On a Saturday in February 2007, I met Emma in the Amersham branch. Although I didn’t buy anything that day, Emma convinced me to book a consultation. She was confident she could help me manage my pain and hopefully prevent further surgery.

I’ve been seeing Emma ever since. At first, it was weekly sessions, now reduced to fortnightly.

Emma quickly identified a curvature in my body — she said it looked as though I had been hit on the left side by a ten-ton truck. My whole body was in a c-shape: from my left foot (needing corrective orthotics), through my left knee and calf, up my spine to my head, which tilted 15 degrees to the left. This imbalance was creating tension in my neck and shoulders too.

Emma has worked hard with me to correct this. We even took photos to track progress, which has been amazing to see.

After more than a year of treatment, plus supportive tools (a sit-fit cushion for desk work, a wedge for my car seat, a latex foam mattress, orthotics, and a spiky rubber ball), I’ve made incredible progress:

• Lost over a stone in weight (diagnosed diabetic in March 2007)
• Fewer headaches
• Minimal back pain
• A more flexible, stronger back
• Improved posture
• My head has almost lost its tilt

There’s still a little way to go, but Emma’s dedicated massaging hands, her homeopathic knowledge, and her skills in reiki, reflexology, and ultrasound treatment have made a huge difference.