MARGARET C WHITTAKER

I have been qualified as a Physiotherapist since 1975, working in both the National Health Service and the private sector, treating a wide range of conditions. For four years I was a senior Physiotherapist at the London Clinic and later became the head of a Midlands hospital Physiotherapy Department. I continue my association with the NHS by working a few hours a week in a local surgery. During my career I have gained an interest in the area of manipulation and mobilisation therapy and have passed the post-graduate examination of the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists. I have been the Chairman of the Midlands Branch and sat on the National Executive Committee for four years. In the last couple of years I have found that I am able to help people with balance and other related disorders. This is an exciting development in a relatively new area of treatment.

My practice became one of the first to be accredited under the Quality Management System established by the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice. I am now the Regional Officer for the Midlands Branch of this organisation. Cervical Spine (Neck)- Cervical problems (including stiff/painful neck), whiplash injuries, cervical spondylosis, trapped nerves. Fractures- Treatments to help gain maximum function once the bones have healed. Joints- Osteoarthritis, pain, swelling, stiffness, movement restrictions such as frozen shoulder. Lumbar Spine (Lower back)- Low Back pain, including lumbago, sciatica, lumbar spondylosis, prolapsed discs, soft tissue injuries. Musculo skeletal- Sports injuries including; ligaments, muscle, cartilage and tendon dysfunction, e.g tennis elbow. This also covers work related conditions, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI). Paediatrics- Postural, walking and injury problems in children. Post operative- Rehabilitation after orthopaedic, e.g. hip and knee replacements, or spinal surgery. Sacro-iliac and Coccyx problems- Strains and injuries often caused by accidents Thoracic Spine (Trunk) - Stiff/painful regions of the shoulder blade, ribs, chest region. Vestibular- Rehabilitation of inner ear problems e.g. vertigo, balance and dizziness. I follow an established method of treatment that relies on clinical reasoning. My effort, combined with yours, are directed to managing your symptoms in order to enable improvement.