Matthew Devonport, Registered Osteopath
Principle Osteopath and Clinic Director at Wokingham Osteopaths & Massage
Matthew Devonport has been working in Wokingham as an osteopath since graduating in 2010. His first clinic was the Dover Body Mechanic in Dover but moved to Wokingham to be with his partner, Keri. As well as Wokingham Osteopaths he runs Office Osteopaths and Visiting Osteopaths for acute patients unable to make it to a clinic.
What influenced you to study and practice Osteopathy?
My interest in manual therapy began with a combination of parkour and weightlifting which led to two knee issues and a shoulder dislocation, as well as many other musculoskeletal issues.
I saw my osteopath for the first knee problem and was hooked, during my qualification I sought treatment for a second knee problem. After going down the orthopaedic route, I had a consultant exam, MRI scan and operation and was then told nothing more could be done because there was no problem. After my osteopath corrected the issue in two treatments from identifying an imbalance in the knee muscles, I knew what I wanted to do.
Where did you study Osteopathy?
I studied at the Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine (SIOM) in Epsom. It was a small college with only around 100 people over the 4 years but quite full-on. The best thing was that the tutors were a mixture of osteopaths from all of the big universities so we ended up have a very varied education with a lot of different osteopathic styles to choose from.
We had to practice in the student clinic as part of our degree and do at least 1200 clinic hours over the course of the 4 years, including summer holidays, but it was worth it to get the experience necessary for confidence and competence in private practice.
What do Matt’s patients say about him?
What is your treatment style?
My treatment style is mainly structural and utilises massage, stretching, articulatory and joint manipulation techniques, but I also incorporate classical Osteopathy techniques for a gentler approach to treatment. I’m also trained in using medical acupuncture and sports taping techniques which can really help a lot of sports injuries.
After my knee and shoulder problems I enjoy making a difference to patients who are suffering with the same or similar conditions. Since we came back to work after the first lockdown I’ve also been dispensing invaluable advice regarding ergonomic posture and believe that, especially for desk workers, dealing with those maintaining factors by educating patients is crucial to prevent further injuries.
In terms of running the clinic our ethos is that we want to make sure you don’t need to come back, our goal is to get you better as quickly as possible without any block bookings or upselling products. I’m very proud of our team and it’s an honour to work alongside them, it’s wonderful hearing laughter coming from the treatment rooms when patients are enjoying their treatment!
Tell us something about yourself
My wife Keri works alongside me in the clinic and together we have a young son and daughter who we adore. Music in the clinic is a must, we even take requests – especially from metal fans.
Paddle boarding is my favourite activity and you’ll often find me on the Thames at weekends. Also, parkour is saved for showing off to my kids in the summer now; no more injuries, thanks!
