Facebook Twitter Google-plus Instagram Youtube
Melissa.JPEG

Melissa Barratt

Osteopath / Acupuncturist

About me

Melissa qualified from the British School of Osteopathy in 2007 where she gained a Bachelor of Osteopathy degree. She had aspired to be an Osteopath since the age of 15 and has always wanted to work in an environment where she could work directly with people to encourage wellbeing and enhance natural health. After graduating, Melissa undertook the master’s level programme at Middlesex University, undertaking a 3-year post-graduate diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and practices in Acupuncture, Cupping and Moxibustion. Both disciplines can be combined to treat many presentations. Melissa offers a variety of preventative care services such as Osteopathy and Acupuncture screening and believes this can be the answer to maintaining not only good health but encouraging the body to heal itself! Melissa has worked at a number of clinics across London and the UK and is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and Institute of Osteopathy.

Osteopathy is a form of gentle hands on therapy that aims to encourage self healing through a range of detailed examinations and appropriate therapeutic techniques. This can include forms of massage, mobilisation, manipulation and exercise techniques in order to restore good health and function of joints and muscles. Osteopathic treatment can benefit patients suffering with:
 
  • Posture Related Injuries
  • Upper and Lower Back Pain
  • Headaches
  • Neck and Shoulder Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Trapped Nerves
  • Sports Injuries
  • Muscle injuries including Tendonitis
  • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
  • Pain associated with Pregnancy

 

During and after assessments exercises, stretches and activity advice are usually given to support and improve one’s outcomes. Following this advice is an important part of one’s care package and may help patient’s feel more comfortable and reach their goals.

Acupuncture:

An integral part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this holistic therapy has been practiced for thousands of years
whereby needles are inserted into specific points that correlate to energy lines (or chi meridians) in order to stimulate chi flow to specific areas of dysfunction therefore aiming to facilitate healing.
 
There is growing evidence that acupuncture aids with numerous health conditions such as:
  • Menstrual and Fertility Problems
  • Headaches
  • Sciatica and Back Pain
  • IBS and Other Digestive Problems
  • Insomnia
  • Pain Relief
  • Many more..
After qualifying in Hot Stone Massage in 2010, Melissa was able to offer patients a short musculo-skeletal assessment in order to tailor make hot stone techniques to provide the relief of tension and also specific to areas of imbalance according to osteopathic examination. Hot Stone massage uses smooth heated basalt stones to perform Swedish massage techniques, with various pressures. The main techniques are kneading, circular pressure, long strokes, and tapping or vibration. 
 

Infant Feeding Coach: 

As a FEDANT Infant feeding coach I can offer feeding support for families who need some guidance. This would be:
  • a thorough feeding assessment, observing the baby feeding and discussing techniques and positioning.
  • Support with challenges such as sore nipples/nipple damage, slow weight gain, mastitis, thrush, engorgement, identifying under/oversupply, baby fussing at the breast.
  • Bottle feeding

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Osteopathy B.Ost
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture 
  • Diploma in Hot Stone Massage
  • Fedant Registered Infant Feeding Coach 
 

Professional Memberships:

  • General Osteopathic Council
  • Institute of Osteopathy
  • Federation of Antenatal Educators (FEDANT)
  • Birth, Baby and You
  • BUPA and WPA Practitioner