A NEW osteopath has begun treating patients in Crediton.

Qualified practitioner Nell Ridgeway, who has recently completed a master's degree in osteopathic medicine at Plymouth Marjon university, can help with a wide range of ailments.

“I deal with joint pain, any injuries, whether they are small or just general,” she said.

“We have lots of different treatment techniques to suit the patient.”

Osteopaths also look at health conditions beyond simple injuries, Ms Ridgeway explained.

“Osteopaths look at patients holistically. They'll look at the whole body and not just focus on one area.

“Sometimes it can just be managing a condition or improving someone's wellbeing.

“I've dealt with a patient who's had a stroke... I can also help people with Parkinson's, any respiratory problems.

“I've had some patients who have been very stressed so osteopathy treatment can help with that as well.”

Ms Ridgeway also deals with preventing injuries.

“Sometimes it's just maintenance, someone might not really have any specific pain but want to see how they can improve their posture,” she added.

A keen sportswoman, she plays rugby for Cullompton RFC and played ultimate frisbee for Team GB from the age of 13 until last year. She also holds a qualification in sports massage.

“I have always been engaged with sport, especially rugby, which has led to my interest in improving health, wellbeing and my knowledge of injuries,” she said.

Having sustained a serious injury herself which took her a year to recover from, she also has an acute understanding of rehabilitation.

“After treatment, I'll give patients exercises to do,” she explained.

“The exercises will help them improve their health beyond appointments as well.

“I had a bad injury, and I understand how injuries can affect people, mentally also, just going through that process of trying to get better.”

Her favourite part of the job is seeing people improve.

“It's also nice to have one-to-one chats with people, gaining patient-practitioner relationships,” she added.

If you would like to book yourself in to see Ms Ridgeway, you can telephone Crediton and Exeter Osteopaths on 01363 774175 or email [email protected].

She has appointments available in Crediton on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.