At The Pukacz Practice Osteopathic Clinic we are all committed to providing the best in therapeutic care. We aim to help our patients reach their full health potential with a range of treatments available.
We do this by always striving to apply the principles of “best practice” which means we provide appropriate advice and tailored treatment or a referral specific to each individual patient’s particular needs. “Best practice means best for the patient”. This puts the patient at the centre of the health need.
We always look to the wider need of the person and not just the presenting pain! This whole person approach to health and well being is not particular to osteopathy and is found in most successful systems of medicine.
At our practice, we pride ourselves on our patient service. We have experienced therapists, safe and proven procedures, backed by the latest research. Along with referral for MRI, X-ray procedure or appropriate medical intervention as required.
Please give us a call 01422 375541 to discuss your current health situation or if you would like an appointment. Use our contact form if you would like us to call you back.
Our Osteopathic Therapists
A unique group of fully qualified and experienced practitioners combining their skills to optimise your health.
Peter Pukacz
DO LCSP(Phys)
Peter qualified as an Osteopath in 1993. Since then he has furthered his education by attending Post Graduate Training Courses at the Oxford College of Osteopathy.
He joined the family practice in 1984 having completed a Remedial Massage Course at the Northern Institute of Massage. He continued his studies there for a further two years, at the end of which he obtained his Manipulative Therapy Diploma. He also holds a Diploma in Sports Injuries.
He has considerable experience in all forms of injury management. Whilst studying, he gained valuable experience working allside the physio for a Second Division Rugby Team. He continued to develop his skills further and took an interest in Motor Sport injuries, particularly with regard to motorcycle trauma.
During the course of his career he has treated professional Speedway and Superbike riders with post traumatic injuries, as well as weekend motocross and trials enthusiasts.
Ioannis-Angelos Rafailidis
M.Ost, MSc
Ioannis
Ioannis works hard to stay up to date with the latest research in all areas relevant to osteopathy so that he can integrate this knowledge into his practice for the benefit of his patients.
He believes that “Education is key in helping patients to understand their condition and is the first step in helping them to overcome or manage their conditions.”
Steven D. Baines
B.Ost.(Hons), Dip.Sports Injuries
Steven is a very experienced Osteopath, who commenced is his osteopathic education in New Zealand, before later transferring to the British School of Osteopathy in London to complete his degree.
To complement this degree, Steven has a Diploma in Sports Injury and Massage, awarded by the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists. He has since furthered his education by studying Cranial Osteopathy at the Sutherland Cranial College.
Steven is committed to achieving excellence in his provision of patient care. He has a particular interest in sports injuries, as well as headache, migraine, spinal injuries and cranial osteopathy including the treatment of infants. He is an enthusiastic participant in a variety of sporting activities including Pilates. He is able to bring all of these skills together for benefit of his patients at The Pukacz Practice.
Treatments we can offer
Osteopathy and Manipulative Therapy
Osteopathy originated from the common sense principle that a patients history of illnesses and physical traumas are written into the body’s structure. Our practitioners have a highly developed sense of touch which allows them to palpate (feel) the patients living anatomy (i.e. flow of fluids, motion of tissues, and structural make-up). Their job is to set the body up to heal itself. To restore its normal function, our practitioners gently apply a precise amount of force to promote movement in areas of congestion to restore normal motion of the body, release the compression of bones and joints, thus allowing restoration of normal tissue function.
When the body is balanced and efficient, just like a well tuned engine, it will function with the minimum of wear and tear, leaving more energy for living.
As Osteopaths we consider each person as an individual. On your first visit, we will spend time taking a detailed medical history including important information about your lifestyle. You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and perform a series of simple movements. This will allow a full diagnosis and a treatment plan to be devised by us, tailored to your individual needs.
Through a variety of stretching, mobilising and manipulative techniques we aim, through working with you, to restore the body’s harmony. This, coupled with exercises and health advice, enable us to reduce the symptoms and restore your health and quality of life.
We treat a variety of common conditions including changes to posture in pregnancy; repetitive strain injury (RSI), postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries.
Remedial Massage
We also offer therapeutic massage and soft tissue manipulation for the treatment of muscular-skeletal conditions, sports injuries etc. When most people think of massage they think of relaxation massage, where the primary aim is to relieve stress and soothe muscular aches and pains. Remedial massage, however, takes this a little further focusing on the root cause of persistent chronic muscular or skeletal pain and then seeks to alleviate it permanently. Often such pain is the result of injury, caused by specific trauma or imbalances in the joints, muscles and ligaments.
Our therapists are trained to assess these imbalances and establish an effective programme of therapeutic treatment. The remedial massage treatment process involves the application of scientifically based treatments, often in conjunction with a rehabilitation programme.
The application of remedial massage and manipulation is based upon a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. It aims to re-balance the musculo-skeletal system, by working specifically on muscles, tendons, joints, fascia and ligaments, thus making the treatment a powerful yet non-traumatic therapy. This re-balancing of soft tissue, allows freedom of movement within the joints so facilitating the normal function of the vascular and neural systems.
Many studies have demonstrated the wide-ranging benefits of massage. It is useful for specific ailments such as asthma, depression, back and neck pain, insomnia, immune deficiency disorders and diabetes. It can be helpful during pregnancy and labour and is also used to help premature babies thrive. It can also be taught to their mothers to help them bond with their infants while they are still in incubators. Massage is often a part of therapy for people with cancer since it promotes relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.
Electrotherapy
Our therapists apply electrotherapy where appropriate to be of benefit to the condition being treated.
Modalities used in the Practice include interferential, pulsed electromagnetic energy fields and medium frequency modulated current (Likon). Some of the equipment is designed for continuation of therapeutic treatment at home.
Interferential
This is based on the crossing of two separate applied electronic currents of two different frequencies which “interfere” at their cross points, creating the required therapy frequency.
This is done by applying four electrodes to the body (in direct contact). The reason for this form of therapy is to create this interferential field deep within the localized tissue.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Treatment
Electromagnetic Therapy does not need any electrical contact with the body and creates a much larger area of therapy field within the body and penetrates easily through the body.
It works by applying a low frequency pulsing magnetic field to the injured area. This pulsating field influences the ions within the body cells to enhance ion exchange which, in turn, improves oxygenation to the cells which accelerates healing and cell regeneration.
Headache Consultations
If you are experiencing headaches all the time it may be more than just a simple problem. We will do a full examination to determine the cause of the problem.