a bit (a lot) about me! I graduated from McTimoney Chiropractic College 2005, and have since worked in many different clinic settings in the UK, then settling in Bristol in 2007. I worked within The Berkeley Centre on Berkeley Square, Clifton, for a number of years , which was a busy multi disciplinary centre, working alongside, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Orthotists, massage therapists and personal trainers, amongst others. It was a brilliant place to work, there was always a colleague to refer patients to and vice verca. So if any of my patients were not responding the way we had hoped someone was on hand to take a referral, and equally I was there to take such referrals from other therapists. I have kept in close contact with my colleagues and feel very lucky to have them to refer to if the need arises.
Sports. I love most sports but my main team sport is hockey. I play for Firebrands Hockey Club, in Failand, Bristol. Some of you will remember me having to give up playing after a few hand fractures, but you only live once, so I have made my return to the field in recent years (that was rather a shock to the system) but I have been really enjoying it. I have worked at an international hockey tournament, treating athletes from many countries world wide which was brilliant fun.
I started running, something I never thought I would say or do. It is definitely a love hate relationship (mostly hate). I can at least empathise these days with patients who need to run for head space, distraction, fitness and fun. I have entered a 1/2 marathon next year so I will need all the tips I can get from any expert patients! I am starting my running career with an inflatable 5K this weekend! (June 2021).
I am really keen on animals and have 2 miniature Dachshunds, one of which, Otto, used to come into the clinic with me. He was a popular addition, but he did disgrace himself most days, being a bit too over enthusiastic with the licking of fingers, faces, feet, and other such embarrassing behaviour. He doesn't come to the clinic anymore because he stays at home with Olive, who is way too crazy to be in a closed space for more than 5 minutes. I also love horses, so I decided to train to treat animals in 2014, attending the International Academy of Veterinary Chiropractic and went on to give chiropractic treatment to horses and dogs. I am intending to get back to treating horses (and their riders), and dogs, so if anyone has a dog or horse in need, and is based in and around Bristol please ask.
I am just returning to work, after a much longer than planned break (due to Covid 19) to have my 2 children who are now 5 and 3. So I'm looking forward to seeing some old faces back in the clinic, and to meet some lovely new faces.
Testimonials.
"I am a 77 year old lady, I still keep a horse and compete in Weston reining. Gemma has kept me mobile over the years with regular MOT. I recommend her for anyone with joint pain, muscle pain, and stiffness and for correcting body alignment. She will gently put everything right" N Atherton.
"Gemma has helped me greatly with a long standing back problem via various treatment methods. She explains what she is going to do and why. Gemma looks at the whole body and not just what you think is the problem area" C Batten.
"I found Gemma provided a good standard of professional service in a friendly and compassionate way, and gave me some good advice regarding my treatment" G Boyle
"Visited Gemma several times over the year to work on long existing neck and back pain problems. Gemma was very knowledgeable and professional and her work has dramatically improved the problem. Her advice on posture and exercises has helped me to maintain a pain free neck. I would highly recommend that you go and see her to sort out your problems. Do not suffer in silence!" M McFeat.
"It can be a little daunting visiting a Chiropractor for the first time. You don’t need to worry however, Gemma has a wonderful knack of putting you at ease.
After a chat about my pains and a careful assessment, she explained and drew a clear diagram of my problem area and described how she intended to treat the problem.
Over the course of a few weeks Gemma’s treatment has returned my range of movement, from when I first saw her I could hardly move, now I’m close to being able to run again. I’m continuing to use the remedial exercises that she has advised me that will improve the problem and prevent a reoccurrence.
Gemma’s skill, knowledge, and friendly yet professional approach are to be commended" C Porter.
"I first visited Gemma as part of a Groupon offer in an effort to reduce the amount I was spending on Chiropractic treatment. Gemma identified the route cause of my pain and recommend complimentary treatments to help resolve the issues that previously had not been identified by other chiropractors. Highly recommended." E Gunn
"I went to Gemma with a really painful back, which she expertly relieved for me. It hasn't returned. I recommended Gemma to a friend who was also very please with the results.
I have never been to a chiropractor before, Gemma put me at easy and was very helpful and professional. I would have no hesitation recommending her to other friends if the needs should arise" L Bees
"I have used Gemma to help solve a recurring back problem. I can not speak highly enough of her chiropractic skills. Within 5 minutes of being in her room, she had identified all my major pains and aches, including some I had forgotten! It is always a pleasure to go and see her and my back is infinitely better as a result. Thanks for all your help Gemma! "A Greenwood.
"Gemma did an excellent job of identifying the cause of my back pain within our first session and set to work on quickly sorting it over a short run of sessions through gentle, but very effective McTimoney chiropractic techniques. Gemma gives a good balance of on-the-spot treatment and advice around physiotherapy exercises/follow-up work to do at home. " E Spillaine
"Gemma is my introduction to chiropractic services, and I've been highly impressed by her knowledge, expertise and bedside manner. I feel relaxed, in capable hands and confident she can remedy the problems I have - and give me a personalised strategy for avoiding them in future. I highly recommend her to anyone - I get the impression she's one of the best at what she does." G Caveney.
"Gemma has totally improved my lifestyle and now a regular client of hers as she gets my back ailments sorted in an effective and relaxed manner" H Cameron
"I visited Gemma due to a very painful shoulder. She very quickly located the source of the problem and after just a few sessions the pain disappeared. It is now several months later and the pain has not returned. I'd certainly recommend Gemma without reservation - she was just great." I Caskie.
"Gemma's knowledge and expertise was excellent. By making small precise adjustments to my back and the alignment of my hips, Gemma successfully resolved an on-going soreness that I had suffered sporadically with my lower back for a number of years. Unfortunately for herself, Gemma was too successful as I have not had to return in over 6 months. But should I ever have another issue I would definitely see her again for treatment. "A Gibson
"Gemma is friendly and professional. She was able to quickly identify the issue with my back. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone." A Aistrup.
"I am delighted to recommend Gemma. In just a few sessions, she has made a big difference to the way my back moves, which in turn has made a huge difference to my energy levels and the way I feel about life" E Dawson.