Union City Therapies

Following a long career in the city, both here in London and in Tokyo, Victoria became interested in osteopathy after the birth of her son in 2006 when she received osteopathic treatment and discovered it's effectiveness and longer term benefits herself. Wanting to find out more about how it all worked led her to a complete career change. Since that time she studied at the British School of Osteopathy, the UK's oldest and largest osteopathic school gaining a Masters in Osteopathy. In that time she also qualified as a sports and pregnancy massage therapist and medical acupuncturist and now regularly uses varied techniques within a treatment. Her interest in the changing demands on the body during pregnancy that gives rise to many complaints also influenced her interest in researching the effects of mindfulness in pregnancy and practicing mindfulness herself which she feels has made her a more focused and effective osteopath. Victoria treats all types of complaints and conditions including sports injuries, postural problems, and pregnancy. Recognising that each person is unique Victoria creates bespoke treatment plans and uses mindfulness informed osteopathy to treat more chronic conditions.

Tanya Friel has a Masters in Osteopathy from the British School of Osteopathy (BSO). As well as being an osteopath, she is also a qualified sports massage therapist, wellness coach and personal trainer. ? After competing at a national level in biathlon (cross-country skiing and shooting) for thirteen years in Bulgaria, she studied Sports Science for her first degree. Since moving to the UK in 2006 she worked as a personal trainer with a special interest in core stability, exercise during pregnancy and long distance running. She qualified as a Wellness Coach in 2001 with the American College of Sports Medicine which helped her develop a client-centred approach that aims to empower clients to achieve self-determined goals related to health and fitness. This led to a particular interest in the treatment of injuries and rehabilitation and eventually led to studying Osteopathy. Her broad experience now plays an important role in her treatment approach and long-term patient management strategies. ? As part of the training at the BSO she studied cranial osteopathy and has developed a huge appreciation of this refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment which encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body. Cranial Osteopathy, in combination with the structural osteopathic approach has helped her practice by equipping her with more open and holistic tools for treating complex patients.

Marion's interest in acupuncture arose out of her study of shiatsu massage when she was introduced to the concepts of Chinese Medicine. Once she'd finished her Shiatsu training she embarked on a full time 3 year degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at Westminster University graduating in 2003 with a BSc Hons. ? From London she travelled to a teaching hospital in Chengdu in China to observe and study acupuncture and Tuina. This experience gave her insight into how acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine. ? On her return from China she worked at the NHS Gateway Clinic in South London, a multi-bed clinic treating a whole spectrum of conditions. She continued working there for 10 years loving the variety and invaluable experience it gave her. Whilst she was at the Gateway she also worked for 7 years as the acupuncturist at the Crossing in East Finchley to support people through their recovery from substance abuse and misuse. From her experience Marion is interested in all pain issues including musculoskeletal conditions, autoimmune diseases, menstrual pain, headaches and migraine, and anxiety disorders. Currently Marion is studying Postural Integration with Silke Ziehl at the open Centre in Old Street.

Masters in Osteopathy, GOsC registered

ITEC Level 3 Sports Massage