EQUIPOISE PHYSICAL THERAPY

Introduction

Osteopathy clinic relocated from Chelsea to Chichester in 2023 specialising in restoring spinal alignment and healthy posture.

Tim Goullet has combined a 35 year career as an Osteopath, Lecturer, Sports Scientist and Physical Trainer to develop his unique approach to the assessment and treatment of pain and dysfunction -EQUIPOISE PHYSICAL THERAPY.

Imbalances in the body, whether structural (musculoskeletal) or organic (physiological) are ultimately manifested in our posture.

As a species, our postures are strongly influenced by underlying emotional states. The contrasting feelings of happiness and sadness are physically manifested very differently.

Our posture, along with our "body language" and the way we move, are highly individual traits and can even reflect aspects of our personality.

Our individual health status and fitness levels are also externally reflected in our posture and overall shape. This can and should form an invaluable part of an integrated assessment of a patient.

Despite this reality the posture of adults and children is one of the most neglected and poorly understood elements within the modern healthcare system.

EXPERT HELP

with the following conditions

• Lower back and neck pain
• Scoliosis -  Lateral deviation of the spine
• Hyper Lordosis - Excessive forward curve of the lower back (“Sway back”)
• Hyper Kyphosis - Excessive backward curve of the mid spine (“Rounded" or "Hunchback” posture)
• Spondylosis - "Wear and tear” of the spine
• Intervertebral Disc Injuries
• Sciatica
• Hyper mobility of Spine in lower back and neck
• Hyper mobility of limbs especially knees and elbows 
• Hip, knee, ankle and foot conditions/injuries
• Neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions/injuries/RSI
• Sports Injuries
• History of recurring injury to the same body part
• Undiagnosed and untreated historical trauma
• Childhood and Adolescent Growth and Developmental problems 
• Degenerative joint conditions  eg Osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory systemic conditions eg Rheumatoid arthritis
• Breathing problems eg Asthma and panic attacks
• Cardiovascular disturbances  eg Cold hands/feet, redness of face, excessive sweating, blood pressure problems
• Headaches and migraines
• Sleep problems
• Gynaecological problems eg period pain, endometriosis
• Pregnancy discomfort
• Child birth recovery and rehabilitation 
• Bowel and Bladder problems eg Constipation
• Digestive, Liver and Gall Bladder problems 
• Skin conditions eg eczema

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What is meant by

 EQUIPOISE?

The term "EQUIPOISE" refers to the structural balance or EQUILIBRIUM displayed by a body while upright.

Our POSTURE - the way we "hold ourselves" - is an outward expression of the quality of this structural balance and, to a degree, our mindbody connectedness. 

BILATERAL SYMMETRY of the human musculoskeletal form is a body plan shared by all vertebrates which has stood the test of natural selection over evolutionary time.

Balancing on two legs as we do, humans are very susceptible to the development of ASYMMETRICAL patterns, often beginning with an initial cause like an injury which then results in the development of a secondary compensation.

The natural equipoise we were born with can be easily lost along our life’s journey without us even noticing it.

The prevalence of hip and knee replacements in modern societies bears testament to the vulnerability of weight bearing joints to long term shifts in left to right equilibrium.

The human physique is also prone to becoming too “top heavy” and/or “front heavy,” both of which impose additional loading and stress on the spine, back muscles and legs.

The quality of our equipoise is a product of this dynamic interplay of forces acting from left to right, top to bottom and front to back.

When this optimal balance or equipoise is disrupted it can initiate an ongoing cycle of chronic musculo-skeletal pain. 

Structural misalignments from historic injuries and traumas often play a key role in creating present day ailments. 

Many of them originate during our childhood yet may go completely undetected as the root cause of our current  problems.

Symptomatic treatment consisting of massaging or clicking the “sore bit” will only provide temporary relief as long as the underlying structural imbalances remain.

EQUIPOISE PHYSICAL THERAPY

 A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH

EQUIPOISE Physical Therapy (EPT) emphasises the importance of 4 interdependent aspects of human anatomy and physiology  -

• STRUCTURE
• POSTURE 
• BREATHING
• MOVEMENT
  

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY is the common denominator underpinning the basic functions of posture, breathing and movement. 

Like a reversible reaction, the quality of our posture, breathing and movement ultimately affects our structural matrix.

Doing regular exercise while structural imbalances are present will inevitably lead to recurring injuries. Imbalances usually result in one part of the body overworking and becoming more vulnerable to injury.

FORM and FUNCTION are inextricably linked.

The EPT approach prioritises creating an optimal structural foundation from which posture, breathing and movement can then be enhanced with the help of expert one to one tuition and mindful self practice.

Equipoise Physical Therapy

Assessment Protocols

 This is composed of the following -

• Structural Orthopaedic Assessment Spine/Skeleton/Limbs/Jaw
• Laser Assisted Spinal Alignment Screening
• Postural Analysis - Standing and Resting Poses
• Breathing Analysis
• Motion Assessment of Spine and Limbs 
  
• Specific Technique Analysis (STA)

STA makes up an important part of a biomechanical assessment to ensure that the performance of a specific exercise or skill is not the cause of an injury or acting to ingrain a stubborn postural pattern.

Good FORM is everything.

Interestingly, this is extremely common especially in individuals who exercise a lot. For example, the WAY we stretch or perform yoga poses, the WAY we do press-ups or abdominal exercises, the WAY we squat or lunge, etc. alters our SHAPE and POSTURE over time, for better, for worse.

Our movements literally "SHAPE" us.

When it comes to sports injuries, the way a specific technique is performed may be the issue.

If this is identified and corrected, not only can this resolve a recurring injury but it should also result in an improvement in performance.

Equipoise Physical Therapy

 Treatment Modalities

• Alignment and Decompression of the Spine
• Hands on treatment including deep tissue massage and acupressure
• Gentle articulation of joints without manipulation (“cracking”) techniques
• Connective tissue and fascial stretching
• Barefoot Shiatsu and Thai massage techniques (floor based)
• Equipoise Postural Fitness (EPF)
• Equipoise Postural Breathing (EPB) 
• Equipoise Rehabilitation Techniques (ERT)
• Teaching efficient movement for everyday life
• Lifestyle, well being and nutritional advice

A BESPOKE COMBINATION from the above modalities will be tailored to suit the WHOLE PERSON with the condition and the patient being treated as ONE ENTITY.

EQUIPOISE POSTURAL FITNESS

EQUIPOISE POSTURAL FITNESS (EPF) is a unique postural training method scientifically designed by Tim Goullet to restore ALIGNMENT, FLUIDITY AND STABILITY to the spine and postural muscles.

It is a synthesis of knowledge gained from his study and practice of osteopathy, martial arts and yoga spanning some 35 years.

Tim prescribes bespoke exercise sequences to address the nuances of each individual's posture to complement his hands on bodywork.

This combined approach can produce significantly better results than just body treatment or exercise in isolation.

It also provides continuity along the journey from assessment to treatment to rehabilitation, and from prevention to progression in fitness levels to enhanced performance.

The Influence of Human Anthropology

The spines of early humans evolved contemporaneously with the ability to stand and walk upright on two legs.

The journey towards Homo Sapiens involved the progressive evolution of primitive forms as the pelvis, skull, jaw, rib cage, spinal joints and limbs were remodelled over millions of years.

The precision grip enabled by our thumbs and the forward alignment of our big toes for efficient locomotion are also uniquely human traits.

Biomechanically efficient postures were essential for the hunter gatherer lifestyle of our ancestors and to cope with the energy demands of a nomadic existence.

Improved shock absorption and balance to negotiate gravitational forces from a vertical position were integral to this quantum evolutionary leap.

The Influence of Postural Science

EQUIPOISE POSTURAL FITNESS is primarily practised in the upright position with the legs aligned beneath the spine apropos of their coupled evolutionary history.

Most importantly, voluntary movements while in vertical orientation are modulated and fine tuned by BALANCE MECHANISMS and POSTURAL REFLEXES. Their combined action helps to maintain equilibrium and keep our eyes level.

This means adjustments made to alignment and posture while upright are fully integrated within the neuromuscular systems of body. This sets EPF apart from other postural training methods.

ONE TO ONE EPF sessions can be booked separately following an initial consultation. (See "Fees and Services")

I have known Tim Goullet for more than 30 years as his long standing karate instructor and mentor.

As a long standing therapist myself, working in many fields including acupuncture, Japanese osteopathy etc., I have met and tried countless practitioners over the years and have become very wary of who I would let treat myself. I have always found that Tim is one of the very few exceptions to my rule. He has treated me many times over the years for a wide spectrum of injuries and always manages to get to the root of the problem.

Tim’s analysis of the body and hands on treatment are both exceptional, caring and most importantly very safe. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

October 2023

Kaicho Bernard Creton 9th Dan

President of the World Independent Budo Kai

(A non profit charity based in Geneva)

Chairman and Chief Instructor International Karate Jutsu Kai

Owner of Klinik Alternativa-Viborg, Denmark

Tim Goullet is an amazing therapist! :)

I have received treatments from him since 2011 and his treatments have helped me especially with knee, neck and back pain. 

Tim has a holistic approach and it’s evident that he has a vast understanding of the body.

His approach is unique, and you can feel that he truly embodies his knowledge. 

His subtle adjustments can align your body to heal itself and function optimally.

I can’t recommend him enough. 

Susanne Buch Petersen

Yoga Teacher

Mr Goullet treated me before having children and also during pregnancy. I have always found him extremely knowledgeable and professional.

During my first appointment he was able to simply look at me sitting down and identify various factors causing me to have physical discomfort and a weak posture.

He was also quick to recognise a previous injury dating back years and began to release tension I wasn't even aware existed. I left this appointment feeling taller (!), straighter and empowered by the knowledge he had shared with me. 

It is safe to say, I have continued to use Mr Goullet as my trusted therapist from then onwards. 

His treatments during my pregnancy reduced a number of aches and pains, as well as helping to ensure I maintained a strong posture, thence mitigating the risk of pregnancy related issues such as diastasis recti.

I will be visiting him again postpartum.

Roseanna Cardona

Senior School Teacher

I had reached rock bottom with excruciating nerve pain coming from my back, down my leg and into my foot when I turned to Tim.

With careful questioning, analysing my posture and my X-rays, Tim has helped me so much with his expert hands on treatment.

He also prescribed a series of bespoke postural exercises for my specific condition which worked really well.

He gave me the confidence that I could and would get better.

Tim is very knowledgeable, empathetic and  dedicated to his profession. 

M.S.

Sports Massage Therapist

Clinical Hypnotherapist 

With unrivalled expertise in diagnosis and understanding of how the body works. Tim's experienced hands-on approach to treatment always gets to the underlying cause of the problem with long lasting effects rather than a “quick fix”. I had treatments from Tim over a 3 year period and am always impressed with the results.

His wealth of knowledge in the field of exercise means he is able to advise on exercise choices and also correct technique.

I cannot recommend him highly enough. 

Daniel Creton

University Reader in Multiprofessional Education 

Advanced Paramedic Practitioner 

Practice Development Lead

Qualifications :

Dip HE Paramedic Practice

BSc Physiotherapy

BSc Healthcare Practice (First Contact Practitioner)

MSc Advanced Clinical Practice

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy 

I am an undertaker & had been suffering with painful shoulders & according to my wife moaned about them but did nothing about it. So I took the plunge & went to see Tim, an experienced therapist recommended by a friend.

Tim came to my house & worked wonders with his treatment plus his specialised exercises that worked really well. Apart from relieving my shoulder problems he also showed my wife some exercises that she could do for her back pain.

Tim is old school, not pushy with more appointments and has just one aim which is to help you & give you advice.

In conversation I learned that Tim is also a 6th Dan black belt in Karate! My son asked Tim to show him some Karate and Tim was happy to show off his skills!

Mark Deadman

Undertaker

Tim has treated me on a number of occasions for neck and shoulder pain.

As well as treatments being highly effective, Tim takes the time to explain the science behind the treatment.

He has an invaluable knowledge of the human form and how daily exercise and tweaks to our daily routines can help prevent further problems.

Will definitely be returning for further treatments.

A. Cardona

Fees and Services

BIO - TIM GOULLET