Clinical Lead and Principal Osteopath

Dirk Smit.

M.Ost Med, PgDip SEM, PgCert MedEd, HNDip Exercise and Health Science, Certified Injection, PRP therapist, Medical Acupuncturist.

Dirk has extensive training in Neuro-musculoskeletal medicine and human movement science. He initially qualified with a National Higher Diploma in Health and Fitness Science and Personal training in South Africa. During his ten-year employment with Nuffield Health (London), he completed his Corrective Exercise Specialist Diploma with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He trained as a Master Myoskeletal therapist and in Biokinetics with the Pain and Freedom Institute. Dirk has trained and treated many patients participating nationally and has extensive experience in exercise prescription for the young, elderly, elite athletes and those with certain medical conditions, injuries and disabilities.

Dirk furthered his studies at the University College of Osteopathy in London and obtained a Master's in Osteopathic Medicine. All registered health professionals must continue demonstrating ongoing learning and development to keep their skills and knowledge current and promote evidence-based, safe, effective and legal treatment.

To meet this criterion, Dirk has completed postgraduate studies with distinctions in Sports & Exercise Medicine at the University of South Wales and Medical Education at the University of Dundee. Further advanced and extended scope postgraduate qualifications include joint and soft tissue injection therapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection therapy, Medical Acupuncture, Kinesio-taping and Neuro-Linguistic Training.

Dirk treats a broad range of conditions and patients using mainly structural Osteopathy and Sports Medicine, looking to improve the function and mobility of the Musculoskeletal system. As an Osteopath and Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation Therapist, he employs a diverse range of techniques appropriate for degenerative spinal conditions, soft tissue injuries, muscles, ligaments and joints in order to restore function and improve the posture of your body and alleviate symptoms to help you reach your body's optimum potential. 

Dirk strongly emphasises exercise rehabilitation as he believes it is vital to longevity and self-preservation. This treatment approach can help identify dysfunctional compensations patterns from pre-existing injuries or reduced function; treatments aim to keep you supple and improve muscle tone, restore functional movement, reduce the risk of injury through improving core and joint stability and postural awareness, and is appropriate for recreational participants and professional athletes. Movements in the spine, such as rotation, are fundamental in golf, swimming, hockey, cricket and tennis, amongst so many other types of sports and fitness regimes; we can help improve your mobility and restore functional movement, therefore reducing the risk of injury through prescribing sport-specific exercises and stretches to suit your ability. Dirk is Registered with the GOSC and a member of the Institute of Osteopathy.

Osteopaths are highly trained healthcare professionals recognised by the British Medical Association (BMA) as a discrete clinical discipline and fully qualified to diagnose and treat independently. We are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOSC) and form part of the Allied health professions group.