How Osteopathy helped me reclaim my body and confidence
Today we're sharing Janine’s personal experience with osteopathy at Yew Tree Clinic. Individual stories like Janine’s offer valuable perspectives on health journeys. What follows is Janine's account in her own words.
Living with Psoriatic Arthritis and PBC
I’m 61 and have been living with two autoimmune conditions for a while now. However, it took six years of living with psoriatic arthritis and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) before seeking osteopathic support in August 2023.
The arthritis made movement painful, while the PBC—a liver condition unrelated to drinking—left me feeling uncomfortable in my own body. I was immune-suppressed, in pain, and looking for something more than traditional medicine could offer.
I’d tried physiotherapy, but it felt like it wasn’t enough. I needed someone to look at me as a whole person. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment.
Osteopathy: A holistic approach
I was talking to someone who had been to The Yew Tree Clinic, and they spoke so highly of it. They mentioned how osteopathy was different; more holistic. That’s exactly what I needed. I wanted to feel seen, understood, and treated as a whole person, not just a set of problems to fix.
When you have two autoimmune diseases, life becomes incredibly complicated. You’re constantly managing symptoms, medications, and the emotional toll it takes. I knew I needed a different kind of care, and osteopathy felt like it could support me.
The first time I walked out of The Yew Tree Practice, I felt taller, more aligned, and grounded. It was like my body had been reset. I remember thinking, “Something has happened here. Something has changed.”
It wasn’t just a physical shift; it was mental too. I felt hopeful. The treatment from Jill even improved the flexibility of my liver, which was confirmed during a follow-up fibrosis scan. It was incredible to see tangible results from something so gentle and holistic.
Reconnecting with my body
What I’ve gained from osteopathy goes far beyond physical relief. It’s given me the confidence to reconnect with my body. I’ve started running again and even taken up weight training; something I never thought I’d be able to do with arthritis.
The treatments have helped me feel stronger, both physically and mentally. There’s something about that space in the treatment room. It’s a safe space where you can truly reconnect with yourself. It’s a reminder that your body is still there, still capable, and still yours.
The power of being open to change
Part of this journey has been about embracing new ideas. I had to ask myself, “Is medication enough?” and be willing to explore other avenues. You have to let go and allow someone else to guide you.
Osteopathy can support you in shifting how you think about your body and its potential for healing. You have to be open to something different, and that’s where the real transformation can begin.
A call for integrating with traditional medicine
One thing I’ve learned is that traditional medicine and holistic approaches don’t have to exist separately. In fact, they shouldn’t. There’s so much potential for them to work together, especially when it comes to things like post-surgical recovery or managing chronic conditions.
I wish more doctors would consider the trauma that comes with surgery or the emotional toll of living with autoimmune diseases. Osteopathy has shown me that healing is about nurturing the whole person.
The Yew Tree Clinic
The Yew Tree Practice is a nurturing, calming space that feels like it should have a halo on top of the roof! From the moment you walk in, you feel cared for. Jill is incredibly knowledgeable, especially when it comes to understanding the complexities of conditions like mine.
As a post-menopausal woman, I’ve found so much understanding and support from Jill. She truly sees you as a whole person, and that’s what makes all the difference.
My message to others: Take that first step
If you’re living with chronic pain or autoimmune conditions, I encourage you to take that first step. Be open to new ways of thinking about your body and its potential for healing. Osteopathy has given me my confidence back, and it’s helped me reconnect with my body in ways I never thought possible. It makes me feel like “I’ve got this”.
This journey is so much more than physical treatments. It’s also about the mental shift, the space to breathe and receive, and the reminder that you’re not alone.
Thank you, Janine, for sharing your story with our community.
If you're interested in finding out more about osteopathy or would like to book an appointment at Yew Tree Clinic, please contact us on 0117 946 6882.