Gemma Quirke

Gemma Quirke

Gemma graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 2015, where she gained her first-class degree. She had previously been practicing in both Essex and New Zealand before moving to Yorkshire in 2019. She uses her range of osteopathic techniques to treat a wide range of muscular skeletal conditions, and patients, including maternity and post-partum mothers. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the Yorkshire countryside with her horse, Bill.

We are pleased to welcome Gemma back on Wednesday mornings from 27th May 2026, after her maternity leave.

Relieve pain and transforming lives

  • 113 Otley Road, Guiseley, Leeds. LS20 8AF
  • +44 01943 872278
  • info@guiseleyosteopaths.co.uk

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Understanding Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. The shoulder joint is highly mobile, making it susceptible to injuries, muscle imbalances, and strain. Pain may range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that restricts movement and daily activities. It can be caused by poor posture, repetitive motions, injury, stress, or underlying conditions such as tendinitis or frozen shoulder. Left untreated, shoulder pain can lead to long-term dysfunction and reduced quality of life.

How Osteopathy Can Help with Shoulder Pain
Osteopathy offers a safe and effective approach to preventing, diagnosing, and treating shoulder pain. At Guiseley Osteopathic Centre, we take a holistic approach to shoulder pain treatment, addressing the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. Whether the pain is from a recent injury or a chronic issue, our treatments are designed to help relieve discomfort, restore mobility, and prevent future problems.
Our osteopaths perform a thorough assessment of your shoulder and surrounding areas, ensuring that all related structures, including the neck, upper back, and arms, are functioning harmoniously. Using gentle manual techniques, we aim to reduce tension, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall shoulder function.

Shoulder Pain
Our tailored osteopathic treatments focus on:
* Relieving Pain:
* Hands-on techniques, including soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release, are used to alleviate muscle tension and reduce discomfort.
* Joint articulatory techniques and gentle adjustments help restore normal joint mechanics and relieve impingement or stiffness.
* Restoring Mobility:
* Techniques to increase flexibility in the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles, allowing for improved range of motion and ease of movement.
* Addressing Muscle Imbalances:
* Identifying and correcting muscle imbalances that may contribute to shoulder pain, including strengthening weak muscles and releasing tight ones.
* Improving Posture and Alignment:
* Poor posture is a common contributor to shoulder pain. We address alignment issues in the shoulders, neck, and upper back to prevent further strain.
* Supporting Long-term Healing:
* We provide tailored exercises and ergonomic advice to strengthen the shoulder and improve overall biomechanics, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

Why Choose Osteopathy for Shoulder Pain?
* Comprehensive Care:
* Osteopaths treat the whole body, considering how other areas, such as the neck, chest and back, may contribute to shoulder pain.
* Non-invasive Techniques:
* Our gentle, hands-on treatments are effective for reducing pain and restoring function.
* Personalised Treatment Plans:
* Each plan is customised to your unique needs, ensuring optimal care and recovery for your specific shoulder condition.

What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first appointment includes:
1. Consultation:
* A detailed discussion about your health history, current symptoms, and any activities or conditions contributing to your shoulder pain.
2. Assessment:
* Observation of your posture, range of motion, and simple movements to identify areas of restriction or dysfunction.
* Examination of your shoulder, neck, upper back, and related joints, ligaments, and muscles.
3. Treatment:
* Depending on your condition, initial treatment may include gentle manual therapy to release tension, stretch muscles, and improve joint mobility.
4. Advice and Support:
* Your osteopath will provide personalised recommendations, including exercises, posture tips, and lifestyle changes, to support your recovery and maintain a healthy shoulder.

Most patients 'self refer' to an osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, you are encouraged to keep your GP fully informed, so that your medical records are current and complete. This will ensure you receive the best possible care from both health professionals. With your permission, your osteopath may send a report to your GP with details of your condition and treatment. Osteopaths are skilled in diagnosing conditions and will refer you for further investigation if necessary.

Take the First Step to Pain-Free Shoulders
At Guiseley Osteopathic Centre, we are dedicated to helping you regain full use of your shoulders and live pain-free. Book an appointment today to discover how our osteopathic treatments can provide effective, lasting relief for shoulder pain. Let us help you move with confidence and comfort!

Neck pain affects people of all ages and is often linked to posture, prolonged computer use, driving, stress, or tiredness, causing tight muscles and stiff joints. Sometimes, nerve irritation in the neck can lead to pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand, often with numbness or pins and needles. Headaches, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease can also contribute to neck discomfort.
Osteopathy can effectively manage neck pain by reducing muscle tension, improving joint movement, and alleviating discomfort through techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint articulation, and tailored exercises. Severe cases may require referral to a GP for further investigation.

Common Causes and Treatments:

* Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related changes in spinal discs can cause stiffness or intense pain. Treatment includes manual therapy, exercises, and, if necessary, referral for medical imaging.
* Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Arthritis): Wear and tear in neck joints may lead to inflammation and limited mobility. Osteopathic care focuses on improving flexibility and easing pain.
* Disc Herniation: Damaged discs can press on nerves, causing significant pain. Treatment may include gentle manipulation and traction, muscle works as needed.
* Facet Joint Pain: Joint inflammation can cause spasms and a tilted neck. Gentle joint techniques and mobility exercises provide relief.
* Postural Strain: Prolonged poor posture strains neck muscles, leading to tension headaches. Osteopaths address this with massage, posture advice, and workplace ergonomics.

When to Seek Medical Advice:
Consult a doctor for severe pain, numbness, high fever, or light sensitivity, as these may indicate non-musculoskeletal causes such as infections, fibromyalgia, or serious injuries.
Let osteopathy help restore balance and alleviate neck pain to improve your quality of life. Book a consultation today!

Understanding Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles.

Back pain may vary from a slight niggling ache to sharp debilitating pain that can affect every part of the back and also radiate to other areas of the body. It can be caused by poor posture, muscle imbalances, injury, or stress, and often disrupts daily activities and overall well-being. Whether it’s acute discomfort or a chronic issue, untreated back pain can lead to further complications over time.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathic practice is a safe and effective form of prevention, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of health problems, including back pain. Often back pain resolves quickly by itself, but if it persists for more than a few days, an osteopath may be able to help.

Osteopaths look at the health of your body as a whole and aim to ensure all your bones, muscles and joints are functioning smoothly together. At Guiseley Osteopathic Centre, we take a holistic approach to back pain treatment, fully assessing and addressing the root cause of the issue rather than just the symptoms. We use gentle physical manipulation, stretching and massage with the aim of increasing the mobility of joints and relieving muscle tension. Techniques together with exercise and advice designed to promote and maintain the best environment for a healthy back. Research evidence shows that these osteopathic treatments can have beneficial effects, especially for back pain.

Our osteopathic treatments are designed to:

  1. Relieve Pain: We use gentle, hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, myofascial release, articulatory techniques, joints and spinal adjustments to reduce muscle tension and alleviate discomfort.
  2. Restore Movement: Osteopathy helps improve flexibility and mobility in the spine, reduces muscle tension, allowing you to move more freely and comfortably.
  3. Correct Postural Imbalances: By identifying and addressing poor posture and alignment, we help to prevent further strain on your back.
  4. Promote Long-term Healing: We focus on improving your overall biomechanics and strengthening your core to support long-term back health.

Why Choose Osteopathy for Back Pain?

*                            Holistic Care: Osteopathy treats the entire body, considering how other areas may be contributing to your back pain.

*                            Non-invasive Techniques: Our treatments are gentle and tailored to your needs, providing effective relief without surgery or medication. Osteopathic adjustments provide a safe and effective treatment for back pain and are a proven way of relieving pain and rehabilitating the spine.

*                            Personalised Plans: Each treatment plan is unique, ensuring your specific back pain issues are addressed.

WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR APPOINTMENT?

A first appointment will involve a consultation assessment and possibly some initial treatment. The osteopath will talk to you about your general health, your back pain, and what treatment you are having. They will look at your whole body concerning your back pain and may observe you making simple movements and stretches. In addition to this, they will also feel and examine your joints, ligaments and tissues. Osteopaths are highly trained professionals skilled in diagnosing health issues, including those that may require further investigation.

The method used to treat your back pain will be bespoke to you as it depends on location, the length of time you have been experiencing the pain, the extent of the pain, your age, and any relevant medical history. The treatment often focuses on releasing tension, stretching muscles, and improving mobility – all of which may help relieve pain.

There is no need to consult a GP before visiting an osteopath, although you may wish to do so. An osteopath can give advice about methods to aid recovery and maintain a healthy back.

Take the First Step to a Pain-Free Back

At Guiseley Osteopathic Centre, we are committed to helping you live pain-free and regain your quality of life. Book an appointment today to learn how our osteopathic treatments can provide effective, lasting relief from back pain. Let us help you move with confidence and ease!