Business Details
24 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Osteopathy Services in Hitchin
Hitchin Osteopath Drakes Family Osteopaths has been delivering high-quality healthcare to North Herts and Beds since 2002. Our practice combines clinical excellence with academic leadership, as we actively teach the next generation of osteopaths at the College of Osteopaths. Our principal practitioner, Chris Drakes, holds a first-class degree in Osteopathy and serves as a Senior Clinic Tutor, Lecturer, and Final Clinical Competency Examiner, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards. We treat patients of all ages, from children to individuals over 95, and our clientele includes GPs, doctors, and fellow healthcare professionals who trust our expertise.Our approach prioritises ethical, session-by-session treatment without pressure-based sales tactics, focusing on accurate diagnosis and addressing root causes rather than superficial symptoms. We maintain strong ties with local medical professionals and have earned recognition for precise diagnostic capabilities, including cases where our assessments directly influenced surgical interventions. Our flexible hours, including late openings on Mondays and Wednesdays, and convenient location adjacent to Hitchins Waitrose car park enhance accessibility for our patients.
Services
Osteopathy
Chiropractic
Physiotherapy
Medical Acupuncture
Sports Injuries
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We teach the next generation of osteopaths at the College of Osteopaths.
- Our team includes a Senior Clinic Tutor and Final Clinical Competency Examiner.
- We prioritise ethical treatment without pressure-based 'free' assessments.
- Late openings on Mondays and Wednesdays for flexible scheduling.
- Recognised for precise diagnostic capabilities by medical professionals.
Associations and certifications
- General Osteopathic Council
- College of Osteopaths
What people say
Excellent diagnosis
Professional and expert
Pain disappeared after one session
Thorough pre-examination
Accurate diagnosis
Services
Osteopathy
Osteopathy treats musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction through hands-on techniques. We address root causes of discomfort, including joint restrictions and muscle spasms, using mobilisation and soft-tissue manipulation. Our approach integrates postural advice and exercise prescription to prevent recurrence, serving patients from children to the elderly.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care focuses on spinal health and nervous system function. We use spinal adjustments to correct subluxations, improving mobility and reducing pain. This evidence-based practice complements osteopathy, particularly for back and neck conditions, with techniques tailored to individual patient needs and comfort levels.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy services combine manual therapy with exercise programs to restore mobility after injury or surgery. We treat musculoskeletal conditions using evidence-based techniques, focusing on functional recovery. Treatment plans incorporate patient education to maintain long-term improvements and prevent future issues.
Medical Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture complements our manual therapies for pain management. This technique uses fine needles to stimulate specific points, reducing muscle tension and promoting natural healing. We integrate it with other treatments at no extra cost, targeting chronic pain conditions and acute injuries effectively.
Sports Injuries
Sports injury treatment addresses acute and chronic conditions from physical activity. We employ joint mobilisation, soft-tissue work, and rehabilitation exercises to restore function. Our experience spans amateur to professional athletes, with tailored recovery plans that maintain fitness levels during healing periods.
People
Chris Drakes
Consultant Osteopath
Chris Drakes, a Hitchin native, graduated top of his class from the College of Osteopaths in 2006. He serves as Senior Clinic Tutor and Final Clinical Competency Examiner, ensuring national training standards. With postgraduate qualifications and martial arts expertise, he specialises in foot biomechanics and elderly care.
Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We treat musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and nerve entrapments. Our approach addresses both symptoms and underlying causes through manual therapy.
Do you offer emergency appointments?
Yes, we provide emergency appointments outside regular hours when required. Please call 01462 432609 to discuss urgent needs with our team.
What payment methods do you accept?
We operate on a session-by-session basis with payments made at the time of treatment. Current fees are £45 (£50 from 01/04/2024) for initial consultations and follow-ups.
How are you different from other clinics?
Our unique combination of clinical practice and academic leadership ensures treatment aligns with the latest developments. We avoid pressure-based sales tactics and focus on ethical, evidence-based care.
What qualifications do your practitioners hold?
Our principal osteopath holds a first-class degree, postgraduate qualifications, and serves as a Final Clinical Competency Examiner. All treatments adhere to General Osteopathic Council standards.
