It’s one of the busiest time of year for us, with lots going on, including welcoming new clinic tutors. Here’s a little more about them all:
Justin Owen
Justin is an alumni from the University College of Osteopathy where he gained his Masters Degree, and has since qualified as a Medical Acupuncturist. He has also completed post graduate courses in functional biomechanics and kinesiology taping.
Justin became interested in Osteopathy having sustained a chronic neck injury following a motorcycle accident. During school and into his early 20’s he played competitive rugby and was also an accomplished rower for his school. He still rides (and builds) motorbikes, regularly runs in Richmond Park and indulges a lifelong passion for carpentry.
Justin has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including with athletes and performing arts professionals.
He now works as an associate at Streatham Osteopaths as well as principle osteopath at Twickenham Green Osteopaths. His special areas of interest include the treatment of the neck and shoulder.
Carolyn Parfitt
Carolyn Parfitt graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a Master’s Degree in Osteopathy. She has worked within busy multi-disciplinary clinics in London and the South-East, working with a wide range of patients.
As part of her Master’s in Osteopathy Carolyn undertook extensive research in the field of chronic lower back pain and its treatment, working closely with other healthcare professions and NHS staff.
Carolyn has been a technique tutor at the UCO for the past year and has also helped develop our elective Sports Care module. Carolyn is currently studying her MSc at University College London, Institute of Health and Sport Exercise in Sports Medicine, learning from some of the best Doctors, Physiotherapist and Strength and Conditioning Coaches.
Carolyn has also undergone further post-graduate training in Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Rehabilitation, Cranial Osteopathy, Pilates, Medical Acupuncture and Kinesio-Taping.
Carolyn comes from a sporting background, having competed in and won several triathlons, half marathons, cycling events.
Nick Castle
Nick Castle MSc (Ost), BSc (Hons) is an Osteopath and Graduate Sports Rehabilitator. Nick will be joining us as a technique tutor and clinic tutor at the University College of Osteopathy.
Prior to completing his MSc in Osteopathy at the UCO, Nick completed a BSc (Hons) Sport Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention at Middlesex University, London. His specialisms and areas of interest, aside from general osteopathic practice would be in the demanding world of sports osteopathy and sports injuries, particularly in regard to how osteopathy can complement a sports medicine multi-disciplinary medical team. Nick’s dissertation for his Master’s involved investigating the role of osteopathy in professional football.
He currently runs three private osteopathy and sports medicine clinics, all based in London where he has a team of osteopaths and physiotherapists; Nick’s weekly schedule also takes in working at two professional football clubs. In addition to his work at the UCO, Nick also teaches in sports injuries, anatomy, sports massage and joint mobilisation techniques for two private training companies.
Having previously worked in a clinic tutor role and completed various lecturing work across the UK, Nick says he really gets a buzz off working with students to support the development in their own skills, clinical reasoning and self-confidence; “It’s truly rewarding to work with students who are motivated and keen to develop, plus they keep you on your toes!”
Will Barker
Will Barker is a clinic and technique tutor at the British School of Osteopathy, teaching in the clinic on Fridays.
Will graduated from the UCO with a Masters of Osteopathy, and since then has worked in private practice in his own clinic in Welling, Kent. Further to this he also works as the Lead Osteopath for Welling United Football Club, as well as being part of the medical team for the British and English Karate Federations.
He has a particular interest in the treatment and rehabilitation of sporting injuries. Will is also interested in the management of conditions affecting the leg, foot and ankle as well as the pre and post surgical management of patients, particularly after hip and knee replacements.