Dan is the longest serving osteopath at Shefford Osteopathic Clinic and, since he joined in 2008, has really enjoyed becoming part of the family – so much so that in 2023 he bought the Clinic.
Dan graduated in 2005 from the Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine after completing a 4 year full time course. His degree had a heavy leaning towards a more traditional, classical style of osteopathy, which is now only taught at a post graduate level. Combining classical osteopathy with the more modern-day science based approach, allows Dan to deliver a more rounded and complete form of treatment.
In 2013, Dan completed his PGCE, which is allowing him to pursue his interest in teaching the future generations of osteopaths. With a lecturing and clinical role at the London School of Osteopathy (LSO), Dan has progressed to be a 4th year module leader, as well as examining throughout all the year groups, even examining their 5th year final clinical competence exams. This has allowed him to really shape the way osteopaths from the LSO are graduating, as well as becoming a guardian for the profession, maintain that only the highest standard of osteopaths graduate.
Dan is the longest serving osteopath at Shefford Osteopathic Clinic and, since he joined in 2008, has really enjoyed becoming part of the family.
Dan says:
“My goal as an osteopath is to ensure each patient is treated as an individual, and that they can feel reassured in the knowledge that they are in safe hands. It is always an open dialogue with my patients, and their health, happiness and safety is paramount to all I do.
Since entering into education, I learnt so much and loved shaping the way in which osteopathy is going. I’m so happy to be able to offer my knowledge and experience to other graduated, practicing osteopaths, here and abroad.
Whether I’m working in education or treating patients, I harness my years of knowledge from my own training and experience. I am now teaching at post graduate level too. I am proud to be able to share my skills by undertaking my own courses which are open to practicing osteopaths. I have enjoyed many teaching trips abroad and have a strong relationship with a teaching college in Ireland.
Over the years, I have treated thousands of patients, and worked at several clinics, originally being part of clinics at Wellingborough, Bedford and Northampton. Since graduating, I am proud to be part of a long standing team at the Abington Clinic (Northampton), as well as running my own clinic in Bicester (Chapel Street Clinic) and, of course, I’ve been here at Shefford Osteopathic Clinic since 2008.
I continually undertake professional development to stay up-to-date and at the forefront of current medical practice. I have completed many courses including a dry needling and cranial sacral osteopathic course, all of which I incorporate into my everyday skill set. Over the years I have used my cranial osteopathy to successfully treat hundreds of babies, which is a great interest of mine. I enjoy treating the babies and seeing the instant change that can occur, as well as the relief and reassurance in the eagerly watching parents.
I enjoy the constant questions and challenges that come with education, and working with my fellow peers. With a heavy emphasis on university research, I am proud to be a part of the future of osteopathy, and its place in the medical world.”
We asked Dan:
What do you love about your job?
Connecting with people. I love seeing a visible change and physically helping people. Each patient is unique regardless of what they present with.
What’s your best piece of lifestyle advice?
Everything in moderation.
Our other therapists
Laura Webb – MSc, BSc (Hons) – Senior Sports Therapist
Laura graduated in 2009 after completing a 3 year undergraduate degree. Since then Laura has gained valuable experience working in the NHS, private practice and pitch side settings treating a variety of muscular conditions. In 2013 she completed her Sports Therapy Masters, allowing her to include further techniques such as mobilisations of the limbs and spine to complement her existing skills.
Freya Gilmore – M.Ost – Associate Osteopath
*** Please note that Freya is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her baby boy. ***
Freya graduated from the British School of Osteopathy (now UCO) in 2016. She mostly works structurally and has a particular interest in working with patients with osteoarthritis. Patient education is really important to Freya, in the treatment room and online. She is particularly enthusiastic about making the current osteopathic research accessible to all.
Daniel Cullen – Registered Osteopath
Daniel has been a registered osteopath since 2019. His approach is to reduce pain initially, and then restore proper structure and function to the body.
Melissa Thorpe – M.Ost – Associate Osteopath
Melissa has a Masters of Osteopathy with Distinction from the University College of Osteopathy. She is also a qualified BTEC Level 5 Diploma Soft Tissue Therapist, mental health first aider and emergency first aider.