Anita Hegerty
Backgound
I am married to Richard and we moved to Tolpuddle from London in 1990 .We have two teenage daughters.
Career
After school I went to Bristol University where I studied for a BSc in Cellular Pathology – a course devoted to the study of the disease process.
I graduated in 1982 and went to work as a lab technician at the Cardiothoracic Institute, London. Although I completed a PhD thesis 5 years later, I was increasingly dissatisfied with a life in research and decided I wanted a more practical career; I enrolled as a trainee osteopath in 1986.
Training at the British School of Osteopathy is a full time commitment for 4 years. I was involved in the Children’s Clinic there from its early stages and with the Expectant Mother’s Clinic – at the time interested in only the musculo-skeletal aspects of pregnancy.
I gained my Diploma in Osteopathy in 1990 I started to work for Alex Gibbs at Toomer Cottage, moving to the current premises in Sherborne with him in early 1991. Since that time I has been part of the steady expansion of Glencairn House and I am now one of the more senior practitioners.
Since qualifying as an Osteopath I have completed two extended residential post graduate courses in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field and I am the only osteopath in the practice to use this technique. I also use a number of other subtle techniques including Functional Release and Muscle Energy Techniques, as well as HVT.
Academic Interests.
My passion for an osteopathic approach to the treatment of children has never left me. I am currently enrolled on an advanced course in Paediatric Osteopathy which is an exciting opportunity to learn the most up to date information in this expanding field. As an addition to this I am also trained as a Developmental Baby Massage Teacher and I regularly run sessions where I can instruct parents/ carers in this fun and valuable activity.
Osteopathic care during pregnancy is an obvious adjunct to my interest in the osteopathic care of babies, infants and children. Recent advances in the understanding of the benefits of osteopathy for expectant mothers has lead to a realisation that it is not just musculo- skeletal problems that respond well; other ‘inconveniences’ of pregnancy and optimal foetal positioning can also be helped. Complementary to this are the principles of Yoga for Pregnancy and Active Birth. I have so far completed 2 of the 5 modules to become an Active Birth Teacher. I am currently working on my own yoga skills so that I can move onto Module 3 to become a ‘Yoga for Pregnancy’ teacher.
Committee Posts
In November 2004 I became secretary of the Western Counties Society of Osteopaths – a professional organisation with a membership of over 350. I served for 4 years, becoming Chairman in 2006. In November 2008 I stepped down as Chairman in order to pursue my own personal development.
Hobbies and Interests
Being born under the star sign of Gemini, I have a very varied collection of interest. At home I find fulfilment in any number of creative projects; In the winter months there is nothing I enjoy better than taking my (much loved and spoilt) cocker spaniel beating. In the summer the whole family enjoy a number of water sports - including water skiing and surfing - which compete with the garden for my attention. My current selfish indulgence is getting back to dancing after many years. It is not good, it is not pretty but it is great fun.