Run by
The Maris Practice
Osteopathy at Skylarks
The Osteopathic Clinic at Skylarks opened in September 2007 offering osteopathic treatment to children with additional needs.
Treatment sessions are held weekly during term time on Tuesday afternoons at the Crossway Centre. We usually have 2 osteopaths offering treatment at the same time in the same room.
We also offer play sessions, music therapy, drama and karate at the Crossway Centre on Tuesday afternoons, so you are welcome to combine your osteopathy appointment with any of our other activities. Please book these separately.
*Please only book a maximum of TWO sessions at one time. We implement a fair access policy. Once an Osteopath has seen your child they will say how oftern you need to book an appointment*
If our osteopathy appointments are fully booked, please put your child's name on the waiting list for the dates you are available and we will contact you if a space becomes available. Sometimes cancellations can happen at the last minute due to illness etc so please also check the website for last minute availability. The waiting list is here:
Booking:
Appointment times are as follows:
2.45 – 3.15
3.20 – 3.50
3.55 – 4.25
4.30 – 5.00
*These appointments are highly sought after. If you cannot make an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can offer it to someone else. Thank you*
If you are taking part in our osteopathy clinic for the first time, please aim to book two appointments of 30 minutes each, so that you have a 60 minute appointment on your first visit. If this is not possible, please don't worry - just book a single appointment for your first session and the therapist will concentrate on taking a medical history in this session - treatment can then wait till the next session.
After that you may need a 30 minute appointment every 2 or 3 weeks, as advised by your therapist.
If your child has had osteopathy treatment with one of our therapists before, please book a 30 minute appointment. The therapist will then suggest how often to book appointments after that.
How much does it cost?
All our services are free of charge, in order to allow everyone to participate. However, we hope that you will find this service useful and wish to make a donation. An optional donation of £6.00 per session is suggested. This can be paid by contactless payment on the day or via our website.
What do I need to do before I come?
Please book online.
Claire Mac Donald MSC, DO, DPO
Claire Mac Donald is an Osteopath, Nutritional Therapist, and Homeopath with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. With a commitment to personalized well-being, Claire is passionate about empowering and supporting individuals to reach their optimal health and vitality and ultimately take charge of their own wellness journey. Her approach blends the principles of Osteopathy and Nature cure, with her extensive studies in health care and life sciences and collaboration when necessary, with a wide variety of healthcare professionals.
Claire’s expertise extends to a variety of fields, including post graduate qualifications in Paediatric Osteopathy and a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Rehabilitation. Her academic accomplishments include dissertations on topics ranging from non-invasive techniques for Optimal Foetal Positioning to Non-Surgical Approaches for Disc Prolapse.
An avid reader of scientific research, ancient healing practices, and holistic wellness alike, Claire’s recommendations are thoughtfully curated to provide a comprehensive approach to health. She actively engages in educating communities and patients on attainable methods for achieving optimal well-being.
With an extensive career spanning the UK, Claire has operated clinics in Leeds, Manchester, Surrey, and for the past 12 years, she has been based in Twickenham. Her role as Clinic Director and clinic tutor at the Manchester Osteopathic Centre for Children highlights her commitment to specialized care for young patients.
Claire is passionate about holistic well-being, empowerment and optimal healthcare practices for all. In her quest for promoting health, healing, and happiness, Claire is known for fostering beautiful and nurturing environments where both patients and colleagues thrive.
Her dedication to creating spaces that inspire effective treatment and care underscores her commitment to health and healing. With an emphasis on vitality, positivity, and a deep understanding of wellness, Claire looks forward to every day at work.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an ideal treatment for babies and children because it is safe and very gentle.
It can benefit a wide range of health problems from glue ear, asthma, and allergies to digestive disturbances such as colic and reflux. Osteopathy can also help in more complex situations such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism and learning difficulties, as osteopaths look at the health of the individual as a whole not just individual symptoms.
Osteopaths use a very subtle contact to release tensions within the body, freeing blood and nerve supplies to encourage the body’s natural healing process, helping to restore health and well being. Most children find the treatment relaxing and enjoyable.
Treatments are offered in a relaxed informal atmosphere and are tailored to meet each child’s needs. An initial assessment is made on the first visit where a comprehensive case history is taken, an osteopathic examination is made, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. This takes about an hour and we try to include some treatment on the first visit. Follow up treatments are 30 minutes.
What do sessions at the Crossway Centre look like?
Buggies and prams can be left under the stairs where they will not obstruct exits or access to the lift.
The staff wear purple Skylarks T-shirts and the volunteers will wear orange T-shirts so that you can recognise us!
We can make you a cup of tea or coffee. Please keep all hot drinks out of the reach of children.
Please do not leave water bottles where they might be used by others. Please supervise your children when eating to make sure they don’t leave food lying around and please clean up any spillages or leftovers. Please only eat in the entrance hallway and not in the play rooms.
If your child has a toileting accident, we ask you to clean up. We will provide gloves and cleaning materials. Please have a spare set of clothes with you.
Donations can be made by contactless card reader at the centre or online, not in cash.
