Karen & Mark Brewer established Balance-Rite Osteopathy Clinic in 2003 having both qualified with a Bachelors degree in osteopathic medicine. To keep updated with the latest research and clinical practice and be able to offer their patients the highest possible level of care, both Karen and Mark have also completed Masters degrees in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and healthcare. Continually learning, they complete much more than the required hours of career professional development each year in their areas of clinical interest.
Karen Brewer
As a musculoskeletal (MSK) specialist I work with people who are experiencing movement difficulties due to MSK pain or biomechanical dysfunction. My knowledge base spans over 25 years from studying, treating and supporting people who suffer with acute, chronic or persistent episodes of pain. In 2014 I won the nationally recognised CAM award for ‘Outstanding Practice’ and since then have continued to support & empower people on their own individual journeys back to health & wellness, vastly improving their experience & quality of life.
In addition to my Masters degree in Physical Therapy in musculoskeletal healthcare & rehabilitation at University College, London, I have completed post-graduate courses in Classical osteopathy, osteoMAP training (combining osteopathic treatment with acceptance therapy & mindfulness-based exercises), meditation, ergonomics, cranial osteopathy and paediatric osteopathy,
I get great satisfaction from my work by seeing the lives of those who are suffering with chronic or persistent, long-term (over 3 months) MSK pain conditions turned around and replaced with a new found enjoyment and improved quality of life. If you would like to read about some of these patients’ experiences they can be found on our ‘Success stories’ page here. I am recognised by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
In my spare time I enjoy walking, swimming, yoga, travelling and sub-aqua diving and am an avid daughter & dog-lover!
Mark Brewer
I have been studying Osteopathy since 1998 and since then I have undergone further training in numerous modalities including electrotherapy, kinesio-taping techniques, and medical acupuncture, to add to my osteopathic treatment; enabling me to treat people with various MSK conditions.
With a keen interest in playing football, cricket, cycling and eventually tri-athalons as a younger person, I developed a passion for keeping active and healthy; which has stayed with me all my life. Early in my career I worked as a sport massage therapist, treating sports injuries at semi-professional football clubs. My interest in sports and associated injuries led to me becoming an osteopath, and to completing an MSc in Sports Rehabilitation. I am recognised by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and the professional organisation BASRAT (British Association of Sport Rehabilitation and Trainers).
Using my combined skill set of osteopathy and rehabilitation I work both privately and also within the NHS as part of the MSK outpatient team of the East Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This experience has provided me with a wealth of opportunities to see a wide range of conditions of varying complexities not usually seen in private practice, and to stay abreast of the current evidence for treating various MSK conditions.
Ultimately my journey through life has been influenced by the desire to stay active and remain healthy. I bring the knowledge, techniques and treatment to recover from injuries used with professional and elite athletes, to those who enjoy competing in sports at any level and to those with the same desire to stay active and healthy.
In my spare time I enjoy gym sessions, swimming, watching cricket & football, walking and fishing.