve your posture and movement.

Common conditions treated

• Back & neck pain.
• Shoulder and arm problems
• Pelvis, hip and leg problems
• Sports injuries and other injuries
• Headaches, arthritis, aches and pains
• Baby feeding, sleeping, crying problems.

I am recognised by all major medical insurers including BUPA and AXA PPP.
Please call me on 01342 712266 to see how I can help. If I don’t answer immediately, it’s probably because I am treating a patient. Please leave me a message and I’ll call you right back.  

Also available at Nature’s Medicine at the Ark:

-       Foot Care Clinic with a Registered Foot Health Practitioner
-       Sports and Remedial Massage including taping & strapping, ultrasound and spinal manipulation.
Call Graham Lines on 07763 311304.