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Chronic back pain sufferers are likely to form a scrum to get treatment at what is believed to be the first comprehensive integrated rehabilitation clinic to open in Bahrain.
InTouch Chiropractic Spine Centre has began offering its chiropractic, physical therapy, cranio-sacral therapy, hypnotherapy, exercise rehabilitation and massage therapy services to patients at its medical offices located in Janabiya.
Founder and clinical director, Dr Amy Bowzaylo, along with a team of licenced physiotherapists, massage therapists and rehabilitation specialists, described it as ‘Bahrain’s first truly comprehensive pain management and recovery centre’ which is dedicated to helping patients overcome debilitating injuries, chronic pain and a myriad of other conditions which can have a devastating effect on daily living.
“It has been a professional labour of love to start the clinic,” said Dr Bowzaylo.
“My main focus is sports medicine and women’s health, I have been a competitive athlete most of my life so I know how important it is to get back into the game after an injury. It is important for an athlete’s psyche to continue to train with injuries so we modify their exercises to keep them doing that.
“The same goes for experiencing and recovering from pregnancy. I am one of those women who was devastated by pregnancy. I gained a lot of weight and I couldn’t train the way I was used to.
“I got severe low back pain and bilateral foot pain from the excess weight. Even though I knew what to do, it was a blessing to have a great chiropractor and massage therapist to guide me through all my pregnancy-related issues.
“We use the same integrated approach here at InTouch to help women get through (maybe even enjoy) their pregnancy and continue to exercise and be active for a healthy and speedy recovery!
“We are excited to be offering a multi-disciplinary practice tailored to individual needs, beginning from the critical stage on through to wellness care which helps maintain patients’ long-term health goals.”
Dr Bowzaylo, a 42-year-old Canadian, who has worked in hospitals around the world, most recently acted as director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the triple-accredited (JCI, ACI, ACHSI) Saad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia before deciding to venture forward with her own practice in Bahrain.
The InTouch team has already been active in events throughout Bahrain ranging from assessing and treating athletes at Bahrain Rugby Football Club to co-ordinating with medical staff for the upcoming Olympic Distance Triathlon and Challenge Bahrain Triathlon in December.
Dr Bowzaylo is married to Michael Cunningham, executive managing director of Jubail Water and Power, and they live in Barbar with their children, Sierra, 13, and Imogen, 11.
She said: “After spending 10 years in Saudi, seven at Saad Specialist Hospital, I observed that more than 30 per cent of my patient base was travelling from Bahrain. In December 2010, I moved to Bahrain to take a little break and work on opening an integrated spine centre in Bahrain as I felt that it was a service that Bahrain really needed.”
Dr Bowzaylo continued: “I’m the first and only licenced chiropractor in Bahrain and InTouch is the first licenced integrated rehabilitation facility of this kind. We offer chiropractic, physical therapy, medical massage, functional exercise rehabilitation, cranio-sacral therapy and hypnotherapy for chronic pain patients and we are also looking to add Functional Medicine in the near future.
“We treat people as a ‘whole person’ – addressing all aspects of their lives to get to the root of the problem and correct it, not just treating the symptoms.”
The hands-on approach has already been appreciated by sports-lovers at the rugby club where Dr Bowzaylo is responsible for co-ordinating and providing on-field care for the 1st team squad and the Golden Oldies. She also works with the Gaelic footballers and netball players to provide care when they stage tournaments.
She is also taking on a crucial role at one of the kingdom’s most prestigious international events as clinical director for the upcoming Challenge Bahrain triathlon.
She explained: “I am writing the medical manual and guidelines for the team as well as the volunteer procedures for first aid and fluid stations on the course. We will be providing chiropractic, physical therapy and massage for visiting triathletes. On Race Day I will be at the finish line assisting with triage and post-race physical therapy and massage.”
But ordinary folk can also suffer from aches and pains and the proverbial ‘pain in the back’ shouldn’t be left untreated. “It’s extremely important to prevent irreversible damage such as disc herniation, bone spurs and arthritic changes,” said Dr Bowzaylo.
“I often use the analogy of a car. If you drive your car for thousands of kilometres with a wheel imbalance eventually the tie rod will wear down and snap. The same thing happens in the body.
“Pain is a warning sign that something is not quite right. Pay attention to your body and address the issue to prevent more damage.”
During a private grand opening reception last week guests were given the chance to tour the new clinic and meet the team.
For more information call 17690100, email info@intouchclinic.com or visit www.intouchclinic.com
Details can also be found on social media channels such as
https://www.facebook.com/intouchclinicbahrain
https://instagram.com/intouchclinicbahrain
