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Amanda Oswald, owner of the Pain Care Clinic, is celebrating the first anniversary of launching her business in the capital.
The Leith-based clinic specialises in myofascial release, which Amanda describes as
“a gentle, hands-on therapy, that works to release restrictions in the fascia, the main connective tissue in the body, which is often the source of chronic pain.”
We had a chat with Amanda, who has more than 17 years’ experience in myofascial therapy, to find out more about her business and her plans.
Reflecting on why clients seek out myofascial treatment, Amanda says:
“Most people come to me because they have not been able to find an effective solution to their chronic pain, which they may have had for months or years.
“They have usually been through the medical ‘mill’ and may have been told there’s nothing more that can be done and that they’ll just have to live with their pain.
“Many of them have tried lots of other therapies which may have helped to a certain extent. A lot of them have done their own research into alternative ways to help their chronic pain and have come across myofascial release, and then me.
“However, I am also finding that increasingly people are being advised by their medical specialists to find treatment for myofascial or soft-tissue pain. I see this as very positive progress.”
Pain conditions and the treatment process
Amanda treats a number of pain issues, as she explains: “People come to see me with a range of chronic pain issues. These typically include headaches and migraines; shoulder issues; back pain; chronic pelvic pain; knee problems; plantar fasciitis; and scar tissue.
“Although these pain conditions are very common, everyone’s pain is personal to them. People often don’t have just one pain issue but can have a combination of aches and pains.
For those who haven’t yet tried myofascial release and are intrigued to know what to expect from a consultation, Amanda says: “When a client books their initial appointment, I first send them a health-history questionnaire to complete and return in advance. This gives me an overview of the issues most relevant to them now.
“When they come for their first appointment, we use this as a starting point to discuss why they’ve come to see me. I’ll also do a postural assessment to see where there are imbalances in their body that may be contributing to their pain. Often the imbalances, and the source of the pain, are not where they feel pain.
“This referred pain pattern is very common when the fascia in the body become restricted. An important part of the appointment is therefore also to explain fascia and myofascial release, as some people are not entirely sure about what it is or how it works.
“I always explain that the treatments should feel relaxing and gentle even though they work deeply into the body. I will always start some hands-on treatment in the first appointment, and I also give people simple, self-help myofascial exercises to do at home. All my appointments, including the initial one, last for 50 minutes.”
The business now – and the next steps
Anyone who has ever started a business knows that it is not easy – especially if launching in a new location, but it has been a positive experience for Amanda, personally and professionally:
“I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved this year,” she says:
“Moving back to Edinburgh, my hometown, after 40 years away, was a huge step and I wasn’t sure how I would feel when I got here. Now I can see my family much more often, I’m making new friends and I’m really enjoying life here.
“It was challenging to start my business in Edinburgh, but I knew deep down that it would be OK, as it is something I have done in other cities, including Leeds, where I still provide some in-person consultations.”
Amanda also has plans to offer more help to more people in the year ahead: “I am continuing to add to my YouTube channel of self-help exercise videos. I will also be expanding my online offering, with more appointments available to people in other parts of the UK and abroad.”
Photography: Rebecca Holmes Photography
