# Materna Osteopathy

> Gentle, evidence-based osteopathy for adults, women, babies and children in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Supporting your body through pain, pregnancy, recovery and growth.

## Practitioner

- [Maria Clementson, M.Ost (Hons)](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/about): Lead osteopath. Master of Osteopathy (Honours) from the European School of Osteopathy. Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Member of the Institute of Osteopathy. Formerly Maria Hookway. Supports patients of all ages — from newborns to elderly. Special focus on women's health, pregnancy, and paediatric care, informed by personal experience as a mother.

## Philosophy: The Materna Method

- [Our Approach](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/approach): Three pillars — listen first (thorough conversation, understanding history and goals), science-backed technique (evidence-informed, precise treatment adapted to individual physiology), and whole-body perspective (addresses causes, not just symptoms).

## Services

- [General Osteopathy](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/general-osteopathy): Hands-on diagnosis, treatment and management of musculoskeletal pain. Treats lower back pain, neck pain and stiffness, whiplash injuries, shoulder pain, sports injuries, osteoarthritis, hip/knee/ankle pain, sciatica, and tension headaches.
- [Women's Health & Pregnancy](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/womens-health): Safe, supportive osteopathic care during pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and hormonal transitions. Treats pelvic girdle pain (PGP), lower back pain, pubic symphysis pain, sciatica, rib pain, postural changes, neck/shoulder tension, and swelling. Includes the Mummy MOT postnatal assessment: pelvic floor assessment, diastasis recti check, C-section scar evaluation, posture analysis, pain assessment, and return-to-exercise readiness.
- [Babies & Children](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/babies-children): Paediatric osteopathy for newborns and growing children. Baby treatments for torticollis, feeding difficulties, tongue-tie support, colic, constipation, reflux, wind discomfort, sleep difficulties, and general newborn check-ups. Children's treatments for postural concerns, growing pains, minor injuries, hypermobility, stiffness, and coordination challenges. Very gentle techniques — cranial osteopathy, soft-tissue work, subtle mobilisation. Parents present throughout.
- [Geriatric & Senior Care](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/geriatrics): Gentle, tailored osteopathic care for older adults. Relief from chronic joint and muscle pain, improved mobility and flexibility, osteoarthritis symptom support, enhanced balance and coordination. Techniques highly adapted for senior bodies and sensitive joints.

## Treatment Techniques

- [Osteopathic Manual Therapy](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/approach): Stretching, massage, and gentle pressure for back/neck pain, joint stiffness, muscle tension, and headaches.
- [Cranial Osteopathy](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/approach): Gentle pressure on the head and sacrum for sleep disturbances, stress/anxiety, chronic pain, and sinus issues.
- [Medical Acupuncture](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/approach): Fine needles in trigger points for persistent muscle knots, nerve pain, chronic tension, and sports injuries.
- [Dry Cupping](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/approach): Suction cups on the skin for deep muscular tension, inflammation, myofascial release, and improved blood flow.
- [Joint Mobilisation & Adjustments](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/approach): Rhythmic stretching and precise movements for reduced range of motion, joint locking, and postural imbalances.
- [Lymphatic Drainage](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/approach): Gentle rhythmic technique for fluid retention, swelling, post-surgery recovery, and immune support.

## Conditions Treated

Back pain, neck pain, headaches, pregnancy care, postnatal recovery, sports injuries, joint stiffness, sciatica, hip pain, shoulder pain, baby colic, pelvic girdle pain, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, latching difficulties, postural issues, torticollis, knee pain, tongue tie, plagiocephaly, whiplash, osteoarthritis, growing pains, hypermobility.

## Appointments & Pricing

- [Book Online](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/booking)
- Free telephone consultation: 10 min, no charge
- First consultation: 45 min, £90
- Follow-up treatment: 30 min, £60
- Extended treatment: 60 min, £100
- Paediatric first consultation: 45 min, £80
- Paediatric follow-up: 30 min, £50
- Mummy MOT first consultation: 60 min, £120

## Location & Hours

- [Contact](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/contact)
- Hollybush Clinic, 160 Hollybush Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4JU
- Phone: 07344 308565
- Wednesday: 5:30pm – 8pm
- Friday: 8am – 2pm

## Frequently Asked Questions

- [FAQ](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/faq): Answers to the most common questions about osteopathic treatment at Materna Osteopathy.
- First appointment: 45-minute consultation including full history, physical examination, diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and personalised exercise plan.
- No GP referral needed — osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners registered with the GOsC.
- Pregnancy: osteopathic treatment is gentle and adapted to every stage; relieves pelvic girdle pain, back pain, sciatica, and rib discomfort.
- Mummy MOT: comprehensive postnatal assessment covering pelvic floor, diastasis recti, C-section scar, posture, and return-to-exercise readiness. 60 min, £120.
- Cranial osteopathy is safe from birth — uses extremely gentle pressure to help with colic, feeding difficulties, sleep, and head shape concerns.
- Paediatric osteopathy treats colic, reflux, torticollis, tongue-tie support, growing pains, postural concerns, and hypermobility.
- Difference from physiotherapy: osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, using joint mobilisation, cranial techniques, and soft tissue work.

## Legal

- [Privacy Policy](https://maternaosteopathy.co.uk/privacy-policy)