Health is our ability to adapt to external environment and life challenges.
Arbury Osteopathic Clinic
Osteopathy for adults and children. Dynamic neuromuscular rehabilitation. Education: courses in child motor development and baby handling skills.
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About me
Helen Terentjev
Practicing Osteopath, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation Practitioner.
I provide treatment and consultations for adults, children, and babies in the clinic, offer home visits for babies, and do video analysis of the motor-development of the child.
I consider my work a great joy and a privilege to help the tiniest of patients and their families. There is a certain point in most practitioner-patient interaction, where the person you are working with ‘gets it.’ These moments provide the kind of positive reinforcement that keeps me coming back.
I consider my work a great joy and a privilege to help the tiniest of patients and their families. There is a certain point in most practitioner-patient interaction, where the person you are working with ‘gets it.’ These moments provide the kind of positive reinforcement that keeps me coming back.
About me
I graduated with BSc (Hons) Osteopathy from London School of Osteopathy (2006) and then trained in Paediatric Osteopathy with The Foundation of Paediatric Osteopathy graduating with MSc Paediatric Osteopathy (2009). Then I worked at the Osteopathic Centre for Children’s busy children’s clinic for three years. Through OCC, I had an experience of working in the neonatal intensive care wards in three London hospitals.
I am also the qualified Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation Practitioner, certified by the Prague School of Rehabilitation, Prague, Czech Republic.
I am registered (reg No6014) with the General Osteopathic Council and a member of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO), through which I hold my professional insurance.
On health, and movement, and the work of an osteopath...
Movement is the main characteristic of life. Each movement has a rhythm. An organism can only exist when movement and rhythm are in harmony with each other.
Health is the balance of all internal and external functions of the body. Health is our ability to adapt to external environment and life challenges.
I am interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation and focus on the process of continuous adaptation of nervous system to the changes in our internal and external environment, with reflexes being at the core of all processes in the body. In the end, it is the complexity of our reflex interactions that underlines both our conscious and subconscious behaviour.
The primary goal of my interaction with a patient is to improve the performance of their nervous system, reflex activity, restore sensory-motor interactions, and increase the adaptability at all levels of functioning: in children and adults alike.
I had amazing and inspirational mentors and tutors throughout my carrier. I continue my education, and conduct clinical research that shapes the way I think and care for patients. As part of my neuromuscular rehabilitation work (in conjunction with educationalists in Teach First, CCCU), I have done several studies on motor-dysgraphia in children in secondary and primary schools.
Finally, I enjoy my role as an educator, having an opportunity to be guest-lecturer in paediatrics to post-graduate osteopaths within Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy. With my colleagues, I am currently developing more postgraduate training and public courses in child development to bring awareness of our early childhood experiences on our bodies and life experiences in general. Also we are writing a book on baby handling skills for optimal postural development, are supporting a public YouTube channel and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Telegram channel for the osteopaths and healthcare practitioners interested in motor development and its effects on our children.
I am also the qualified Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation Practitioner, certified by the Prague School of Rehabilitation, Prague, Czech Republic.
I am registered (reg No6014) with the General Osteopathic Council and a member of the Institute of Osteopathy (iO), through which I hold my professional insurance.
On health, and movement, and the work of an osteopath...
Movement is the main characteristic of life. Each movement has a rhythm. An organism can only exist when movement and rhythm are in harmony with each other.
Health is the balance of all internal and external functions of the body. Health is our ability to adapt to external environment and life challenges.
I am interested in physical medicine and rehabilitation and focus on the process of continuous adaptation of nervous system to the changes in our internal and external environment, with reflexes being at the core of all processes in the body. In the end, it is the complexity of our reflex interactions that underlines both our conscious and subconscious behaviour.
The primary goal of my interaction with a patient is to improve the performance of their nervous system, reflex activity, restore sensory-motor interactions, and increase the adaptability at all levels of functioning: in children and adults alike.
I had amazing and inspirational mentors and tutors throughout my carrier. I continue my education, and conduct clinical research that shapes the way I think and care for patients. As part of my neuromuscular rehabilitation work (in conjunction with educationalists in Teach First, CCCU), I have done several studies on motor-dysgraphia in children in secondary and primary schools.
Finally, I enjoy my role as an educator, having an opportunity to be guest-lecturer in paediatrics to post-graduate osteopaths within Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy. With my colleagues, I am currently developing more postgraduate training and public courses in child development to bring awareness of our early childhood experiences on our bodies and life experiences in general. Also we are writing a book on baby handling skills for optimal postural development, are supporting a public YouTube channel and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Telegram channel for the osteopaths and healthcare practitioners interested in motor development and its effects on our children.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a holistic system of manual medicine. Osteopathy captivates me with its logic and efficiency. It is based on a traditional medical examination, aided by fine palpation of tissues and organs.
Postural Development: Hip joint
Osteopathic consultation is appropriate for people with a broad range of musculoskeletal disorders, from low-back or neck pain, to sports injuries, to paediatric concerns, to developmental problems.
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)
Every mobility issue, tight muscle, or stuck joint are all underpinned by a stability issue. DNS is a functional rehabilitation method that aims to activate the body’s natural inbuilt stabilization systems. It is the method of physical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the whole body, including that of breathing, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and the nervous system of the body.
DNS was developed by Prof. Pavel Kolar, the head of The School of Physiotherapy, at the Charles Medical University in Prague, by collating and correlating the data from multiple therapists: physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, doctors, neurologists.
The “Prague School” of Rehabilitation and Manual Medicine was established by key neurologists/physiatrists, all of whom were giants in the 20th Century rehabilitation movement: Professors Vaclav Vojta, Karel Lewit, Vladimir Janda, and Frantisek Vele.
Based upon the ground-breaking neurodevelopmental and rehabilitation principles described by these mentors, Pavel Kolar has put together the next generation of clinical protocols that are designed to restore and stabilize locomotor function. This new rehabilitation approach is called Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. See video. More information from the Prague School could be found on https://rehabps.com/. The DNS app is available from https://www.rehabps.com/app.html.
The “Prague School” of Rehabilitation and Manual Medicine was established by key neurologists/physiatrists, all of whom were giants in the 20th Century rehabilitation movement: Professors Vaclav Vojta, Karel Lewit, Vladimir Janda, and Frantisek Vele.
Based upon the ground-breaking neurodevelopmental and rehabilitation principles described by these mentors, Pavel Kolar has put together the next generation of clinical protocols that are designed to restore and stabilize locomotor function. This new rehabilitation approach is called Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization. See video. More information from the Prague School could be found on https://rehabps.com/. The DNS app is available from https://www.rehabps.com/app.html.
Education
Also we support the public You Tube channel “Smart4Growing”, and the Telegram channel “Smart Growing UK” for the continuing professional development (CPD) for the osteopaths and healthcare practitioners interested in motor development and its effects on life of our children.
I offer consultations and individual training 'Informed Handling Skills for your Baby', where parents can learn the best skills to support optimal motor development. The 'book' link brings you to the draft pages of a book on "How To". I invite you to participate by commenting and asking questions.
I am a part of the team developing postgraduate training and public courses in child development with focus on motor-skills development (https://www.smart-growing.uk), and writing a book on baby handling skills for optimal postural development.
New Patient Information
Please read this information if you are a new patient, or a current patient where 12 months or more has lapsed since your last treatment.
This is a 2-stage process: a telephone consultation and then a face-to-face appointment for treatment (unless deemed inappropriate by the osteopath.) This allows us to take your current case history and/or update your medical history.
During your telephone consultation the osteopath will update you on any new procedures that need to be followed in clinic in line with current healthcare guidelines, and get your consent to keep your notes under the new GDPR rules. Let us know if you require a copy of our privacy policy; it is available on our website or as paper copy in the clinic.
The osteopath will take time to understand where your problem is, how it started, and what makes it feel worse and better. They will then go through your past medical history, including any medication that you are taking. At this point, the osteopath may give you some advice to help your problem or await the second part of your appointment, which is face to face.
At your face-to-face consultation, you can use our waiting room or wait in your car, and we will call you when we are ready for you. When inside the clinic you can wash or sanitise your hands. Your osteopath could wear a face mask, if you prefer, and will do so if they think in their professional opinion that it would be better for your health. You can also choose to wear a face mask if you wish.
During your telephone consultation the osteopath will update you on any new procedures that need to be followed in clinic in line with current healthcare guidelines, and get your consent to keep your notes under the new GDPR rules. Let us know if you require a copy of our privacy policy; it is available on our website or as paper copy in the clinic.
The osteopath will take time to understand where your problem is, how it started, and what makes it feel worse and better. They will then go through your past medical history, including any medication that you are taking. At this point, the osteopath may give you some advice to help your problem or await the second part of your appointment, which is face to face.
At your face-to-face consultation, you can use our waiting room or wait in your car, and we will call you when we are ready for you. When inside the clinic you can wash or sanitise your hands. Your osteopath could wear a face mask, if you prefer, and will do so if they think in their professional opinion that it would be better for your health. You can also choose to wear a face mask if you wish.
The waiting room is spacious and now fully open, but if you prefer to wait in your car or outside, we will call you in when we are ready for you. Clinic is on the ground floor, and you can bring in the pram, if you are coming with your baby. We have off-road parking in front of the entrance.
Osteopaths need to make an examination of the body structure to help us form a diagnosis of your condition. For example, if you have a neck problem, we will need to look at your whole spine to see how it works with the neck. It might be possible that a foot problem affects your postural balance, giving you headaches, thus an overall view of the body will be required. So, when deciding what to wear, consider some shorts, as we may require you to undress down to your underwear. You might wear a camisole or vest top over your bra, if applicable. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please let us know, and you could bring a chaperone. If we need to provide a chaperone, please, let us know in advance.
Osteopaths have many techniques at their fingertips, which they could use to make you better. The osteopath will discuss with you the of examination and the treatment techniques before using them. Often, different techniques seamlessly roll into each other to achieve the best for the patient, and overcome any limitations the situation might present. If it is appropriate, and you give your permission for us to proceed, we would give you a treatment at this stage. Often the first treatment is short, so we can use it as a test for further treatments. If osteopathy is not the treatment of choice, we will point you in the right alternative direction. If you need further investigation, e.g. X-rays, we will arrange this or write to your GP on your behalf.
Your telephone consultation could vary in time, depending on the complexity of your case history. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes. The face-to-face consultation takes up to 45 minutes, and subsequent appointments will be about 30-45 minutes. These times are allocated to allow for discussion, removal of clothing, examination, and most importantly: treatment. It includes the time for your osteopath to write up your notes. The length of appointments may vary too, as sometimes the discussion and/or removal of clothing is not necessary. Osteopaths are experienced health professionals, and would not wish to overtreat, particularly if your condition is sensitive or in the treatment of babies and young children.
Please talk to your practitioner ahead of making your first appointment.
As osteopaths, we will give you advice on lifestyle, and what you can do to aid recovery. Sometimes we will suggest you exercises, which are mostly based on developmental positions to wake up genetic developmental pathways, and we could provide a dynamic neuromuscular rehabilitation programme for you.
Most people feel that they improve after treatment. A minority find that they can still ache for 24-36 hours after treatment before feeling better. If you are worried, please contact us: we do wish to know. We can then give you advice, or perhaps you may need to come back in sooner for reassessment.
If you are fit to drive to your appointment, you should be fit to drive away after. But you are welcome to wait in the waiting area, if you wish, to be picked up.
If pain comes back after the course of treatment, please book an appointment so we can reassess what has happened to you. We could write to your doctor (GP) after your first visit unless you advise us otherwise.
With children, after treatment some sleep all the way home, others are more alert. Should you be worried post treatment, please do contact us.
If you are fit to drive to your appointment, you should be fit to drive away after. But you are welcome to wait in the waiting area, if you wish, to be picked up.
If pain comes back after the course of treatment, please book an appointment so we can reassess what has happened to you. We could write to your doctor (GP) after your first visit unless you advise us otherwise.
With children, after treatment some sleep all the way home, others are more alert. Should you be worried post treatment, please do contact us.
As of today, 28 April 2023, the government guidelines are:
“There are no coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in the UK. If you have COVID-19 you should try to stay at home.”
We regularly undertake risk assessment in line with Government guidance on COVID-19.
Since the 30 May 2022, the UK government have removed the requirement for face masks to be worn. We will continue to assess the risk of infection of any type, and apply mitigations, which in our professional opinion are deemed appropriate to protect either you as the patient or us as the osteopaths. We continue with the heightened cleaning regime and staff training, i.e. awareness of hand-washing best practice, safe use of PPE, timely updates on clinic policy and infection measures. You can request to see the full Policy in Clinic.
“There are no coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in the UK. If you have COVID-19 you should try to stay at home.”
We regularly undertake risk assessment in line with Government guidance on COVID-19.
Since the 30 May 2022, the UK government have removed the requirement for face masks to be worn. We will continue to assess the risk of infection of any type, and apply mitigations, which in our professional opinion are deemed appropriate to protect either you as the patient or us as the osteopaths. We continue with the heightened cleaning regime and staff training, i.e. awareness of hand-washing best practice, safe use of PPE, timely updates on clinic policy and infection measures. You can request to see the full Policy in Clinic.
We hope that you will have an outstanding experience of care and treatment at Arbury Osteopathic Clinic, as others have had over many years. In the unlikely event that you must complain, please in the first instance go back to the Osteopath you have seen. If this is not satisfactory or possible, then please talk to the clinic owner Helen Terentjev who will give you advice on how to proceed.
We treat babies and children using both cranial and structural osteopathic techniques. It is possible to breastfeed, or bottle feed your baby during the consultation, the treatment can carry on while your infant is feeding. Please do bring soothers, toys for your children to play with, and a small clean cot blanket, as we have only a limited number of toys and books we are allowed to use.
At your first appointment we need to find out all about your child and the problems they are experiencing. We need to ask you and your child questions that will help formulate a diagnosis; this is also likely to include a history of the child’s birth and their past medical history.
Children and young people under the age of 16 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It is useful if the mother can give us details about the birth and formative years.
At your first appointment we need to find out all about your child and the problems they are experiencing. We need to ask you and your child questions that will help formulate a diagnosis; this is also likely to include a history of the child’s birth and their past medical history.
Children and young people under the age of 16 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It is useful if the mother can give us details about the birth and formative years.
18 Hurrell Road, Cambridge CB4 3RH