We provide an excellent and extensive range of services through our experienced practitioners as detailed below:  

Audiology – Hearing Assessment

The free assessment comprises a case history, an otoscopic examination and a full hearing test. Otoscopy may necessitate referral back to the patient’s GP for such conditions as: perforation of the ear drum; a discharging ear; impacted wax; outgrowths of bone; otitis externa and other abnormalities connected with the ear.

The hearing test itself may show a sensori-neural hearing loss ranging from a mild to a profound level and/or a conductive hearing loss. In both cases the loss may result from different causes.

If appropriate, information on the type and benefits of NHS hearing aids will be given. However, some patients may prefer the option to choose a private hearing aid. We can assure you that no pressure will be exerted to encourage such a purchase. Mr Sandhu is equally delighted when apparent hearing loss can be quickly rectified.

In all cases, a completed audiogram will be available on request to the GP.

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BOSU Training

The BOSU Balance Trainer (an acronym for ‘both sides up’) offers a different way to make exercise more appealing and effective for those with a good level of fitness.  It works on the deep muscles of the core to improve balance and stabilise the body when moving. 

The BOSU Ball was invented in 1999 by David Weck, consisting of an inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a rigid platform, it looks like a stability ball cut in half and is used for balance training.  When the dome side faces up, the BOSU ball provides an unstable surface while the device remains stable.  This combination of stable/unstable allows a wide range of users, from the young, elderly, or injured to the elite level athlete.  With the dome side up, the device can be used for athletic drills and aerobic activities. As the name suggests, the device can also be flipped over so that the platform faces up.  In this position, the device is highly unstable and can be used for a wide array of exercises as well.

You can walk, run, step, hop, jump and leap on the BOSU Balance Trainer!  Not only can these rhythmic activities be sequenced for an aerobic workout, they can be progressed or sequenced to challenge the anaerobic energy system as well.  Whether you're working at an easy steady rate-pace that can be maintained almost indefinitely, or pushing the intensity with anaerobic intervals, you'll experience dynamic balance and stabilization challenges.  This type of training replicates the "real" aspect of sport and daily movement requirements, where cardiovascular training transfers to real-life movement. 

Challenging the body's oxygen delivery and utilization capability is not only effective on the BOSU but the added elements of fun, stabilization, balance challenge and specific transfer to daily movement needs will make this type of training a favourite.  

 

Chiropody

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is the manipulation of the spine and movement of the extremities attributed to D.D.Palmer about 1890. Chiropractors vary in their approach and some give extended massage before treatment, whereas others do not.  

Our Chiropractor works with people suffering from back pain and many other musculoskeletal problems.  

Our Chiropractor takes an holistic approach to his chosen field using techniques drawn from Applied Kinesiology and mainstream chiropractic treatment, restoring the balance to the whole of the body.  

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Counselling

Fitness Specialist

Our Fitness Specialist designs programmes for those who may be too intimidated to brave the environment of the gym or who lead hectic lives and can't attend a gym on a regular basis. She is able to work on a one-to-one basis or with small groups of up to 5 people and with all our exercise regimes, we try and incorporate an educational element. Prior to commencing any exercise programme, we offer an informative discussion on health and brief consultations.  

The exercises are specific to each individual's needs and can be carried out in a private gym or on a one to one basis. For clients that lead very hectic lives, we can organise a take away programme, which is monitored and topped up once a month.  

Flexi-Bar Training

FLEXI-BAR works the deep muscles of the back and abdominals.  The action of shaking the FLEXI-BAR causes a vibration to be passed through the body, right down to the deep involuntary muscles of the back.  These muscles are only activated from reacting to an external force - i.e. they react to the environment and you can’t control them.  These muscles are often weak and have a poor blood supply due to inactivity, or repeating the same activity over a long period of time.  However, the function of these muscles is to keep the spine stable through everyday movements and they need to be strong and supple.

Training with the FLEXI-BAR activates these deep muscles through isometric and small isotonic contractions - supporting the body and keeping the spinal vertebrae aligned.  In particular, the connective tissue encapsulating each vertebra receives an increased blood supply.  This increase in blood flow keeps the surrounding connective tissue strong, yet supple - keeping the spinal vertebrae strong and responsive to every day demands - decreasing the risk of back injuries and enhancing responses to any type of training.

You can use the FLEXI-BAR to:

• relieve muscular tightness in the neck, back and hips
• help with problems of the joints (arthritis)
• enhance reaction time of muscles for specific sports
• increase muscular strength and endurance
• increase muscular metabolism, and metabolic waste removal (less pain and stiffness in muscles)
• improve fine motor skills and reaction times

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Herbal Medicine

Medical Herbalism is today a sophisticated system of natural medicine using plant extracts and herbs to help treat physical and mental disorders. Herbal medicine remains the oldest and most used form of medicine on the planet today. The ancient Egyptians used herbs for medicinal purposes as far back as around 1500BC. Every culture on the planet has its own herbal medicine system. Herbal medicine has never been more popular than it is today. More and more people are turning to herbal medicine as a kinder alternative to mainstream medicine, with its over-reliance on pharmaceutical products.

Many common drugs are, in actual fact, made from herbal extracts. The natural chemical properties of certain herbs have been shown to contain of themselves, medicinal value. However, unlike conventional medicine, herbalists use the 'whole' herb or plant rather than isolating and breaking down chemical compounds and then synthesising them. This is because the plant, being a part of nature, is said to represent perfect balance; healing requires the natural combination of elements in the plant or herb, not just a single chemical within it.

A Medical Herbalist’s approach to healthcare is different too. They treat the whole person – the underlying causes of illness and not just the symptoms. Two people could visit the same herbalist, with apparently the same or similar conditions, but leave with totally different prescriptions tailored to the individuals needs. A number of herbs may be combined in a prescription for optimum effect. Although some herbs are appropriate for specific ailments, herbs are most often used to support the body's ability to heal itself. A Herbalist will often suggest dietary changes, exercises and other therapies to assist the healing process.

Herbal medicine is successfully used to treat millions of people throughout the world for a large range of problems, for example:

• Stress: Its causes (work, illness, family, or just life in general) and its effects on our lives (sleep problems, digestive complaints, headaches, etc.)
• Male and Female Hormonal Problems: Female cycle and hormonal problems such as period pain, PMS and the menopause, genito-urinary and prostate problems.
• Digestive Disorders: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, heartburn, ulcers, indigestion, bloating, wind, inflammatory bowel diseases etc.
• Allergies: Hay fever, food intolerances, cats, dust and more exotic allergies (which are becoming increasingly common)
• Arthritis, Gout, Joint and Back Problems fibromyalgia/rheumatism etc: Provides not only pain management, but also herbs to slow the progression of the disease and limit inflammation.
• Low Energy: Whether due to poor diet or digestion, reduced hormonal activity, recent illness, chronic/post viral fatigue, ME etc.
• Skin Conditions and Hair Loss: Eczema, psoriasis, acne, ringworm and other fungal infections etc.
• Cardio-vascular and circulatory problems: Angina pectoris, varicose veins, leg ulcers etc.
• Respiratory problems: Asthma, bronchitis, viral infections.
• Urinary tract disorders: Cystitis, recurrent infections, kidney and bladder problems etc.
• Pain Management: Long term use of painkillers can often be reduced by using herbal alternatives.
• Infections: By increasing the body’s natural immunity and thus healing ability, also fighting the infection directly.

Herbal medicine is suitable for all stages of life, from birth to old age – without the side effects of many conventional medicines, and in many cases enables a patient to reduce their dependence on pharmaceutical drugs. They can also serve as valuable adjuvant medicines alongside conventional drugs, increasing their effectiveness in helping treat some of the more serious health disorders such as diabetes, blood pressure and cancers. In such cases a Medical Herbalist will work in conjunction with the GP to ensure the safest response to treatment.
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Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a safe, gentle and effective scientific system of medicine which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself. It recognises that all symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person thereby treating the patient in an holistic way. If you are new to Homeopathy and holistic healthcare this may be a different way of viewing yur health, but this system of medicine has been established for about 200 years and has been used by the Royal family for generations.  

Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power. This in turn will assist your system to clear itself of any symptoms or imbalance. The aim is to get yu to a level of health so that eventually you will need infrequent treatment. Homeopathy comes from the Greek word meaning 'similar suffering' and was founded by Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. Homeopaths work by finding a remedy that mirrors the symptoms of the sick person. For example, in a case of insomnia conventional medicine would prescribe a drug to bring on artificial sleep. Homeopathy using the way of similars might give a minute dose of a substance in remedy form such as coffee, which, in large doses would cause sleeplessness in a healthy person. Perhaps surprisingly this wil enable the patient to sleep naturally after treatment.  

Homeopathic remedies when properly prescribed are safe and can be given to all including pregnant women, babies and children. This is because only a very minute amount of the active ingredient is used in this specially prepared form. Your homeopath will give you a homeopathic medicine or remedy which matches your symptoms as you experience them. This also takes into account you as a person, your individual characteristics emotionally as well as physically.  

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Hypnotherapy

This is a professional partnership between practitioner and patient where the therapist helps to empower the patient to achieve the changes that they wish to make.  Hypnotherapy is completely natural and safe and there are no harmful side effects.  It is particularly helpful for:

• Breaking unwanted habits (eg smoking, nocturnal enuresis, nail biting)
• Phobias
• Panic Attacks and other anxiety states
• Reduction of high blood pressure
• Effective weight control
• Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem
• Work, study, sporting performances

The first consultation is free of charge and any obligation and adults or teenagers are welcome to come and discuss any problems with which they would welcome help.

Lightning Process

The Phil Parker Lightning Process is a 3 day complete recovery program for M.E, C.F.S, Post Viral Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression.  It considers these illnesses to be genuine and physical with dysfunction of the immunological, endocrinal and neurological systems.  If the body’s response to stresses (physical and emotional) is not working correctly, it can cause physiological changes which results in the way the brain and nervous system function.  This can lead to the numerous physical symptoms that sufferers’ experience. 

For further information please visit www.donnaparis.com or speak to Donna on (01202) 813303

Nutrition and Dietetic Services


We all need to eat for our good health and enjoyment. Healthy eating is about eating the right amount and type of food to help the body to work properly, to repair the body and to protect us against serious illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.  

Dietitians strive to promote nutritional well-being, treat nutritional related illness and prevent nutritional related health problems by enabling people to make informed choices about their food and lifestyle.  

State Registerd Dietitians are the experts in nutrition. They have the only legally recognised and profgessionally regulated graduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics. They work within a professional code of conduct to provide people with accurate, independent and practical information on food and health.  

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Osteopathy

Structure governs function is the tenet of Osteopathy. Andrew Taylor Still is given credit for initiating the system at the end of the American Civil War but there is much in common with Chiropractic and the Eastern techniques of ensuring that the skeleton is in correct alignment so that nerves are not pinched. Osteopathy is a system of diagnosing and treating problems linked to the body's structured make-up. The Osteopath believes that if the system is working at its best, then the body's own inbuilt healing mechanism can function more efficiently. This also helps to promote a long term health and well being, whilst at the same time reducing any existing problems and their accompanying symptoms.  


Personal Training

Personal Training can benefit anyone at any age, whether you want to look great for your next holiday, lose a bit of weight or you simply want to feel fitter for those everyday activities. You already know that regular activity and healthy eating, as well as adequate rest, are all part of improving health and fitness for both your body and mind. But do you ever feel that you lack the time, knowledge or motivation? By using a Personal Trainer you can trust, your time will be used more efficiently by having a specific programme designed in the most safe and effective way to achieve the quickest results for you.

At times, everyone needs motivation and the confidence to achieve their goals. Here, at The ARCH Clinic, we aim to ensure that you succeed. 

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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy uses a specialist assessment of muscles, joints and nerves to find and treat the cause of pain and dysfunction. It involves the physical treatment and prevention of injuries, using modalities such as manual therapy, home exercises, electrotherapy and education.  

Physiotherapists can help with a variety of conditions including back and neck pain, shoulder and lower limb problems and general sprains,strains, aches and pains. They also treat and prevent sports injuries (using treadmill and video analysis if required), provide rehabilitation after surgery and can treat a variety of neurological, respiratory and elderly mobility problems. Home visits are available.  

The cause of a lot of pain and problems is usually bad posture and faulty movements. The Physiotherapists will therefore also assess your posture and movements and show you how to correct any dysfunctions so that you can reduce your pain and prevent problems in the future.  

For further information, contact www.jsphysio.co.uk

Pilates

Pilates is a controlled form of exercise used to strengthen the whole body focusing on the deep abdominal muscles. Strengthening these deep muscles will help to support the spine, realign the body and corect postural problems. Pilates builds strength from the inside out and works together with flexibility exercises to help reshape your body by toning muscles so that you look longer and leaner. Developing these deep abdominal muscles will help to create a stable 'core' middle area, from which good body alignment and therefore ideal posture can be developed.  

Due to its 'no impact' quality, Pilates avoids all stresses on the joints and cardiovascular system. In addition, with the flowing movements and relaxing nature of Pilates, it also helps to release unwanted stress and tension.  

Classes are run throughout the week and each class is tailored to accommodate differing levels of experience from the beginner to the intermediate and advanced.  

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Podiatry

A podiatrist or chiropodist is a health professional who specialises in the treatment of conditions of the foot.  

The Podiatrist has a role in the management of lower limb injuries, by assessing foot function (biomechanical evaluation) and providing appropriate treatment. Chronic injuries of the knee, hip, pelvis and lower back may benefit from orthoses and shoe modification.  

Reflexology

The principle is that all the organs in the body are reflected on the foot or hand. By pressing relevent points, healing can be transferred to the particular area in need. Original practitioners thought that crystals of lactic acid which caused sensitivity must be crushed to enable healing to take place. This process has been superseded with more gentle methods.  

Reflexology is a form of complementary medicine. Reflexologists work in conjunction with general practitioners, enabling the body to reach a natural balancing point called 'homeostasis'.  

Our Reflexologist works mainly with the soles of the feet, using a special massaging technique to clear blocked reflexes.  

Tai Chi / Chi Gung 

Yoga

Rarely do we take time to listen to our bodies; to our breath. Yoga allows us this time. Time to develop an inner awareness of how the body feels; how the body moves. We can then become more in tune with what the body needs.  

The postures of yoga not only bring strength and flexibility but encourage all the systems and parts of the body to work more efficiently. Each 'asana' has its own therapeutic benefits, they can be practised dynamically or statically.  

Yoga can help relieve stiffness in the joints, limbs and spine. Many of the asanas have a massaging effect upon the internal organs and glands, stimulating the circulation and increasing the supply of oxygen to all the tissues. Yoga asanas will also help prevent the body from stiffening and closing-in as we age, helping to create that much needed space in the body, in the mind and within and around the breath. This breathing practice or Pranayama, is a highly valuable part of yoga practice. Breathing effectively will bring more energy and a vitality into our lives, allowing us to relax and sleep better and enable us to deal better with life's stresses and strains.  

Time to relax towards the end of a yoga class is most beneficial; it allows the body time for the re-orchestration of the body's energy.  

With continue regular practice of yoga, we can change the way we feel about ourselves, change the way in which we interact with those around us. We can develop a most healthy body, a healthy, peaceful mind and a healthy, emotional state of being.  

Classes (with a maximum of 10 people)are held on Wednesday evening from 5.30 to 7pm and Tuesday afternoon from 2pm to 3.30pm. Please contact Reception to book a place.  

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What else do we offer?

Other luxury facilities at the ARCH Clinic include:  

• A back to fitness clinic aimed at people who want to improve or return to fitness after illness or who have a weight or health related problem  
  
• Purpose built consulting rooms  
  
• Fully equipped rehabilitation gymnasium  
  
• Full car parking