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Back pain clinic

We aim to provide you will rapid access to the right diagnosis and treatment of your neck and back pain. Back pain is one of the most common ailments GPs diagnose, affecting 80% of the population in the UK and costing the nation £6 million a year in lost working days and healthcare. Therefore back pain will affect 4 out of 5 people at some time in their lives.

The NHS is struggling to provide quick diagnosis for Back Pain. Patients that see there Doctor are either given pain killers or told to self-refer to NHS Physio where they will, very often, wait weeks for access and then just be given exercises. More severe cases are sent into the MATT (Musculoskeletal Assessment Triage Team) clinic but waiting times are significant and then access onto to the diagnostics tests are often lengthy again leading to suffering longer with pain.

 Having worked in private practice and as an Advanced Practitioner for the NHS, we have set up a dedicated Back Pain Clinic to provide you with rapid access to the right diagnosis as quickly as possible. Ninety percent of the time, Neck and Back pain can be diagnosed and resolved by a Physical Therapist such as a Physiotherapist OR Osteopath without need for scans or further tests.

However, we have preferential access to private X-Ray, MRI and CAT scans, Ultrasound scans and Blood, Saliva and Stool Testing. We appreciate these services can be costly, but most people are happy to pay for services to get the right diagnosis as quickly as possible with minimal fuss. We can then refer, if necessary, to a private consultant or back to your GP. Often those that have had their diagnostic tests done privately will access service’s quicker within the NHS.

However, we treat people, not back pain. We will explore all the possible causes of your pain (physical, emotional/psychological and metabolic/biochemical). Please have a watch of this excellent video explaining pain.

Children’s clinic (mother & baby)

A specialist clinic set up specifically for pregnant women and their children. We have built an enviable reputation amongst local midwives for providing effective physiotherapeutic and osteopathic care to Mothers and Babies.

Under ASA guidelines we are not allowed to state what Paediatric conditions we treat. 

Under ASA guidelines relating to Osteopathy, in particular, we can say that;

  • Osteopaths utilise a range of techniques including physical manipulation, stretching and massage, and other gentle techniques such as cranial. These are all taught at undergraduate level.
  • Cranial techniques are safe, gentle, and non-manipulative. They are often used when treating young children and newborn infants.
  • Osteopaths work under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms and will therefore evaluate not only the area which is producing the symptoms, but also associated areas that may be contributing to the issue, including past trauma, environmental factors and the family’s health history.
  • Your osteopath may recommend cranial techniques, which are subtle and gentle.
  • Osteopathy is based on the principle that the structure and function of the body are intimately related. If the structure is not balanced and healthy then the function is affected.
  • Osteopaths believe that the healthy balance and function of the musculoskeletal framework of the body is essential to whole body health Injuries such as a sprained ankle can lead the whole body to compensate for a limp. Stiffness or restricted mobility in the pelvis, spine, rib cage, shoulders and neck can make it difficult to compensate for the limp and aching or pain may result.
  • Osteopathic practice is a healthcare approach that provides a package of care that  can include one or more of the following: manual therapy, health information, self management advice and support, and/or exercise therapy, as determined by the individual needs of the patient.

 

Dean has trained with some of the best in the World in Maternal & Paediatric Osteopathic Care, such as JP Barral, Dr Stephen Sanet, Dr Stephen Sandler and Caroline Stone we have the hands on skills and experience in the private and NHS arenas to help you move forward planning and during your pregnancy.

We have gained qualifications from Post-Graduate institutions such as the Sutherland Cranial Academy, The British School of Osteopathy, The European School of Osteopathy and The Osteopathic Centre for Children, London.

Neck, Back and Leg (Sciatica) pain, Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction (PSD) and Coccydinia are regularly treated during pregnancy by our practitioners as the body changes and adapts to pregnancy. Unfortunately some Mums don’t get to us before their symptoms are so bad that all we can do is help them to manage their symptoms during their pregnancy.

Don’t just take our word for it; have a read at Baby Cues on how Osteopathy can help colic and reflux. https://blog.babycues.info/2020/may/colic-reflux-and-osteopath-treatment/

Injection clinic

Steroid (Hydrocortisone), Joint lubricant (Ostenil Plus & Duralane) and B12 Injections

Steroid (Hydrocortisone) Injections

Steroid injections (often with local anaesthetic) are used for acute joint pain. A painful frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendonpathy, knee and arthritic thumb can all keep you up at night preventing your natural healing cycles. Sometimes physical therapy can be assisted by a steroid injection. We use these injections to ‘facilitate’ change back towards health and your normal. Although some peoples normal can look different after an acute episode of pain.

Ostend Plus and Duralane Injections

Both of these products are described as Viscosupplements that are used to lubricate joints and are a validated alternative to steroid injections allowing for continued sporting activity. Please watch this video of Dean’s colleague on the use of Ostenil in professional football.

Ostenil has a variety of uses. Mainly in osteoarthritic joints such as the knee and shoulder. However, due to its safety, novel uses are being trialled with good effect. Don’t take our word for it. Watch the video below giving

Vitamin B12 Injections

These are used to treat pernicious anaemia. They are highly effective. We test patients for deficiency or they may have been told they have a deficiency by their GP. We use Hydroxocobalamin as it stays in the system the longest. The NHS at present is choosing to prescribe patients with B12 deficiency with oral tablets. However, many patients find that oral tablets are not as effect and/or take longer for there effect to be made.

Shockwave therapy

Incorporating The Tendon Clinic

Tendons are the structures that attach our muscles to bones in order to move our joints. They are living tissue, and as such are vulnerable to injury, either through overuse or direct trauma. It is important to treat tendon pain early, as left too long it can significantly impact on our lives, whether it be walking the dog, hampering your marathon training, or even affecting your ability to do your job on a daily basis. What can start as a niggle can quickly progress into an excruciating and debilitating condition that may then need surgical intervention if not treated quickly.

An initial assessment with Dean involves a 60 minute consultation and examination, exploring the background to the injury, possible causes including underlying medical conditions and its relation to physical activity and sports participation. High resolution ultrasound scanning is undertaken at the same appointment, the ‘gold standard’ for tendon injury diagnosis and for directing on-going treatment.

Dean is also able to undertake a variety of guided injections to help reduce inflammation and pain in preparation for on-going rehabilitation. The ‘Gold Standard’ treatment for Tendon injuries is Shockwave Therapy. Where ever possible, we will use non invasive treatment options first.

People usually require a course of Shockwave treatments. On average 3-6 treatments is required. Nutritional supplementation can aid and speed up injury recovery. It can also increase the effectiveness of the Shockwave Therapy.

 

Conditions treated by the Tendon Clinic include:

  • Tennis and Golfers elbow tendinopathy
  • Achilles and patella tendinitis (“Jumpers knee”)
  • Rotator cuff, high hamstring, tibialis posterior, peroneal tendinitis
  • Partial ruptures or tears
  • Iliotibial Band (ITB) dysfunction
  • Greater trochanteric and Ischial bursitis

Patients are welcome to call or email to discuss their injury and discover whether they may benefit from visiting The Tendon Clinic with Dean

This clinic is for self-funding patients only.

Please watch this video thats explains how Shockwave Therapy works.

Sports injury clinic & Specific Rehabilitation

Using our Sister Clinic in Worthing, we can provide on-site Running & Movement Analysis.

Dean has worked in the field of Sport & Exercise Medicine for 20 years. He has worked in Professional Football with AFC Wimbledon in recent times. Over the years, he has worked with Olympic swimmers, International Hockey players and the odd Golfer.

They key to effective treatment is accurate diagnosis, realistic treatment plans and effective sports specific rehabilitation.

We have access to a wide range of treatment modalities that aid recovery; including diagnostic ultrasound, shockwave therapy, steroid injections, joint lubricant injections (Ostenil Plus and Duralane), exercise, sports nutrition and so on.

We have experience in working with all types of sports people from the next teenage sensation to the retired who just want to find that little bit extra. Professional or keen amateur there is always that little extra that can be found in the tennis or golf swing!

We are the only clinic locally to have Woodway treadmill for gait analysis. Running on slatted treadmills have been proven to be much like running outside with reduced contact friction. We also use GoPro Cameras and Dartfish Software for analysis.

And that’s not it! In our Rehab gym we have are also using the latest movement sensor products such as BPM Pro to track your progress through your recovery. Along with many other initative rehab products generally only found in the USA we have bought them all together in our Rehab gym.

A recent study suggested that 50% of runners become injured on an annual basis! Whether you’re a Competitive or Casual runner and you have just got into Park Run, want to enter into a Cancer Research 5K run to remember someone special or have entered a Half or Full Marathon, an injury can be devastating.

We have developed skills in the treatment, rehab, strength, conditioning, programming and recovery of runners. Utilising diagnostic equipment on and off site, we can manage your return to running. Using latest treatment techniques and equipment, such as Shockwave Therapy, we can get you uninjured, back on your feet and working towards a recovery as quickly as possible. Utilising The Woodway treadmill and Aerofloor when can get firing up in a controlled and manageable fashion.

Achilles, Iliotibial Band (ITB) and Foot arch problems are just some of the issues you may encounter in running. We may need to work on your feet first getting them to move properly and getting them to contact the floor correctly to fire up the system above. And so the process begins…

Dean has experience in professional football medicine having worked at AFC Wimbledon, Woking FC and Bognor Regis FC across all ages from youth, academy and first team we will be able to assess, diagnosis, treat and rehab you back to full fitness just like the pro footballers.

Commonly injuries are to the lower extremity such as ankle, knees, hips and groin.

We have gained much experience in working with these athletes being located so close to the sea! Having now retired from kite surfing due to the weather frustration and not being able to cancel appointments when the weather was good, Dean has decided just to treat the other injuries instead. We have close links with Worthing Watersports and are happy to share advice and knowledge regarding equipment choice if need be.

We have years of experience in professional rugby both at international and domestic level. We have treated many rugby players, both women and men. We have pitch side trauma knowledge and re-couperated many back to full fitness. With an increase in acceptance of head trauma amongst rugby and its effects on children playing the game we are passionate about player assessment and safety for concussion.

Dean can currently be found providing Physio care to Hove and Sussex U15 Girls rugby teams.

Common injuries are neck, shoulder and knees. We have rapid access to injury diagnostics such as MRI and Ultrasound scans and have close links with Orthopaedic surgeons that can repair rotator cuff tears and meniscal tears at short notice. We have a county and tri county ex player in our ranks so our inside knowledge of training schedules and difficult coaches are likely to be of benefit to you.

Our work in functional rehabilitation utilising the knowledge and skills of the likes of Gary Ward, Gray Cooke and Dr Gary Gray and Dr Dave Tiberio of the Gray Institute our knowledge of multi-planar movement and its ability to be broken down and put back together for injury prevention is second to none.

Dean Dickinson is soon to be approved Titleist Certified Golf Expert.

Working out what planes of movement your body like and dislikes allows us to build a picture of what parts of your body over work and under work that can lead to injury, but prior to injury, why you might be pulling, topping or just coming up short every shot. This cross over between assessment and coaching allows for improved performance and reduced injury risk. We constantly working with Golf pro’s and their clients. We are happy to liaise with any specialist you are currently working with.

We work closely with the guys at Precision Golf if you want to make that next step up in Custom golf club fitting.

Just a little teaser. Please take a look Dr Gray in action getting you warmed up!

With multi vector movements being the key to effective tennis/squash, injury treatment is the easy bit, Injury prevention is the hard bit!

What might appear to be a simple calf strain is likely to be the end of chain injury superimposed on a whole dysfunctional biomechanical sequence. What does this mean? Well it could be that the skeleton is dysfunctional causing areas to be over or under used that has a knock on effect down the skeletal chain. Muscle chain control or function could be down to poor strength and conditioning of individual muscles or muscle chains via fascial connections. Motor cortex movement mapping may have been reduced via poorly functioning balance organs (eye and middle ear) that then feed into musculoskeletal sensory organs to reduce sensory awareness. This reduction in sensory awareness would mean that an over retch may cause the body to interpret it as injury causing and cause an acute neurological response such as a tissue to strain/tear.

Understanding your movement restrictions and limitations and more importantly what movement you do like and gain stability from allows us to blend your movement patterns to gain body awareness, balance, strength and conditioning whilst reducing injury risk.

Dance medicine and Contact Sports medicine have been emerging areas in Sports Medicine over the last few years. Dean was lucky enough to work with a number of elite and professional Dancers whilst working in London.

Dean has worked with a number of emerging MMA personal along the south coast along with keeping some keen amateur Karate people going even though their bodies might not like it!

Injury prevention is always better than treating acute injury! We aim to provide the right level of assessment and intervention to prevent injuries. If you are unfortunate enough to have become injured, we have all the latest injury treatment options available to assist your recovery.