THE AARK CLINIC
The Aark Clinic is a professional healthcare clinic that offers an effective, caring approach to manual therapy. We offer Osteopathy, Medical Acupuncture & Clinical Sports massage. Please view our Pricing Page for up to date Pricing and Appointment information. Please feel free to bring a chaperone along with you. Look for The Aark Clinic sign by the steps at the front of the building. Please arrive 5 mins before your appointment and take a seat in the waiting area.
CLINIC LOCATION
The Aark Clinic is conveniently located and well positioned just 5 minutes from Bluewater shopping centre. FREE PARKING facilities in a prime location for all local transport links. Our official bays are located in the car park opposite the clinic. There is additional parking behind the clinic. Visitor parking bays are available in both car parks. BY CAR: The Clinic is close to A2 junctions Ebbsfl eet or Bean. BY BUS: Travelling by Bus could not be simpler as the Bus stops for Fastrack B and Arriva (490 480) are right outside the premises. BY TRAIN: The Aark Clinic is situated 1 minutes walk from Swanscombe National Rail Station. Those travelling to nearby stations Greenhithe (For Bluewater) or Ebbsfl eet International, can use the Fastrack Bus Services to reach the Clinic.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS?
You must Re-Arrange your Appointment & NOT come to clinic if you or your Household/Close Contacts have Covid Symptoms. More details below.
OSTEOPTHY IS A REGULATED MEDICAL PROFESSION
We would like to reassure Patients that Osteopathy is classed as a medical appointment under Government guidelines. We are regulated Key Workers and recognised by the Government as a Primary Healthcare Practitioner.
COVID-19 MEASURES IN PLACE
You will be required to Wear a Mask & Wash your Hands prior to Treatment. Please Read our Patient Information below regarding the measures required.
OSTEOPATHY REMAINS OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN
The Aark Clinic will remain open for Osteopathy Appointments during Lockdown 2.0 in line with Government Guidelines.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
Osteopathy can improve performance levels by unlocking dysfunctional mechanics in the spine and soft tissues. Muscles 'fire' in a certain way in order to be most efficient. If there are dysfunctions in the 'kinetic' chain then this will inhibit your performance output.
BIOMECHANICAL IMBALANCES
As well as treatment, The Aark Clinic Osteopath is highly trained to recognise imbalances within the body and give you practical advice, exercises and stretches to help you maintain and improve your muscular and joint condition.
ENDORPHINS
Massage promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘pain killers’. This boosts your mental state, calms any anxieties as well as reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
PREVIOUS INJURY
Previous Injury? It is likely that you will have a build up of scar tissue. Recurrent massage treatment is a useful measure to help target and break down scar tissue at these old injury sites, creating a positive affect in the performance of the muscles, helping you train with more flexibility and less restriction.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Your lymphatic system relies heavily on physical movement and pumping to help drain lymphatic fluid and toxins out of your body. The heart has minimal impact on pumping this fluid so a deep sports massage not only relaxes the contracted and shortened muscles, it will aid the drainage that helps muscular repair and recovery.
REGULAR MASSAGE
Regular massage promotes healthy muscles fibres, encouraging circulation of blood. Deep tissue massage releases tension’s within muscle tissue, allowing fresh oxygen and other nutrients to flow freely and enable a rapid recovery from training runs.
CPD: MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE & BEYOND
His thirst for knowledge and continuing progressive development (CPD) continues as a Registered Osteopath. Each year Lloyd adds to his skillset. Now practising as a Medical Acupuncturist as well as implementing other new learned skills.
EX-PERSONAL TRAINER & SPORTS SPECIFIC TRAINING
Lloyd's love for Personal Training and Knowledge of the Body's bio-mechanics enabled him to develop his own tried and tested methods. He worked for a Leading Health & Fitness Provider carrying out Health Assessments, looking at potential 'Red Flags' for diseases, conducting cardiovascular examinations, testing blood glucose, cholesterol levels among other health problems. He then gained valuable experience instructing 'Bootcamp' style group training sessions at a successful Bootcamp centre.
NOW: QUALIFIED OSTEOPATH
After studying at the LONDON SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHY for 5 years and completing 1200 clinic hours, Lloyd gained a BOst Hons Degree in Osteopathy. This gives him a thorough understanding of all the bodies systems including musculo-skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular lymphatic etc. This allows him to determine the right course of action with regards to treatment, rehabilitation and training. Regardless of how your injury was sustained, Lloyd will be able to guide you through the safest and most effective treatment plan in order to return you to your previous self. In most cases you will actually feel in better condition than you did before, and will be armed with the knowledge to prevent injury re-occurrence.
EX-PROFESSIONAL GOLFER
Lloyd Tilney's early career was spent as a Professional Golfer. During this time, he developed a passion for teaching and focused his attention on coaching clients in the fundamentals of the golf swing, bio-mechanics of the Body and sport specific training to enhance & progress their game. This success lead him to study Personal Training in order to coach others on a wider level, initially concentrating on 'Sports Specific' training for other sporting professionals and athletes.
BABIES
Osteopathic treatment for babies is a very different approach to treating adults. Being born is a very traumatic journey. Essentially you are held tightly in a muscular sac, pushed through a tube and squeezed through a pelvis just barely big enough. This can take hours before its over, and when complete, the journey can leave lasting effects on your baby both physically and emotionally. The pressure on the babies head from the uterus, the contorted position of their shoulder as they pass through the pelvis, assisted deliveries using forceps or ventouse all potentially cause moulding and bruising and compression of the babies body. These tensions can still be present even if your babies head and body looks in normal shape. This can cause physical and emotional pain often seen as poor sleep habits, colic, wind, reflux, persistent crying etc.
THE OLDER PATIENT
The body as it ages undergoes changes. The body loses some of its elasticity and stability. Osteoarthritis is the medical term for wear and tear of joints. Osteoarthritis occurs mainly in the low back and neck, along with other weight bearing joints such as the hips and knees. These weight bearing joints are subject to postural stresses of modern day living. There also may be accumulated injuries and postural stress during those years, often resulting in repetitive strain injuries, stiffness and degenerative changes. There may also be health issues such as high blood pressure, digestive and circulatory disorders. Quality of life is especially important for this age group when there are increasing concerns about loss of independence and mobility. How we can help… Osteopaths spend a great deal of time alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. Osteopathic treatment and advice can help to improve mobility, circulation and immune function, and reduce joint stiffness so the older person can enjoy a full and active life. Treatment aims to improve and maintain health and prevent further injury. Joint wear & tear is a normal aging process, this does not always result in pain. A lot of the pain felt by arthritis is actually the soft tissue around the joint involved. Osteopathic treatment is aimed at these tissues as well as the joint and can often provide great relief. Dietary advice may also be given to help maintain healthy bones and joints.
PREGNANCY
A principle of Osteopathy is that structure and function are intrinsically linked and interdependent to one another. Treatment aims to normalise the structural biomechanics, so that it functions as efficiently as possible. Osteopathic treatment assists the natural process of pregnancy by allowing the body to adapt efficiently as the pregnancy progresses. Osteopathic treatment achieves this by using safe and effective techniques, while making sure the mother is comfortable at all times. Without osteopathy, dysfunctional biomechanics during pregnancy can cause the mother’s pelvis to become twisted or rigid which can interfere with the baby’s passage through the birth canal during labour. Osteopathic treatment helps to align your body so that your pelvis and lower back mechanics are in the best possible position with as little tension or restriction as possible. Osteopathic treatment will maximise your body’s ability to support you and your baby with minimum pain and discomfort.
SPORTS INJURIES / ATHLETES
The treatment of sports injuries by Osteopaths is an increasingly popular choice for sportsmen and women. Athletes from many disciplines at many levels receive the Osteopath’s unique skills and detailed knowledge of the body’s mechanics. Osteopathy can not only keep you at your training peak, enable a swift return to sport following strains and overuse injuries, it can improve your ability within your chosen discipline. Like everyone else we have certain joints that are restricted and potentially inhibiting our performance. The osteopathic approach not only tends to the injury but treats your body as a whole often improving the overall function. As an Ex professional Golfer, Lloyd Tilney understands how important it is for the athlete to be in optimal physical condition in order to perform at your best. Lloyds understanding of biomechanics gives him an advantage when treating the athlete in order to prevent injury re-occurrence but to strengthen the body to improve its physical fitness.
PROFESSIONALISM & REGULATION
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is the governing body regulating all Osteopaths. The term ‘Osteopath’ is protected by law and all Osteopaths are registered with the GOsC.All osteopaths practising in the UK have completed rigorous training. Students of osteopathy follow a four or five-year degree course, during which they study anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and biomechanics. In addition they undergo a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical training. Qualification takes the form of a 4-5 year medical degree. Lloyd Tilney is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), Institute of Osteopathy (iO) and covered by professional indemnity insurance from the Institute of Osteopathy.
PRICING
Both Initial consultation and subsequent treatments a 30 minute appointment. Please view our Pricing page for up to date pricing info.
PATIENT MODESTY & SAFETY
You won't be asked to dress down into your underwear. In order to assess postural, muscular, neurological and circulatory function you may be asked to remove top layers. However, if the patient wishes, garments CAN be left on. Appropriate under garments/vest tops etc are advised to be worn. Clothing will always be left on where possible but if a patient does need to remove an item of clothing, towels are always used to cover and protect modesty. Children under the age of 16 will require an adult chaperone during treatment. Adults may also choose to have a chaperone present if they wish. Appointments take place in a dedicated Clinic Room, within a multi-disciplinary health clinic so patients can feel confident they are within a safe environment.
THE INITIAL CONSULTATION
The initial consultation involves a detailed case history covering the primary complaint, general health, diet, lifestyle, as well as any medical history. This is followed by a physical examination and treatment. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to individual needs of the patient.
MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
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OSTEOPATHY
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STAND ALONE TREATMENT OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH OSTEOPATHY
Medical Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with Osteopathic treatment. It is also effective as a stand alone treatment for certain conditions and symptoms.
ARE THERE ANY ASSOCIATED RISKS?
Medical Acupuncture uses special solid filiform needles which are inserted into the skin. Nothing is injected into the body with the needles and they are sterile. Needles are disposed of in a dedicated sharps bin. Patients may experience a small amount of bruising and soreness up to 48hrs after treatment. This is normal while healing takes effect.
WHO IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE SUITABLE FOR?
Dry Needling is suitable for many people including pregnant patients, however a full medical case history and evaluation will always take place as there a few conditions where Medical Acupuncture may be unsuitable such as certain blood conditions.
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? IS IT PAINFUL?
You will feel a small pin prick which may be accompanied by a muscle ache or twitch. Sometimes the ache can be felt more deeply like a heavy feeling in the area being treated. Some patients experience an initial twinge or jump when the needles are inserted, especially into any adhesions in the muscle.
OUR TEAM
Experienced & Professional Practitioners
Here at the Aark, we pride ourselves on providing professional care and advice to the communities of Swanscome, Greenhithe, Northfleet, Ebbsfleet, Dartford, Gravesend, Meopham and surrounding villages. Exceptionally skilled, qualified and experienced healthcare practitioners offering pain relief for the whole family. If you are experiencing pain, please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to provide you with the best possible advice and steps to help. Our Osteopaths are ready to take your call or email.