Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice

15/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome Sam Harris to the clinic.
Sam is an Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist with over 17 years of experience helping people manage pain, improve mobility and support their overall wellbeing. Sam will be working at the clinic on Monday afternoons.

Sam has trained in the Jing Method of Advanced Clinical Massage, a specialist approach designed to help those suffering with persistent or chronic pain conditions.

In addition to her massage qualifications, she previously managed a rehabilitation gym, working closely with clients experiencing long-term back and neck problems. This background gives her an excellent understanding of movement, rehabilitation and the importance of maintaining strength and function.

Sam's skills complement the osteopathic care we provide at Hands on Care. Alongside hands-on massage treatment, she may also offer advice on exercises, stretches and self-management strategies to help support your recovery and long-term health.

Please note: Sam operates as an independent therapist renting a room within the clinic. All appointments and enquiries must be made directly with Sam, as her business is separate from Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice.

Loving my first day at my new work space …had a relaxed morning at home as this one is an afternoon session Mondays 1-7pm, and avoided the Xchurch traffic 🎉.
Thank you for inviting me to work from your clinic Katherine Handsoncare Osteopathic Clinic

15/06/2026

Ageing is inevitable. Decline isn't.

Yes, we all get older. But getting older doesn't automatically mean becoming weaker, less mobile or giving up the activities you love.

In fact, research increasingly shows that lifestyle often has a far greater influence on how we age than the number of candles on our birthday cake.

Regular movement, strength training, staying socially connected, getting enough sleep and looking after our overall health can make a remarkable difference to how we feel in our 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

Yet many people still assume that aches, stiffness, poor balance and loss of confidence are simply "part of getting older."

Sometimes they are common but that doesn't mean they should be ignored.

As osteopaths, we can't stop the ageing process, but we can help you stay active, mobile and independent for longer by:

✔ Improving joint mobility and flexibility
✔ Reducing aches and pains that limit activity
✔ Helping you move with greater confidence
✔ Supporting strength and balance programmes
✔ Advising on exercise and healthy ageing
✔ Helping you understand what your body is capable of

Many of our patients are in their 60s, 70s and 80s and continue to enjoy walking, gardening, golf, swimming, looking after grandchildren and travelling.

The goal isn't to be 25 again.

The goal is to be the strongest, healthiest and most capable version of yourself at every stage of life.

Because ageing is inevitable...

…but staying active, resilient and independent is something worth fighting for. 💪

📍 Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice, New Milton
📞 01425 517017
💻 Online booking available https://hands-on-care-osteopathic-practice.au1.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id%5B%5D=19056&business_id%5B%5D=96573

10/06/2026

🦴 Arthritis: Is it stopping you doing the things you love?

Many people assume that arthritis is something they simply have to "put up with" as they get older. While we can't reverse arthritis, there is often a lot that can be done to help reduce pain, improve movement and keep you active.

At Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice in New Milton, we regularly help people experiencing:

✔ Knee arthritis
✔ Hip arthritis
✔ Neck arthritis
✔ Back arthritis
✔ General stiffness and reduced mobility

Osteopathic treatment may include gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, stretching and advice on exercises, activity levels and self-management strategies.

One of the most important things we do is look at how your whole body is moving. Sometimes pain and stiffness in one area can lead to compensations elsewhere, making everyday activities such as walking, gardening, getting out of a chair or climbing stairs more difficult.

Whether you've recently been diagnosed with arthritis or have been living with it for years, our aim is to help you move more comfortably, stay active and maintain your independence.

📍 Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice, New Milton
💻 Book online: www.handsoncare-osteopathy.co.uk
📞 01425 517017

Don't let arthritis hold you back from enjoying life.

09/06/2026

🩻 What’s the difference between an X-ray, CT scan and MRI scan?

One question we are often asked in clinic is:
“Do I need a scan?”

While scans can be very useful in some situations, they are not always necessary and sometimes can actually create more anxiety and confusion. Many scans show normal age-related changes that may sound worrying but are not actually the cause of pain. Occasionally imaging can also throw up “red herrings” — findings that look important but are unrelated to your symptoms.

A thorough history and physical examination are still incredibly important in helping decide whether imaging is needed at all — and if so, which type of scan is most appropriate.

At Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice, we will discuss your individual situation with you and, if appropriate, can refer you back to your GP for imaging or arrange a private MRI scan referral.

So what’s the difference between the different types of scans?

🔹 X-RAY
An X-ray is usually the first-line scan and is mainly used to look at bones.
It uses a small amount of radiation to create images and is particularly good for:
✔ Fractures
✔ Arthritis changes
✔ Joint alignment
✔ Chest infections
X-rays are quick, widely available and relatively inexpensive. However, they don’t show muscles, ligaments or discs very clearly.

🔹 CT SCAN (Computed Tomography)
A CT scan uses multiple X-rays combined with computer technology to create much more detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
CT scans are useful for:
✔ More complex fractures
✔ Internal injuries
✔ Detecting bleeding or blood clots
✔ Looking at organs and some soft tissues
They are fast and very detailed, which is why they are commonly used in hospitals and emergency situations.

🔹 MRI SCAN (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI scans use magnets and radio waves rather than radiation.
They are particularly good at looking at soft tissues such as:
✔ Muscles
✔ Ligaments and tendons
✔ Discs in the spine
✔ Nerves
✔ The brain and spinal cord
MRI gives incredibly detailed images and is often used for ongoing joint, back or neurological problems. The downside is they take longer, can be noisy and are more expensive. Some people with certain metal implants may not be suitable for MRI scans.

💡 Importantly, more imaging is not always better. A scan should support the clinical picture — not replace a proper assessment.

At Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice, we can help assess whether imaging may be useful and guide you towards the most appropriate next steps

03/06/2026

🌿 Are aches and pains stopping you doing the things you enjoy? 🌿

Whether it's back pain, neck pain, headaches, stiff joints, hip pain or aching knees, osteopathy is about more than just treating where it hurts.

As osteopaths, we look at how your whole body is moving and functioning. Through hands-on treatment, advice and exercises, we aim to reduce pain, improve mobility and help you get back to doing the things that matter most to you.

The good news is that we now have Saturday morning appointments available at our New Milton clinic, making it easier to fit treatment around work, family and other commitments.

Our newest osteopath, Alexa, offers a gentle, patient-centred approach and has availability on Saturday mornings.

📍 Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice, New Milton
📞 01425 517017
💻 Book online at http://www.hands-oncare-osteopathy.co.uk

Not sure if osteopathy is right for you? We're always happy to have a chat before you book.

02/06/2026

As osteopaths, we’re passionate about helping people age well, stay active and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

One thing we see time and time again is people blaming “getting older” for aches, stiffness, weakness or reduced mobility — when in reality, lifestyle often plays a much bigger role than age itself. The earlier we start looking after our bodies, the better the long-term payoff.

That’s why I’d highly recommend this podcast episode with Dr Vonda Wright on bone health, ageing and mobility.

Dr Vonda Wright is an orthopaedic surgeon and internationally recognised expert in active ageing and sports medicine. She explains something so important: osteoporosis and poor bone health don’t suddenly appear in old age — the foundations are often laid decades earlier.

The discussion covers:
• Why our 30s and 40s are such a key time for bone health
• The importance of strength training, movement and protein intake
• Why mobility is one of the biggest predictors of healthy ageing
• How lifestyle choices can influence up to 70% of our long-term health
• The role of scans such as DEXA and REMS in assessing bone quality
• Simple practical steps we can all take to stay stronger and more resilient as we age

One of the most refreshing things about this conversation is that it’s empowering rather than frightening. It’s not about “anti-ageing” — it’s about ageing well, maintaining confidence in your body and giving yourself the best chance of staying active and independent later in life.

Whether you’re in your 20s, navigating perimenopause/menopause, newly retired or simply wanting to look after your future self a bit better, it’s well worth a listen.

Caring for your bones now is really about caring for the future version of you. 💙

Bone health is something most of us don’t think about until much later in life, but the reality is that the foundation for strong, healthy bones is built decades earlier – and what we do in our 20s, 30s and 40s can make all the difference to our health and strength in later years.

26/05/2026

25/05/2026

❓FAQ: What’s the difference between Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?

This is something we get asked a lot. The answer is… there are often more similarities than differences.

All three professions are highly trained healthcare professionals educated to degree level, and all aim to help relieve pain, improve movement and support your overall health and wellbeing.

There are, however, slightly different approaches and areas of emphasis.

🔹 Chiropractors are often associated with spinal “adjustments” or manipulation techniques and generally have a higher level of training in this specific area.

🔹 Physiotherapists are very well known for rehabilitation, exercise prescription and helping people recover from injury or surgery. Many people’s experience of NHS physiotherapy may mainly involve exercises and advice, but private physiotherapy often includes a lot more hands-on treatment too.

🔹 Osteopaths also strongly believe in education, movement and exercise, but we additionally place a big emphasis on hands-on treatment of the muscles and joints using gentle stretching, mobilisation and soft tissue techniques.

At Hands on Care, our treatment style is generally quite gentle and tailored to the individual. We do not do large amounts of joint manipulation (“clicking”), but there are occasions where it may be appropriate and helpful — always discussed first and only carried out with your consent.

Ultimately, the most important thing when choosing a therapist is finding somebody you feel comfortable with, listened to and able to trust.

If you’re curious about how we work at Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice, do have a look through our website and patient testimonials to see whether our approach resonates with you and whether we may be a good fit.

We’re also always very happy to have an informal chat on the phone before booking if you have questions.

📍 Hands on Care Osteopathic Practice – New Milton
📞 01425 517017
🌐

Experience expert osteopathic care in Christchurch for back pain, joint pain, sports injuries, and a wide range of conditions. Serving patients from 7 years to the elderly, our dedicated team provides personalized treatments to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and boost overall well-being. Book you...

24/05/2026

Our latest Hands on Care newsletter is now out 😊

✔ A warm welcome to Alexa, the newest osteopath joining the team
✔ Summer tips to help look after your back, neck and joints during travel and holidays
✔ Advice on staying active without overdoing it
✔ Plus a lovely local discovery — a beautiful dog walking and family park I’ve recently stumbled across and thought was too nice not to share!

If you would like to have a read, you can view the newsletter here:
https://account.peptalkr.com.au/t/d-2AD48DD1413FC7622540EF23F30FEDED

As always, thank you for all your continued support of our small local clinic 💙

22/05/2026

New patient or follow patient appointments available tomorrow in New Milton with Alexa