Aveley Osteopathic Health Care 20 Stifford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon RM15 4AA

"Whilst Jackie is a lovely woman unfortunately the whole process was very below par - what isn't clear from the name of the practice or when speaking with Jackie is she is no longer practising as an Osteopath but as a 'holistic therapist' upon booking my appointment and advising her I had damage my back and was looking for an Osteopathy treatment locally as I was staying nearby temporarily it was not mentioned that she did not practice as an Osteo until arriving at her home and during the consultation. Which she then told me by not calling herself an 'Osteopath' saved her £1300 a year, presumably this meant she avoided registering with some kind of governing body of Osteopathy or relevent liability insurance. However this meant of course an Osteopathic treatment was not on the cards for me. However by this point I was in a lot of pain and was willing to try anything - what did I have to lose? Well £40 for a start. Jackie was lovely and made me feel very comfortable which is likely why I went along with it all but on reflection she shouldn't be advertising or leading people to believe she is an Osteo before arriving. The whole process lasted about 40 minutes - 15 minutes was consultation asking about my history and telling me about her love of animals. Then there was between 5-10 minutes of me undressing and very slowly getting on and off the bed as was in such pain meaning the 'treatment' time was around 15 minutes long. Jackie had a strong grip to begin with and I thought that her 'massage' technique was a good start as a way of warming me up before adjusting and manipulating me to seek some comfort from the pain but after 10 minutes of this I wondered where it was going as all that really happened was a lot of pressing motions up and down my spine. I had advised her I had restricted movement in my neck and my normal Osteo adjusted this a couple of times a year and it was always a relief and solved the issue. Jackie made no attempt to adjust or treat my neck or attack the trapped nerve in my lower back. When the 15 minutes of pressing was finished and Jackie advised I could get dressed I was honestly shocked, I stupidly didn't say anything and left. The treatment I received was in no way an Osteopathic treatment and was certainly not an effective holistic massage. Ironically my Mother is actually a very good masseuse with over 20 years experience so had I of actually only needed a massage I would have just asked her. I genuinely couldn't even call what Jackie did as any kind of holistic massage and it felt very much like a 'made up' treatment. The pain continued on for well over a week until it naturally started to ease off meaning within 2 weeks I felt almost back to normal. My normal Osteopath uses various techniques, Acupuncture, standard adjustment and manipulation as well as deep Swedish / sports massage techniques he also has various laser treatment machines that break down 'knot' deposits - I am used to a very different standard of treatment which does cost more however after using him for several years I have never come away needing more than 1-2 treatments for any ailments whereas I can't say the same unfortunately this time around. Lovely lady but NOT an Osteopath."

"I first saw Jackie last year with chronic back pain which I had been neglecting for some months. I was highly recommend to Jackie by a friend. Before I met Jackie for treatment, I was nervous as to what to expect (as silly as that sounds). Within minutes of meeting Jackie, I was put at ease by her personable and professional manner and safe in the knowing that she has over 20 years experience. After several sessions, my back felt strong and fit again. I really felt that Jackie had worked miracles. I found that Jackie's rates were very competitive compared to those in her profession in the surrounding area. The quality of treatment I received was first class. I have since recommended Jackie to family and friends, all of whom have echoed what I have said in this review."

"I see Jackie many years ago, suffered for some time with my back, my hip was out of place, she corrected this problem, never had a problem since....highly recommend her."

"Went in barely able to walk after an accident at work, after three sessions was almost completely back to normal."

"I had visited this Osteopath many times over the space of 5 or so years for a back problem and found the treatment and customer care second to none. This is the third such Osteopath I have visited in my life and this is the one I would highly recommend. I have also had family members and a friend visit this Osteopath, and all have come out feeling better. The best thing I can say is that I have not actually had to make any more visits in the last two years, so the treatment has actually fixed my back problems!"