Pain and dysfunction often occur because a person`s body is not working in the most efficient way. This puts strain on the muscles, ligaments and joints, which can result in pain and discomfort. Osteopaths realign and restore the structure and function of the body to a state of balance. The therapy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment for muscle and joint problems and soft tissue injuries. It combines specific knowledge of anatomy and physiology and the same diagnostic procedures used in orthopaedic medicine.

Michael uses a combination of mobilisation (movement of joints) and gentle articulating techniques. This technique produces better and longer lasting results compared to just manipulating "cracking" the spine. However, when necessary, manipulation is sometimes used.

Osteopathy can help with a number of ailments, including:

• Back and neck pain
  
• Shoulder/Arm and hand injuries
  
• Hip/Knee/Ankle and Foot Problems
  
• Muscle/Tendon and Joint injuries
  
• Disc and Nerve problems
  
• Headaches/Migraines
  
• Bowel problems
  
• Sports injuries
  
• Incorrect posture

Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle, subtle and profound therapy which uses the body`s natural capacity for self-repair. It encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, cranial osteopathy is frequently used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease. It is also increasingly used for its ability to simply bring the person into a deep state of relaxation, releasing stress and developing well-being, health and vitality.

Cranial osteopathic manipulation strengthens vital pathways while removing blockages to the body's natural healing process. This unique manipulative therapy is precise, gentle and restorative. Treatment addresses the complex anatomical and physiological functions of the whole body including the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), contained within the skull and spine through to the sacrum. This work can also address physical aches and pains, acute and chronic disease, as well as emotional and psychological disturbances.

This technique was developed by Michael Nicolaou. It is a gentle therapy which mainly focuses on the mobilisation (movement) of the spinal column and the manipulation of the adjacent muscles. It compromises all the normal advanced massage techniques with the addition of working on the spine. Each individual vertebrae, from the lower back to the base of the scull, is mobilised in a rhythmical way to increase the mobility of the spine at that level and thus creating more space between the vertebrae.

As we know,the spinal cord nerves branch out through openings between your vertebrae and connect to your internal organs, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and other body parts. This connection is vital for your well-being.

By creating more space between the vertebrae,nerve conductivity is increased not only to the muscles but also to the internal organs. As a result the function of those structures is improved by enhancing their metabolic outflow (waste products) and nutrition inflow. Any tense/stiff muscles tend to relax and body balance is restored.

Prior to the therapy a postural analysis is carried out as well as a spinal check. Areas of misalignment and/or blockages of the spine are identified. These blockages could form due to bad posture, inflexibility, previous trauma, occupational and every day stresses. This, often painless spinal distortion, can irritate or damage your spinal nerves, interfere with your brain-body connection and affect your spine, nerves, discs, muscles, organs and overall health. Spinal Massage therapy restores the lines of communication within the body thus improving your overall body function, healing potential and well-being. It is relaxing and yet energising, this is Osteopathy for pleasure.

What are the benefits (to name a few):

• Improves breathing, digestion, elimination and sexual function, by influencing the nerve supply to the lungs, the digestive system and to the sexual organs.
  
• Immune system function is enhanced.
  
• Increases blood supply to the brain, improving concentration and reducing irritability and tiredness.
  
• Release of pressure on the spine, muscles are strengthened and balanced, improving posture.
  
• Increases flexibility and elasticity and realigns the spine.
  
• Helps to remove toxic built up.
  
• Releases negative effects of stress and improves well-being.

Sports Massage involves the use of massage, soft tissue manipulation and exercise advice to reduce physical aches and pains, whether they're caused by sport, injury, or the stresses of modern life. Both treatments also help increase a body’s range of movement and restore balance, while Sports Massage can also assist in improving athletic performance and reducing the risk of re-injury

Sports massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Remedial massage is a useful tool in the treatment of ailments such as sprains, muscle strain and soft tissue injuries. It generally assists in relieving lower back pain, headaches, joint pain, and shoulder problems. Muscular and skeletal dysfunctions that can be addressed with remedial massage include Fibrositis, Spondylitis, Arthritis, frozen shoulder, muscular cramps, Whiplash, muscular atrophy, and sports and dancing injuries.

Michael has been practising since 1999. He has a passion for sports and at the age of 20 ran his first marathon under 3 hours. His passion for exercise and well-being led to his exploration into complementary medicine thus fulfilling his desire to become an Osteopath. This was achieved at the British College of Osteopathic medicine in Hampstead. He has also trained as a nutritional therapist and has completed the post-graduate course in cranial osteopathy.

Through his experience he has gained knowledge on ergonomics(advice on correct posture at workplace) and orthotics (insoles). He has worked as a resident osteopath at the flagship LA Fitness gym South Kensington and also at Farmacia Urban Healing at Selfridges and Covent Garden. He has also worked abroad with professional athletes. At the moment he is also working at Sports Imperial College and at Trafalgar Square. Michael loves swimming and uses the gym 4-5 times a week. He also enjoys Pilates and very often uses some of these exercises as a means of therapy for rehabilitation, faster healing and to prevent recurrence.

• 2000 Sunderland Cranial College,London
  Post-graduate training in Cranial Osteopathy(Cranio-sacral therapy)
  
• 1999 British College of Osteopathic Medicine(BCOM)
  Diploma in Naturopathy(Nutritional therapy)
  Diploma in Osteopathy
• 1995-1999 University of Westminster/BCOM,London
  BSc(Hons) Osteopathic Medicine

 “Every human body is unique and many of the problems caused are due to the different stresses it goes through in everyday life. We know that the body has the capacity to heal itself and every therapist’s role is to help the body to just do that. As well as treating symptoms to alleviate pain, I seek the cause of the problem and give advice (including exercise and nutritional suggestions) to speed up recovery and prevent the problem from recurring, keeping the body in a state of balance and harmony.”