Have you ever felt a big ‘click’ or ‘pop’ as you have opened your jaw? and wondered why does my jaw click? This is a common occurrence as up to 70% of the population will experience a dysfunction of the jaw at some point in their life. Good news is that it’s also very treatable by a health care practitioner such as an Osteopath. 

Anatomy 

The jaw is made up of the temporal bone and the mandible bone. Together they make up the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). There is a small articular disc which divides the two bones up and provides a smooth fluid movement at the joint. There are ligaments around the jaw which provide stability. The discomalleolar ligament arises from the smallest bones in your body (within the middle ear). If these ligaments get damaged, this will often lead to tinnitus or other inner ear conditions. That’s why there is a big link between ear dysfunction and jaw pain.

Muscles of the Jaw 

There are many different muscles that attach to the jaw and allow movement in many directions. 

Closing – Masseter, medial pterygoid, anterior and middle temporalis, superior head of lateral pterygoid 

Opening – Inferior head of the lateral pterygoid, mylohyoid and digastric muscle, eccentric contraction of closing muscles against gravity

Protrusion (gliding jaw forward) – Lateral pterygoid

Retrusion (gliding jaw back) – Middle and posterior temporalis

What is that clicking sound? 

There are many reasons why the jaw can cause the clicking or popping noise. The most common causes are:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching) 
• Arthritis
• Articular Disc displacement 
• Stress 
• Trauma 

Treating these underlying issues can help get your jaw moving well with no pops or clicks!

How can an Osteopath help?

Using a variety of soft tissue techniques, we can release the tight muscles around the jaw and create more space within the joint capsule of the TMJ to allow greater ease for the articular disc to move when opening and closing your mouth. 

An Osteopath may also treat the cervical spine, as many muscles attach to both the jaw and neck. This is often why people who suffer from headaches are more likely to experience jaw pain. 

Osteopaths treat holistically and you as an individual not just where the pain is or your condition. So each treatment will vary between individuals even with the same injury. 

Check out Ellie’s profile on the meet our team page to learn more about her.

If you’re new to acupuncture—or even if you’ve tried it before and are curious about a different approach – find out why Zoe‘s patients feel her treatment is so different.

A personalised and integrated approach to treatment

Every treatment is uniquely tailored to you. Zoe draws from both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern Sports Medicine, and often blends in aspects of meditation and yoga to create a well-rounded, holistic experience. At the heart of her practice is a strong focus on patient empowerment. No two sessions are ever the same, because no two patients are the same.

Over the years, Zoe has trained in many different acupuncture styles and techniques. These include:

• neuro-acupuncture,
• Japanese-style acupuncture, ear acupuncture,
• ASHI (commonly known as dry needling),
• scalp acupuncture,
• and non-invasive methods where needles aren’t required at all.

Zoe treats children, adults, and people of all ages and backgrounds. She is focused on supporting your health journey in the way that best suits your goals.

Depending on your condition, your preferences, and how you’re feeling on the day, Zoe will choose the approach that will be most effective and comfortable for you—whether you’re seeking pain relief, support for stress and anxiety, help with starting a family, or general wellness.

Your treatment session is your time

Zoe’s acupuncture sessions include a full consultation and hands-on treatment, and she will be with you the entire time. She does not treat multiple patients in the same time period as many other acupuncturist do – you are her sole focus for the entire session.

A 45-minute session is typically focused on one primary issue, while a 65-minute session allows the space to explore two or more areas of concern. For those seeking cosmetic acupuncture the sessions are 70 mins giving time for a full spa experience.

Zoe is present and engaged throughout your treatment. Occasionally, she may leave you to relax with the needles in for five to ten minutes, often after a short, guided meditation to help you settle. But she is usually right there with you, working hands-on and ensuring you’re supported every step of the way.

Beyond the needles

While acupuncture is central to what Zoe does, it’s far from the only tool she uses.

Depending on your needs, she may incorporate techniques like moxibustion, Gua Sha, cupping, massage, electro-acupuncture, acupressure, microcurrent, infrared heat or myofascial release. These therapies can be used individually or combined with acupuncture to amplify the effects of treatment and help your body heal more efficiently.

What if you needles make you nervous?

If you’re concerned about needles, let us reassure you. Zoe uses sterile, ultra-fine filiform needles that are about the thickness of a human hair —many people don’t feel them at all. If the thought of needles makes you nervous, she can easily adapt the treatment using fewer needles, different techniques, or completely needle-free options, so that your experience is relaxing and stress-free.

Empowering you after your treatment

Healing doesn’t stop when your session ends. She will give those that need it tailored “homework,” which may include movement exercises, gentle stretches, dietary and lifestyle advice, or mindfulness practices. These take-home tools are designed to help you stay involved in your own healing and keep making progress between sessions.

A collaborative healing process

Before she begins treatment, Zoe will take a thorough case history and carry out any relevant assessments to understand your full health picture. She will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and comfort level. She regularly reviews your progress and will check in with you to see what’s working best—then adjusts the plan as needed. Her aim is always to use the techniques that are most effective for you and that you feel good about.

Ready to Try Acupuncture?

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or just not feeling quite yourself, acupuncture can be a powerful and supportive part of your healing journey. If you’re curious or have any questions, feel free to get in touch. Zoe is here to help you feel better—one session at a time.

If you would like to know more about Zoe and her training read her biography on our team page or her recent clinical insight article on how her approach to patient care and she became an acupuncturist.

Please book now with Zoe or contact our team for more information.

As a parent, you want to give your baby the healthiest start possible. You focus on feeding, sleeping, and keeping them safe – but there’s something else that’s just as important that many parents don’t know about: your baby’s gut health.

Every baby is born with a completely fresh and sterile gut, as they have been receiving all their nutrients from their mother through the placenta. The natural and normal process is for bacteria to be introduced through their feeding; whether that is breast feeding or formula feeding, and increasingly more through their environment as they explore the world and transition onto solid foods.

It might sound strange, but having tiny bacteria living in your baby’s tummy play a huge role in keeping them healthy, both now and as they grow up.

Let’s break down why this matters and how you can help support your little one’s health.

Your baby’s first 1000’s days: Why they are so important

From the moment you conceive until your child turns two and a half – that’s about 1000 days – your baby’s body is busy building the foundation for their digestive system, immune system and overall health. Think of it like constructing a house: you want to make sure the foundation is rock solid, and this is important as the immune system starts in the gut.

Once they are born, good bacteria start moving into your baby’s gut and teaching their immune system how to work properly. It’s like having tiny teachers showing your baby’s body the difference between good guys (helpful bacteria) and bad guys (germs that can make them sick).

What do the good bacteria in your baby’s gut actually do?

Supporting the digestive system

Good bacteria produce specific enzymes needed in the digestion of breastmilk, formula and food. They help breakdown the contents into smaller particles. They strengthen the gut wall so the nutrients can be absorbed better and easier. They also help regulate bowel movements . A sign that your baby is struggling to digest their milk or food is extra gas, constipation or diarrhoea and symptoms of colic.

Teaching the immune system

You might be surprised to learn that about 80% of your baby’s immune system lives in their gut!

When your baby has plenty of good bacteria, they create a protective shield that:

• blocks harmful germs from taking hold
• competes with bad bacteria trying to take over space and food
• makes natural antibiotics that fight infections; reducing the need for prescribed antibiotics as the body is able to protect itself
• strengthens the gut lining to keep bad stuff out and absorb the good stuff better
• may help prevent allergies developing by calming down the “allergy-prone” part over-reacting to harmless things like pollen, grasses, dust mites and foods

What can go wrong?

Unfortunately we cannot predict or control everything that will happen in the first 1000 days. There are several common things can disrupt your baby’s gut health:

Birth interventions: as much as we would like to …. it is almost impossible to predict how your baby’s birth will happen. The important thing is that they are born safely and healthy. The more interventions required such as cesarean sections, breathing assistance, or treatment for specific conditions limit their exposure to their mother’s natural bacteria and put additional stress on their immune system.

Illness for you or baby: whether there was a complication with their birth, an older sibling bringing home daycare germs or just normal exposure to sicknesses such as colds and tummy bugs; any small illness can disrupt their gut bacteria and challenge their immune system. This is all very normal and helps their immune system get stronger as they get older.

Antibiotics for you or baby: it is possible you will require antibiotics for an infection such as mastitis or from any surgical procedures during or after the birth. Your baby too can get an infection; it is very common to see infected fingers or toes as their tiny nails can be very sharp and pierce the skin. Toddlers are very good at scraping knees, collecting and sharing illnesses too!

Feeding issues: breastmilk and formula are different; simply because one is natural and the other is man-made. Both contain complex sugars that help feed the good bacteria in the gut but formula is generally slightly harder to digest. A big bonus of breastfeeding is being able to pass some of your immunity to your baby but we understand that this is not always possible or the right option for everyone.

When might your baby need probiotics?

Consider talking to your health professional/allied health practitioner about probiotics if your baby:

• struggles with gas or shows symptoms of colic
• gets sick often with colds or tummy troubles
• has needed antibiotics (or you have and you are breastfeeding)
• has family members with allergies or asthma

When your baby’s natural gut bacteria needs support to establish or gets disrupted, the right probiotics can help get things back on track.

But here’s the key: not all probiotics are the same. There are probiotics that have been specifically created for babies and toddlers, so ensure you reach out to your health practitioner/naturopath to advise you accordingly.

Research has shown that baby’s and toddlers taking probiotics had:

See the links at the end of this blog if you would like to read more of the research.

How do I know which probiotic is right for my baby?

Probiotics are generally very safe for healthy babies, but you should always:

• talk to your allied health practitioner first
• decide how you want to give your baby the probiotic. You can choose to take the probiotic yourself and allow the good bacteria to pass through your breastmilk, add a probiotic to their bottle feed or give them drops directly
• choose products made specifically for infants
• follow dosing instructions and storage instructions carefully

Other Ways to Support Your Baby’s Gut Health

Besides probiotics, you can help your baby’s gut health by:

• using antibiotics only when necessary: Don’t push for antibiotics for every little sniffle
• introducing variety: When your baby starts solid foods, offer different healthy options
• not being too clean: A little dirt and germs actually help build immunity (but still practice good hygiene!)

Key points to remember about probiotics

Your baby’s gut health is like the foundation of a house – get it right early, and everything else is more likely to stay strong. While babies will naturally develop good gut bacteria; not everything runs smoothly in the first few months and years of their little lives.

The good news? There are safe, well-researched ways to help support your baby’s gut health,. These tiny helpers can make a big difference in keeping your little one healthy and setting them up for a lifetime of better health.

Remember, every baby is different. What’s right for one family might not be right for another.

The most important thing is to work with your health practitioner to make the best decisions for your unique situation.

Your baby’s health journey starts with you. Now you know that supporting their gut health is one of the most important gifts you can give them.

Make an appointment today to talk to ourNaturopath Doreen about supporting your baby with probiotics.

Research

Garaiova, I, et al. “Probiotics and Vitamin c for the Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Attending Preschool: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study.”European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 69, no. 3, 10 Sept. 2014, pp. 373–379, https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.174. Accessed 2 Feb. 2021.

Liu, Shan, et al. “Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG Supplementation for Preventing Respiratory Infections in Children: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials.” Indian Pediatrics, vol. 50, no. 4, Apr. 2013, pp. 377–381 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0123-z. Accessed 19 Dec. 2020.

Selma-Royo, Marta, et al. “Shaping Microbiota during the First 1000 Days of Life.”Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2019, pp. 3–24,link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/5584_2018_312, https://doi.org/10.1007/5584_2018_312. Accessed 11 Dec. 2019.

Our massage therapists are trained to provide grounded care, intelligent touch, and lead you on a holistic path to feeling better. They observe your patterns of movement, discuss with you any areas of pain or stiffness and help you achieve the freedom of movement you are hoping for. Their attention to detail combined with a holistic approach and knowledge of anatomy means they can tailor their treatment techniques to bring you the relief you need.

Attention to detail

From the moment you walk through the door, our massage therapists are paying attention — to how you walk and sit, your posture and energy levels, and how your body carries its story. Massage is more than muscle manipulation. It’s a dialogue between hands, intuition, and anatomy. Our massage therapists’ goal is to create a space where your body has permission to shift, soften, and return to balance.

Both Diana and Julia bring together clinical knowledge with a calm, focused presence and a genuine desire to help. Whether you’re looking for immediate relief, recovery, or long-term maintenance, they will work together with you to restore function and ease — not just for the hour you’re on the table, but for the life you live outside it.

A holistic and precise approach

Before every treatment they will discuss the full arc of your condition — how it started, what you’ve tried, how it’s changed — so they’re not just chasing symptoms. If needed, they’ll conduct postural assessments and orthopaedic testing to get clarity on the root cause of your discomfort.

But it’s not just technical. They also work with instinct. Through experience of working with a diverse selection of patients, our massage therapists have developed a strong intuitive feel for what a body needs in the moment — whether it’s deep structural work or something more restorative and gentle. They move fluidly between targeted techniques and whole-body awareness, always guided by your responses.

Which areas do our massage therapists work with most often?

Patients seek massage treatment for help with a wide range of needs, including:

• Chronic neck and shoulder tightness
• Lower back pain and postural dysfunction
• Headaches and stress-related tension patterns
• Jaw tension and TMJ dysfunction
• Pregnancy related discomfort
• Sports recovery and movement longevity
• Workplace strain and ergonomic fatigue
• Ongoing lifestyle maintenance for active or busy lives
  

Whether you are a busy mum, over worked dad, athlete, office professional, older adult, pregnant, or recovering from injury or surgery, massage can help you to feel more at home in your body.

What makes massage treatments in our clinic different?

Our massage therapists work as part of our wider allied health team. They coordinate with our osteopaths and acupuncturist to ensure that they full understand your ailments and are adding their expertise to your treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

Their massage treatments include:

🤲🏻 A blend of remedial, intuitive, and functional techniques
🤲🏻 Postural analysis and orthopaedic testing when needed
🤲🏻 A calm, grounded and relaxing treatment environment
🤲🏻 Options of treatment approaches to suit your preference and area of concern
🤲🏻 Strong results with both acute injuries and chronic conditions

Your body already knows the way — we’re just here to help it find the path

Our massage therapists goal isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about helping your body remember what balance feels like. That might come through precise soft tissue work, nervous system down-regulation, strength support, or small but meaningful shifts in how you move and carry yourself.

Most patients leave a session feeling clearer, lighter, and more connected — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. That’s what we aim for: treatments that restore.

If you’re ready to move, feel, and function better, make time to have massage with our skilled team today.

Check out our massage therapists profiles on the meet our team page to learn more about Diana and Julia.

From the moment you walk into my treatment space, my intention is simple: to help you feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. I’ve created a calm and nurturing environment where your wellbeing comes first — a sanctuary where you can exhale and just be.

My approach to acupuncture is gentle, grounded in evidence, and deeply holistic. With decades of experience in bodywork and Chinese Medicine, I offer much more than a standard treatment. I tailor every session to the individual in front of me, combining modern science with ancient wisdom to support you as a whole person — not just a set of symptoms.

Unlike many practitioners who leave the room once needles are inserted, I stay with you for the entire session. You’re my sole focus, and I believe that level of presence and connection is what allows for truly transformative care.

From science to holistic health: my unconventional path

My career didn’t begin in healthcare. In fact, I started out in the world of science, earning a Master’s degree in Materials Science from the University of Oxford. While I loved the intellectual challenge, I soon realised that my passion lay elsewhere — in working directly with people, helping them feel better in their bodies and in their lives.

I grew up surrounded by holistic health. My dad is an osteopath, and my mum is a psychotherapist, so conversations about the mind-body connection were part of everyday life. It was only natural that I’d eventually find my own way into this world of whole-person care.

I began my journey into hands-on healing as a massage therapist and yoga teacher. These practices gave me a deep understanding of the body — how it moves, how it holds tension, and how it can release and heal. That foundation continues to inform my work today.

Ultimately, I was drawn to Chinese Medicine. What captivated me most was its holistic lens — the way it sees the body as an interconnected system, and how it focuses on addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than just the surface symptoms. As someone with a scientific background, the growing body of clinical evidence supporting Chinese Medicine is also incredibly important to me, and I stay up to date with the latest research and techniques.

Conditions I commonly support:

• Chronic pain (neck, back, joints)
• Stress, anxiety, and sleep issue
• Hormonal imbalances & menstrual health
• Pregnancy support & fertility
• Digestive health
• Sports injuries and recovery
• Cosmetic acupuncture for skin rejuvenation

What a treatment session with me looks like

No two treatments are exactly the same — because no two people are. I work with patients across all ages and stages, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and athletes. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, stress, insomnia, or recovery from injury, I adjust my approach to suit your needs.

If you’re nervous about needles, don’t worry — I offer a variety of non-needling techniques that are gentle and effective.

Over the years, I’ve developed a flexible and integrative approach to Sports Medicine acupuncture, blending traditional Chinese techniques with modern biomechanics. One day I might be helping a patient with neck or back pain, and the next we’re working on sleep, stress, digestion, hormonal or emotional balance.

It’s all about meeting you where you are and looking beyond the obvious. Sometimes what seems like a physical symptom is actually rooted in something deeper — and I work with you to uncover and address those underlying patterns.

Treatments may include:

• Traditional acupuncture
• Massage and myofascial release
• Cupping therapy
• Gua sha
• Electroacupuncture
• Relaxation techniques
• Custom home exercise or movement programs

Empowering you to take charge of your health

My work is about more than just providing temporary relief. I want you to feel empowered and informed in your health journey. That’s why I often offer guidance around nutrition, lifestyle, stress management, and movement practices — practical tools you can take with you to support long-term wellbeing.

One of the most common things patients tell me after a session is how deeply relaxed they feel — often reporting their best night’s sleep in ages. That’s the beauty of this work: not just easing pain or stress, but creating space for your nervous system to reset and your body to heal from the inside out.

Why patients choose my treatment approach

✅ One-on-one, uninterrupted care
✅ Evidence-based + traditional Chinese Medicine
✅ Non-needle techniques available
✅ Deep experience in Sports Medicine acupuncture
✅ Individualised advice on lifestyle and self-care

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

Whether you’re navigating pain, stress, fertility, hormonal shifts, or you’re simply looking to reconnect with your body and find more balance, I’d love to support you.

My practice is rooted in compassion, skill, and integrity — and I’m here to walk alongside you on your path to better health.

Book an appointment today and experience how acupuncture — in the right hands — can be a powerful tool for transformation.ling the right team of healthcare providers to support your healing journey.

Check out Zoe’s profile on the meet our team page to learn more about her.