Ben is a qualified and registered osteopath recognised by the governing body of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). He has studied full-time for four years gaining his Naturopathic and Osteopathic Diplomas.

Ben is currently working in a NHS clinic in Soho and studying the extended 5 year programme which involves special study modules such as sports medicine, animal osteopathy and cranial osteopathy. He is also undertaking a special interest research project which is examining the effects of osteopathic treatment and functional core stability exercises on body sway in low back pain patients. The extended 5 year programme will give Ben a Bachelor of Osteopathic Medicine (B Ost Med) of which there are only a handful in the country.

Ben has participated in many different sports from an early age such as Judo, football, windsurfing and snowboarding. His main interests currently are mixed martial arts, weight and fitness training and has a keen interest in functional core stability and rehabilitation programming.

Unfortunately when Ben was 19 he sustained a persistent back injury which stopped his sporting activities for around 2 years. After seeing many different practitioners of many different disciplines, Ben found that only an osteopath could return him to his training.

With the obvious impact this had on his life, he sought out an education which would help him understand more about his injury and gain the ability to treat others who were also experiencing pain. He studied a 2 year Advanced Diploma in Fitness and Sports Therapy gaining many Distinctions for his work which led him to be asked to assist in working with the Army. He followed a Paramilitary rugby team on a tour and treated any injuries that were sustained and also assisted in training and educating disadvantaged youths in preparation to enter the army. Out of the four teams of youths that he trained and tutored, three of the teams came first in the national inter-cadet fitness camps. He has also had work placements in physiotherapy clinics and gyms.

Ben then continued his education at the British School of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM ) and continued his MMA training at London Shootfighters, where he gave regular treatments to the fighters and instructors, particularly Paul, Alexis and Marios. He is very aware of the demands and implications of participating in MMA training and is effective in treating and rehabilitating all manner of injuries. He has a strong belief that the body should be treated as a whole and that any treatment should consider all aspects of health and include an appropriate rehabilitation programme.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment that recognises the role of the musculo-skeletal system in the healthy functioning of the body. The musculo-skeletal system is a key element in maintaining health. This system makes up two-thirds of the body's mass. It impacts and reflects the condition of all other systems in the body.

Osteopathic theory involves the concept that structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are inter-related. If the structure of a joint is distorted in any way, this will affect the normal mechanics of the joint resulting in dysfunction, which patients often feel as pain and stiffness.

The body has a natural ability to self-regulate and self-repair. Osteopaths rely on this innate healing ability to return their patients to good health. Osteopaths also promote good nutrition and fitness to sustain healthy body systems. It uses no drugs. Instead, osteopaths work with their hands using a wide range of treatment techniques, such as soft tissue and neuro-muscular massage, joint mobilising techniques and corrective manipulations designed to improve the mobility and range of movement of a joint.

With their highly trained sense of touch, osteopaths use these manual techniques both to discover underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint and the way that treatment is planned to suit the needs of the individual patient.

Visiting an Osteopath

• This is similar to visiting any Registered Medical Practitioner.
• The Osteopath will want to know how the symptoms began and factors that affect them.
• After a full case history is taken you will be asked to undress to your underwear and given a postural examination and possibly asked to perform a simple series of movements.
• This is followed by a structural examination to identify functional abnormalities.
• You may also be given orthopedic, neurological or circulatory examinations (e.g. reflexes, blood pressure, etc.) to aid the diagnosis.
• X Rays, blood tests and MRI scanning may be required in certain circumstances and you will be referred back to your GP.

Please bring details of any medication currently being prescribed. The osteopath will explain the findings, the appropriate course of action and treatment for your specific requirements. The osteopath can also suggest exercise programmes to both improve and maintain flexibility, strength and core stability as well as advising on work space ergonomics and working practices. These measures are designed to help prevent a recurrence of your problem.

"As a competing Olympic Athlete and Instructor down London Shoot, I need my body to be in the best shape possible. Ben has helped maintain my body with effective treatments and good advice regarding any injuries which I may sustain from time to time. He has proven himself to be a valuable addition to the London Shoot Team."
Alexis Demetriades: Great British Freestyle Wrestling Olympic Team.

"If you've been to other physios or osteopaths and then go to Ben, you will appreciate the difference between his style as a sports specific therapist. He uses osteopathic techniques and deep sports massage to try and resolve the injury as quickly as possible. I've had a few niggling injuries which Ben has treated well and enabled me to recover quickly from."
Paul Ivens: Competing and experienced Submission Wrestler and Instructor at London Shoot

"I've been to see Ben a few times and he always knows what to do. I often feel like new after seeing him. He's used to the common injuries that fighters receive and from talking to the other guys, he comes highly recommended."
Marios Demetriades: Boxer/MMA and Instructor at London Shoot

"Good advice, good treatments, nice guy. Does his best to fit everyone in on his busy days and I trust his opinion."
Michael Johnson: Professional Cage Fighter

"I've had a biceps tendon problem for about 2 years now and even a steroid injection didn't get rid of it. I've been working with Ben for about 6 weeks with really good results. It's about 80% better with his treatments and solid advice which I'm really pleased with."

Tom Hunter: Up and coming Boxer

"I'm in England preparing for my fight at Cage Rage 15 with Alexis and Paul at London Shoot. Ben is helping me get prepared by treating my injuries and giving general rub downs after hard training sessions. It's proven to be very beneficial and I feel great."
Jean Silva: Professional Cage Fighter and Chute Boxe Association

"Wasn't sure about this after the punishment my bodies taken lately but Ben has proved himself to be a good and trustworthy therapist. I'm trying hard to get fit and make my comeback and Ben is helping me do this."
Lee Murray: UFC Veteran Professional Cage Fighter

"Can't say enough about Ben. I'm really into complementary therapies and it was with his help that I performed well in Cage Rage 14 against Matsui. A few months before, I suffered a disc bulge in my neck and had lost power in my upper body, but with Alexis, Paul and Ben, we worked through it and I got to fight."
Alex Reid: Professional Cage Fighter

"After a recent knee operation, I saw Ben for some advice on where to go next with the rehabilitation. I got a printed sheet with all sorts of different exercises and he took me through each one to check I could do them effectively pain free. I’m still doing the rehab but my knee is getting stronger."
Mostapha Al-Turk: Professional Submission Wrestler