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About

I’m a private, part time, self employed HCPC Chiropodist/Podiatrist and retain my registration on the HCPC Social Work register with further study.

My private practice is small but professional to achieve outcomes we can observe and review.

I worked most of my career for a Children’s Team and Adults Social Work team, assessing disability and responding with packages of care -multi-professional. 

The first Specialist Social Worker under the Government initiative ‘Quality Protects’, recognised that some disabled people were more likely to have medical needs go undiagnosed and unmet, throughout life, often missing out on medical care and social support networks that their non disabled siblings or peers would receive.

Working with other professionals across medical, social care and education fields. I helped a couple of times on the examination route for GP’s to become Paediatricians.

I’m a member of a local steering group to support disabled access among NHS Services and helped a charity acquire practical goods and amenities. 

Provided training for foster carers on invisible and hidden disabilities,  (bringing together communication and neurodiversity.

Just recognising what was always called ‘Aspergers & autism’ and for some people who still want to use these for themselves.  

Myself, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos under the old title. Over a decade of professional and personal membership and re-training through the reclassifications. 

Having been part of early training and resources of the Echo programme. Given time and materials and input to  local groups during Covid and have helped empower and build local service user groups. 

As a woman of faith, I link in with the local Church and initiatives that support people in the community as-well.

People tend to come to me when they are seeking solutions to their rehabilitation and work alongside the NHS. 

I had a life threatening thyroid cancer and a background auto immune condition so I can relate to some diagnosis and treatment process which perhaps scare you and become your new normal. 

Otger skills include taping methods

e.g., : 

what types of tape and their properties, how, when (and when not to apply). The research and any research gaps could all do with being considered.

I’m good at empowering children and carers to help them with in their daily lives. I’ll probably explain things in a way the whole family will relate to !

In podiatry, we do a lot of reviewing footwear. 

 Lots supportive devices, different materials; sometimes people want an assessment on orthotics or ‘insoles’ or it’s a simpler smaller wedge or toe prop they can use. 

All podiatrists and chiropodists seek a definitive diagnosis before making a treatment plan. It’s fascinating and reassuring when you get it.

Similarly, regular Chiropody care to manage nail and skin conditions help people. Perhaps they used to be able to do the task but a change happened and they can’t do it safely now anymore (eg visual loss or their back won’t bend that far). 

A HCPC Podiatrist will be confident around diabetic foot care, wound care and what to do ( given our pharmacological exams and our Prescription only Medicines ‘ POM’s’, we know how to recognise bacterial, fungal and viral infections when to refer for additional tests and the first hand treatment approach to prevent the spread of harmful conditions). Foot health practitioners and less medically qualified feet care staff may seek a podiatrist for advice and mentorship. It helps them to prevent harm and injury.

In some cases, may need an orthopaedic opinion or more specific imaging, blood tests from your GP. 

Often a podiatrist will refer you & at least you will be clearer on what needs to be done for yourself or your loved one you are seeking help for.

My final thesis was of imaging in podiatry and I looked into cancerous and non benign tumours. Understanding the difference between X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and which one is needed.

I also have a degree in psychology, my special interest was in recognising the vast difference between trauma v grief and I have had additional training and skills around ptsd, CPTSD, CSA. Providing telephone Support after the experience of Murder of manslaughter & supporting others through painful life events.

My understandings/applying Polyvagal theory and trauma informed theory was greatly helped by earning a scholarship for the Wisdom of Trauma teachings ( Gabor Maté, Deb Dana and Stephen Porges) and The ‘Compassionate Enquiry’ method.

I relate well to tensions of a social model of disability versus medical models of care.

I do use resources that evidence based methods like Alpha Stim M method. Somatic and rhythmic movement based approaches are not so well researched so I can only encourage what I learnt from a medical degree first.

Some more background:- in 2004 I passed the VTCT 

reflexology, IHM method for the spine and head and The Aromatherapy oil Massage technique. 

I trained too in myofacial release methods in additional training for ‘acupuncture for podiatry’ very soon after qualifying as a Podiatrist. That has been invaluable for pain management and rehabilitation in some cases.

I’m also a mum and enjoy creative hobbies, pets, audio and drama, Pilates reformer ( a reformer offers that vital ‘resistance’ and support ), some dance and spa treatments !

Seeking out physical therapies, I was always looking for ways to manage pain& this disabling condition where dislocations and subluxations, sprains and strains were all too frequent.

Myself having received podiatry treatment, imaging techniques, cortico-steroid, taping, surgery and orthotic ‘ insoles’ and surgery.

Please note:-

I do not offer toe nail removal with phenolisation and local anaesthetic nor corticosteroid injections.

In some cases a partial or total nail avulsion may be your preferential route. A podiatrist will also clinically be able to advise this. Look at the HCPC register to ensure they are listed. 

The National Institute of Clinical Evidence ( NICE Guidance) can also offer clinical advice on many issues where you will get advice on treatments for most conditions.

Thank you for your engagement and I hope you find the methods that works well for you.

Dawn