I have had on going medical problems with my back since prolapsing 2 discs over thirty years ago. I actively manage this by keeping fit and healthy and doing Pilates based exercises. ( For 14 years with Deirdre ) However, due to its inherrant instability, it becomes inflamed at times with accompanying pain and weight bearing problems.

I had always treated this with strong analgesics and rest and resigned myself to the fact that I’d be unable to exercise for 2-4 weeks, until the spasms and swelling subsided and normal function returned. A process I knew well that could not be hurried. (I was an orthopaedic nurse) Someone suggested trying acupuncture. I was very sceptical about it and I didn’t believe it would help at all but I was willing to try it.

I asked Deirdre if she would treat me. I knew she was highly qualified and had the knowledge and skills required and I had complete confidence in her abilities. At her clinic she welcomed me with a perfect mix of friendliness and professionalism that I felt completely at ease and relaxed. During the acupuncture session her calm and gentle manner and her lightness of touch was such that I did not feel a single needle. Afterwards I felt a lightness and a sense of well being. On a less ethereal level my symptoms improved markedly over 48 hours and my overall recovery time was halved. I was surprised and delighted.

Since that first time I have been treated with acupuncture by Deirdre many times, not only for my back, but for two torn calf muscles, tennis elbow and menopausal symptoms. Thankfully not all at once and all with great success. I have also never felt under any pressure at any time to take a ‘course’ of treatments and any follow up treatments have been at my own pace to suit myself and my wallet.)

On one occasion in December last year my back went into spasm at the end of an exercise class. Deirdre treated me, on the spot, with an emergency acupunture technique and I lay still for an hour afterwards. I was amazed that I was able to walk and drive home. I fully expected the usual couple of weeks for the sciatica to settle. I was pain free and weight bearing within 24hours. I am not sure exactly how it all works but it does work and Deirdre is just lovely and very good at what she does.