When I asked for your thoughts on my Q&A session and whether you’d be interested in more like it, I was met with a resounding yes. And because I always aim to please, this week we’re having a chat with our sports injury specialist, Tom Kilner.

Why did you want to become an osteopath?

I come from a long line of medical professionals, namely doctors and vets, so it’s safe to say it’s always been in my genes to enter the healthcare world! So I qualified from the European School Of Osteopathy in Kent followed by my master’s in sports medicine – why osteopathy? Well, I've always been a very practical person and enjoy working with my hands, so I was more drawn to manual therapies rather than medicine. Osteopathy provides me with the autonomy to work when and how I want to, in a rewarding field, and I get to meet loads of different people every day with varying complaints which is a great bonus.

Are there any patients that you've helped that really stand out for you?

The most satisfying and memorable patients are always the ones who have been in pain for years, despite meeting with countless therapists, and knowing that you’re the one who’s solved their problems.

One of my favourite happy endings came from a 41-year-old triathlete, who had an eight-year history of left calf pain resulting from anterior running posture (that is, his pelvis tilted forward, making his weight bearing more forward). As a result, this put strain on his lower back and the pain referred to his calf. Just four treatments and a carefully followed exercise plan, and he hasn't suffered from any pain since. It turns out there was nothing wrong with his calf at all, it was simply working too hard.

What's the best thing about being an osteopath

It is very gratifying to be able to take away someone's pain or improve their standard of daily functioning, and I enjoy educating patients and giving them a better understanding of their own bodies and their condition. Honestly, I’m always happy to go to work, which can be a rare thing really. Oh, and maybe taking Friday afternoons off too…

What do you do in your spare time?

I love my bike! I ride up mountains, down mountains, off mountains, and occasionally into mountains… When I’m not cycle mad and at home I'm mainly making (and eating) cake.

Have you got any questions you’d like to ask our osteopaths? Let us know!

In the meantime, give us a call on 01722 512 043 if you’d like to have a chat with one of our experts about your health.