About us

About us

Meet the Team

We are very proud of the practitioners that work in our clinics. Everyone has a considerable commitment to 'Continual Professional Development' and we regularly gather together for practice meetings. These involve case discussions and, more often than not, include guest speakers. We're also very proud of the fact that our therapists have received a variety of awards and honors.

Our team share a passion for improving your health and a commitment to collaboration, forging their individual expertise to achieve greater benefits for the patients and the community by providing treatments and therapeutic services in a caring environment.

Please read on to find out more about each of our practitioners:

Our Osteopaths

Pratik Visaria B.Ost Med, BSc (Hons)

Pratik qualified in 2004 at the BCOM as a naturopathic osteopath.

His special interests include treating minor sports injuries and working with golfers to enhance performance.

His hobbies are Golf and motor rallying.

 

Natalie Seager BSc Ost (Hons)

Natalie studied at the British School of Osteopathy in London and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy in 1994.

Following graduation, Natalie gained an associate position at Woodside Clinic and has established a busy patient list. She continues to maintain her professional development by regular attendance of post-graduate courses. She is experienced in general Osteopathic practice using conventional Osteopathic techniques, "dry needling" and Cranial Osteopathy.

Having these varied skills means that as well as general Osteopathic practice she is experienced in treating women during pregnancy and children (from babies to teens).

Natalie works at our Dunstable clinic (including a mother and baby clinic of a morning).

Sue Cook BSc Ost Med (Hons)

Sue worked as an acoustic consultant in an industrial environment for over 10 years, but found the work very uninspiring. She decided to change profession and now has a Diploma in Sports Therapy and graduated from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine with a First Class Honours degree in 2004.

Her special interests lie in the treatment of minor sports injuries, whiplash associate disorders and musculo-skeletal problems before and after pregnancy.

Sue's hobbies include running and triathlons (she has completed two London marathons and one half ironman!).

Sue works at our Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard clincs.

 

Alex Lubel BSc Ost (Hons)

Alex works at our Dunstable clinic, and has been with us for many years.

He says that it was his father who encouraged him into Osteopathy, "a fabulous occupation". His father had a bad back that between visits to the Osteopath Alex would massage. It was whilst treating him that his father suggested to Alex that he should consider becoming an osteopath, as he had good hands for the job and seemed to have a natural ability to feel and understand what was going on. Of course, being a teenager at that time, he nodded, grunted and promptly ignored his father and condemned the idea to the bin.

So Alex was surprised when some eight years later the seed that his father had sewn deeply in the back of his mind suddenly exploded into life compelling him to pursue an education and career as an Osteopath.  Alex has now been in Osteopathic practice since 1999 and he is also a clinical tutor at the London School of Osteopathy, supervising students in their clinical practice. Alex says " having the opportunity to treat a new born baby and then a retired accountant, followed by a tri-athlete, a school pupil and a builder - or you! - is a privileged position to be in. Learning about each of my patients, helping them to understand what is causing the problem and seeing their recovery develop gives me a huge amount of job satisfaction".

 

Gavin Attewell BSc. (Hons) Ost Med, DO, ND

Gavin has over 12 years experience of osteopathy & he adopts a mainly structural approach. He also uses "Dry Needling" & has experience of prescribing & fitting custom made corrective orthotics.

Gavin is also a senior clinic tutor and lecturer at the College of Osteopaths who are affiliated to Middlesex University.

His hobbies include playing bass guitar (he has playing since the age of 11!) and singing vocals in his band 'Deaf Shepherd'!

Gavin works at our Leighton Buzzard clinic.

 

Claire Batty BSc Ost (Hons)

Claire qualified from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003 with a BSc Hons degree in Osteopathic Medicine and has been working for Woodside Clinic since 2004, mainly at the Leighton Buzzard clinic.

She helps to provide both pitchside and off pitch treatment for the Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club and is also involved in teaching various sports medicine related modules at the Midland School of Massage in Nottingham.

Claire used to play rugby for Olney Ladies in the North Division 1 of the RFUW, the division below the premiership, but has recently 'retired' herself from this and has taken up outdoor rowing instead.

This year Claire has started to undertake a PhD relating to the more diagnostic side of medicine mainly in the area of food intolerance related to specific medical conditions.

 

Jonathan Taylor BSc Ost Med (Hons)

Jonathan began his osteopathic career in 2005 having served 7 years in the armed forces.  Since qualifying he has treated a wide variety of patients from the elderly to rugby players and mixed martial artists.

In his spare time he trains in Thai boxing and is keen on weight lifting and keeping fit.

 

Rachel Valinsky BSc Ost (Hons)

Rachel Valinsky graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 2009.  Rachel uses a full range of osteopathic techniques and enjoys treating patients of all ages with a great diversity of problems - whether it be helping an athlete to overcome an injury or an elderly patient to improve their mobility.

Rachel has completed post-graduate courses in Cranial Osteopathy and Myofascial techniques.  These use a light touch to find tension and strains within the body that can be treated.  Due to the gentle nature of the techniqes, this is the preferred method for treating babies and yound children, but it is safe and effective for all ages.

 

Kate Salusbury BSc Ost (Hons)

Kate studied to be an osteopath for five years and qualified at the British School of Osteopathy.  She has a wide experience of treating patients with soft tissue techniques, HVT (joint "cracking"), cranial and more gentle treatments, as well as Western style acupuncture to release muscle, joint and ligament tension.  She is also well trained in rehabilitating patients to get them back to fully functioning - whether this be at work or on the sports field.

Kate treats people with back and shoulder pain, marathon runners, sufferers from the affects of pregnancy, rugby and racket sports players, as well as people feeling the effects of advancing years, infants and children.  Kate has developed an interest in treating pregnant women and those that have given birth, as well as rehabilitation people who have been off work due to back pain.

Kate is the mother of a teenager and has worked with people with mental health and housing problems, so is aware of the stresses of working in a busy office and the need for physical wellbeing.

 Yasmin Knox M Ost

Yasmin Knox was educated at Kings College, London and qualified from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, obtaining a Masters in Osteopathy. 

Yasmin has successfully treated patients of all ages with a wide range of conditions.  She enjoys building upon her Osteopathic training and has undertaken post graduate courses in Dry Needling and Cranial Osteopathy.  She is also a qualified Naturopath and therefore integrates elements such as diet, hydrotherapy and exercise into her treatment plan where appropriate.

Yasmin has been practising Yoga for 4 years and visits the gym regularly.  She also has a keen eye for photography and loves to travel.

 

Our Physiotherapists

Diane Krog MCSP,SRP, BSc (Hons)

Diane has over 24 years’ post graduate experience and has qualifications in Neurological Developments Therapy, Acupuncture, Celebral Palsy treatment (Bobath) and jaw pain (Temporomandiluar Joint disorder - TMJ) and the treatment of headaches.

Diane works at our Dunstable clinic.

 

Ron Sharp MCSP,SRP, MBAcC, MAACP, Bac, Lic Ac, Cert Ed.

Ron has worked in sports medicine since 1972 and has a particular interest in Athletics and Kayaking:he is also a level 2 Kayak and Racing coach.

As well as rehabilitation work, he has over 11 years experience of pioneering work, setting up and running the first fitness centres in industry for various large corporate companies.

Ron is an Acupuncturist as well as being a Physiotherapist, and he lectures regularly in Acupuncture and tutors on the MSc Acupuncture course at Coventry University.

He is developing his Chakra Healing work and hopes to offer this to patients later in this year. Ron works at Leighton Buzzard. 

 

Zoe Aspinall  (Bsc Hons) Phys

Zoe joined our Physiotherapy team in July 2007.

She graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2007 with a degree in Physiotherapy. Since then she has gone on to train in Acupuncture and Pilates which she incorporates into her patient's Physiotherapy treatment when necessary.

She is a keen cricket player and is captain of the Totteridge Lady's Cricket Club and last year she successfully completed the London Marathon for charity.

Zoe works at our Dunstable clinic.  

 

Gabrielle Phillips (Bsc Hons)

Gabrielle's hobbies include scuba diving, running and traveling.

She also enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing.

Gabrielle works at our Leighton Buzzard clinic. 

 

Ajith Raghaviah BPT, MCSP

Ajith Raghaviah graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy. He later worked in India and the Middle East for over 10 years.

He is currently working as a Senior Physiotherapist at the Dunstable branch of Woodside Clinic. Ajith has a specialist interest in treating people with Multiple Sclerosis and all spinal complaints, having previously been responsible for a specialist spinal unit.

Ajith also has extensive experience in rehabilitation after amputation, training with prostheses and rehabilitation post spinal cord lesions.

Ajith's hobbies include playing (and watching) cricket and basketball.

 

Nick Sinfield (BSc Hons)

Nick is registered with the Health Professional Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. He qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2005 from the University of East London and has built up a speciality of treating back and neck pain.

He is the Physiotherapist for the Dunstablian Rugby Club and is a Pilates instructor with the Australian Pilates Physiotherapy Insititue.

He has spent time working as a Physiotherapist in New Zealand which has broadened his knowledge and practical experience.

Nick works at our Dunstable clinic.

 

Lucy Baker BSc (Hons) MCSP AACP

Lucy joined Woodside in the summer of 2007 after graduating with a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of East Anglia. She has since trained in Acupuncture and is nearing the completion of a Masters in Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Lucy has worked with the men's national 7s rugby squad and is interested in the rehabilitation side to physiotherapy, particularly the shoulder, following a course in Australia!

Her interests away from Woodside include hockey, travelling and generally being outside!

Lucy works at our Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Clinics

 Elisha Fernandez

Elisha studied at the University of East Anglia graduating in 2009 with a 2.1 BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy.  Elisha enjoys swimming travelling and cooking and has receently been learning to ski.

Our Acupuncturist

Alistair Whitlock (BSc (Hons), MSc, MPhil, Lic Ac, MBAcC

Alistair originally trained as a pharmacologist and was involved in pharmacological research at University College London, specialising in neurological function. He later studied traditional Chinese acupuncture at degree level at the London College of Traditional Acupuncture and before coming to the Woodside Clinic, he was practising for several years in the City of London.

Alistair is also a Level 2 KRI certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, teaching yogic philosophy and the practices of Kriya, Pranayam, Meditation and Mantra.

Alistair works at our Dunstable and Willesden Green Clinics.

 

Our Podiatrists 

Chris Nunn BSc (Hons)

Chris is a first class honours degree graduate from the respected University of Northampton School of Podiatry (2008) with a special interest in biomechanics and the treatment of sporting injuries.  A recipient of the University of Northampton School of Podiatry award for the best primary research project 2008 for the reseach; "Do Cushioned Running Shoes Decrease Maximum Forces at Contact When Compared to Barefoot?".

Chris is a registered member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SOCAP) and the Health Professions Council (HPC), working with the private sector since qualification.

As an ex-professional footballer with Ipswich Town along with teams in the USA, he is an enthusiastic follower of all sport and a keen marathon runner.  Other interests include cycling, weight-training, swimming, travelling and scuba diving.

 

Manju Mital BSc (Hons)

Manju has worked as a senior podiatrist in the NHS for over 11 years. Her main area of interest is sports injuries and the "At Risk Foot" e.g. Diabetes. She currently works as a part time senior lecturer at the University of Northampton, School of Podiatry where she teaches mechanical therapy and orthopaedics. Her main area of teaching and interest is biomechanics, paediatrics and sports injuries. 

Her qualificatons are :

1994 Bsc (Hons) Nene College, Northampton.

2000 Certificate in Professional Studies - sports podiatry, University of Leicester

2011 Part1 pgcert HE

 

Our Holistic Therapists

Robyn Ellis

Robyn is a fully qualified massage therapist trained in Body Massage, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology. She is currently extending her treatment base by studying Sports Massage Therapy at Luton University and is training to be a Pilates teacher 

Robyn works at our Dunstable clinic. 

 Helen Redman

Helen has been with Woodside for 3  years now and is a Holistic Therapist offering Swedish Massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, holistic facial and Indian head treatments. She is also qualified in sports massage and currently studding for a degree in sports therapy too.

 Iona Craft BSc

Iona was an professional multisport athlete who has competed in endurance sports all over the world. Iona initially studied Osteopathy but decided to focus on sports and remedial massage as a therapist.

Iona is still very active and takes part in multi day running races such as the transalpine run.

Our Pilates Instructors

Louisa Harris 

Louisa graduated from Lancaster University with a BA (hons) in 1999 and after a short time in the commercial world was attracted to Pilates which she found made a long lasting difference to her quality of life.

She subsequently completed a course in Pilates Mat Work in 2009 and teaches Beginners and intermediate group Matwork classes, including intermediate Matwork and Pilates for pregnancy, Louisa also does 1-1 sessions in our Leighton Buzzard Clinic.

Sharisse Wainman

Sharrise works at our Leighton Buzzard Clinic  and teaches classes of up to 6 people. Sharisse is also a very experience masseuse and will also be available for sessions on a Wednesday in between her Pilates classes

 

Our Nutritionist

Ruth Hughes BSc

Ruth graduated from Thames Valley University in 2010 with a BSc in Nutritional Medicine and has been working at Woodside Clinic, Dunstable since 2011.  She has a specialist interest in Food Intolerances and Gastro-Intestinal Disorders.  Ruth is also a qualified Reiki Practitioner. 

Ruth works for the Dunstable clinic.

Ruth's hobbies include photography, travel, snorkelling and tennis.

 

Other Therapists

We have several other therapists working at our clinics and will add more information about them soon.