Find it, fix it and leave it alone! That is the motto of successful Kent osteopath and sports injury specialist Charlie Bannigan.

Before becoming an osteopath Charlie played semi-professional rugby, which is where he found his interest in sports related injuries and rehabilitation. This led him to study at the European School of Osteopathy from which he graduated in 2003.

In 2009 Charlie continued his studies by completing a Master’s Degree in sports injury medicine and became a partner in Keystone CPD which provides structural technique courses for manual therapists. He has also been qualified in injection therapy since June 2012, which can provide an effective anti-inflammatory and pain relieving treatment for clients.

Charlie opened Joy Lane Clinic in Whitstable in 2003, followed by a clinic in Strabane, Northern Ireland, which he opened in 2005 and in July 2012 he opened a clinic in Folkestone.

Across all the clinics the team of qualified Osteopaths and Physiotherapists specialise in all musculoskeletal injuries whether recreational, work or sports related.

Operating to the highest possible standards of care, the clinic’s philosophy is to offer prompt diagnosis, personalised and effective treatment saving patients both money and time.

With a focus on promoting an awareness that osteopathy is not just about back pain, Charlie and his team at the clinics are passionate about helping clients to find and address the root cause to their symptoms.

Many of Charlie’s clients are sportsmen and woman from various sporting backgrounds such as rugby, football, cricket, athletics and netball ranging from the amateur to the professional. He has worked with the Kent County Rugby Football Union and Canterbury Rugby Club from 2003 to 2011, and at Folkestone Rugby Club during the 2012-2013 season.

In 2018 Charlie will be returning to Canterbury Rugby Club as Head of Medical providing the players with his extensive knowledge and expertise in sports injury.

In between all his work, Charlie is a father to two young boys who keep him and his wife Lucy very busy and active. However when playing rugby as a teenager Charlie became interested in bodybuilding and has been lifting weights since. Since 2005 Charlie has also enjoyed competing and although this may not continue, he continues to train to keep in shape as this now plays a key part to his lifestyle, especially since he stopped playing rugby.

Find it, fix it and leave it alone! That is the motto of successful Kent osteopath and sports inj... Read More

When talking to Lucy it is soon clear that her passion lies in helping people with their health and fitness. As a personal trainer she works hard to gain the trust of her clients, giving them the confidence to take steps to becoming stronger and fitter, as well as empowering them to see and feel the benefits of exercise.

Lucy first became interested in training 8 years ago, when she met her husband, Charlie, who at the time was preparing for a body building competition. Having overcome her own very personal battle with an eating disorder, Lucy was keen to learn how fitness can make a difference to her. Through learning to train correctly she felt strong and powerful plus understanding the necessity to fuel her body correctly enabled her to become fit and healthy.

From then onwards Lucy’s passion for fitness grew and in June 2017 she attained her Level 2 Fitness Instruction qualification and Level 3 Personal Training qualification.

As a mum of three children, Lucy knows and understands the difficulties of finding the time to exercise but she also knows how she feels if she doesn’t! Regular exercise is of course key to your physical health but how it affects our mental health is so important too.

Lucy’s has seen her clients arrive at their sessions feeling tired and stressed with little or no motivation to workout but once they have finished they are so glad that they did!

Lucy is also the Practice Manager at Joy Lane Clinic working closely with the clinic team. Her experience of working with the osteopaths and physiotherapists, also motivated her to qualify as a personal trainer. Seeing patients coming into the clinic with weak backs and cores, Lucy wanted to be able to help them by showing that with an improved level of fitness it can help and benefit them in their everyday lives.

We are all unique and that is how Lucy works with her clients; whether they are runners looking for help with strength to improve their distance or speed, a mum looking to get back into exercise after having their baby or someone who is just terrified of going to a gym, Lucy will work with them individually to achieve their specific goals.

All of Lucy’s sessions are held at the private gym located at the Joy Lane Clinic, where you can be assured of privacy and a place where the focus is on you.

When talking to Lucy it is soon clear that her passion lies in helping people with their health a... Read More

Leon Benning

MOst In Osteopathy PgDip in Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM)

Leon Graduated 2016 from the London school of Osteopathy, since graduation Leon has worked in private practice in the community as well as providing support for a number of sports teams. He is a member of the British association of sports and exercise medicine and believes everyone can take simple steps to increase their physical activity which will improve overall health. Leon is experienced in diagnosing a variety of injuries, designing safe effective rehabilitation and exercise plans and providing guidance and support.

Leon Benning MOst In Osteopathy PgDip in Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Leon Graduated 2016... Read More

Ben Cassidy is a graduate of the world-renowned University College of Osteopathy in London. He works in private practice across the South East using a variety of structural and postural techniques, and is a member of teaching staff at the European School of Osteopathy in Maidstone. With a 20-year history of corporate work in the city, he is well placed to recognise and treat the common, and less common, symptoms of work-related strains and stresses. A keen amateur sportsman, and qualified sports massage therapist, Ben has a deep knowledge of sports-related injuries and can offer advice on technique, rehab and injury prevention. He also has a special interest in the treatment of arthritis and arthritic joints.

Ben Cassidy is a graduate of the world-renowned University College of Osteopathy in London. He wo... Read More

I graduated as a Sports Therapist at the University of Kent in 2017. I am fully qualified to diagnose injuries, develop treatment plans and deliver the required treatments including Sports Massage. My goal is to alleviate any discomfort as quickly as possible and get the person back to a level of fitness where they can continue their chosen sport or simply feel more mobile, fit and healthy.

Sports Massage is a deep soft tissue massage that realigns muscle fibres and connective tissue. It increases oxygenated blood flow to damaged areas helping to flush out toxins and promote healing. This typically leads to an increase in joint range of motion and flexibility, limits the risk of a recurrence of injuries, reduces muscle spasms and the tension in muscles, and normally leads to a lowering of blood pressure and a sense of relaxation.

One common misconception of Sports Therapists is that we only treat athletes. This is not the case we try and help everyone and anyone that may be suffering from an injury.

Sports Therapist/Lymphatic Drainage Therapist I am also qualified to perform lymphatic drainage massage on undamaged lymphatic systems. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system and helps fight infections and diseases. It carries nutrients and oxygen to cells within the body and takes away wastes and toxins. Each treatment session will stimulate your lymphatic system and speed up the release of excess fluid and toxins. It will help relieve stress, tension and anxiety and specifically helps people suffering from oedema and fluid retention.

People who suffer from recurring infections such as colds, flu, ear and chest infections, hay fever and glandular fever, migraines, acne, rosacea, scar tissue and ones that affect the sinuses can all benefit. Individuals who find it difficult to cope with digestive disorders, constipation, cellulite and excess weight will also find this beneficial.

I graduated as a Sports Therapist at the University of Kent in 2017. I am fully qualified to diag... Read More

Katie graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy from the University of Gloucestershire in 2016. During her time studying she has worked with Cheltenham Town Ladies FC where she provided pitch-side first aid and pre and post match massage. Katie has also had experience working with local sports teams and an amazing opportunity working with the 2015 Tonga World Cup Rugby Team. Katie also works closely with the Multiple Sclerosis Society providing massage to patients with MS. ​

“Massage is not only for individuals who have an injury, it also aids in recovery, relieving pain, reducing stress and improving range of movement. My goal is to get individuals back to their full potential whether it be from after an injury or from just doing daily tasks that they find difficult, either way by improving their quality of life.” ​

Qualifications:

​BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

​Sports Massage Qualified

Pitch Side First Aid Qualified

CYQ Level 2 in Fitness Instructing (QCF) - Gym-Based Exercise

Taping and Strapping Qualified

UKAD Accredited Advisor in Anti-Doping

NVQ Level 2 First Aid, CPR and Defibrillation

Diploma in Swedish Massage ​ Diploma in Pregnancy Massage ​ CPD accredited Indian Head Massage

Katie graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy from the University of Gloucestershire in 2016. ... Read More