Patient Testimonials

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Testimonials at Clarks Healthcare in Benfleet Essex

Welcome to our Testimonials page! At Clarks Healthcare, we take pride in the success and satisfaction of our patients. Lisa, Michael and their team have helped over 8000 patients for over 21 years. Here, you can explore real stories from individuals who have benefited from our osteopathy, rehabilitation, medical acupuncture and the healthy living programmes. These testimonials reflect the life-changing impacts of our personalized care.

Why Our Testimonials Matter

Inspiration: Learn how others have overcome their health challenges.
Confidence: Gain confidence in the effectiveness of our treatments.
Insight: Discover the real-life benefits of our therapies from those who have experienced them first-hand.

Share Your Story

If you have a story to share about your journey with us, we’d love to hear from you! Your experience can inspire and encourage others to seek the path to better health.

Read and Discover

Dive into the stories below and see the difference Clarks Healthcare can make. If you’re inspired and want to start your own journey, contact us today on 01268795705 and book a one hour assessment, diagnosis and treatment

“I’ve been dealing with neck, shoulder, and back pain for over 40 years, thanks to too much time at my desk. Things hit rock bottom when a simple cough threw me into the most excruciating back pain ever. The extra strong painkillers my doctor gave me weren’t touching the pain, and just getting out of bed or onto the train was becoming a nightmare. I was in so much pain every day, and it was only getting worse.

I was seriously starting to think surgery was my only option. However the consultant, while discussing surgery, suggested I see Michael Clark first. It was like being thrown a lifeline.

Michael was a revelation. He figured out the real issue which caused my severely herniated disc, sciatica and a twisted pelvis. He laid out a plan that made surgery seem avoidable.

True to his word, after starting Osteopathy treatment with Michael, I felt a bit better after each visit. It wasn’t long before I was moving on to a rehabilitation programme that was just for me—complete with exercises in the clinic’s studio and a healthy eating plan to help me shift some extra weight I’d been carrying around.

I won’t lie, I was nervous about exercising after so many years, scared I’d make things worse. But the thought of avoiding surgery and maybe even losing weight was too good to pass up. I threw myself into it.

And what a difference it made. By the time I had my second reassessment with Michael, not only was I free from the pain that had plagued my neck, shoulders, and back, I had recovered to point that I no longer needed the surgery. Plus, I’d lost 2 stone and 23 inches of fat in the process!

The studio sessions with the lovely team are fantastic and I enjoy the healthy eating plan. I can’t say enough good things about Michael. He’s been professional, straightforward about what I needed, and just a great person to work with. I’ve felt comfortable and in good hands every step of the way.

So, a massive thank you to everyone at Clarks Healthcare. You’ve not just helped me avoid surgery; you’ve given me a new lease on life”

Jane

“After tearing my right ACL and experiencing unsuccessful NHS physio, my consultant suggested that reconstructive knee surgery and giving up football were my only options. This news was absolutely devastating.

Fortunately, several friends recommended Clarks Healthcare. Michael thoroughly explained how surgery could be avoided and detailed a plan to get me back on the football field. He started me off with osteopathy to address the immediate issues with my knee, and then we progressed to a full rehabilitation programme. The initial assessment was incredibly thorough, leading to a customized diet and lifestyle plan designed specifically for me. I began regular one-to-one exercise sessions with the team in the onsite Studio.

I’m thrilled with the results and truly enjoy each visit. The entire team is friendly and supportive, making my rehabilitation a positive experience. I’ve successfully rehabilitated my knee without needing surgery and have made significant improvements to my diet and lifestyle. It’s a relief and a joy to know I can still play football and lead an active lifestyle. Thank you Michael, Lisa and the team at Clarks Healthcare!”

Matthew

“After two caesareans, dealing with ongoing back pain and sciatica, I really wanted to safely get my body back in shape.

Michael started me off with some hands-on treatment to ease the immediate pain and then set me up with a completely tailored rehab program along with a health eating and lifestyle plan. Making these changes to my diet and lifestyle has given me so much more energy, and I genuinely look forward to my weekly sessions in the Studio. The trainers are fantastic—they’re really helpful and make sure I do all the exercises safely and correctly.

I’m amazed at the results! I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been, my core strength is better than ever, and my posture has massively improved. Plus, my sciatica is completely gone, and overall, my body shape and health have changed for the better!

If you’re thinking about it, just go for it—it changed my life!”

Lauren

“I was dealing with excruciating back pain and sciatica from a bulging disc and a pinched sciatic nerve.

The care plan they provided was a game-changer for me. Initially, Osteopathy treatments alleviated my pain. Then, as I got better, we tackled the root problem with targeted rehabilitation exercises to improve my posture and strengthen my back.

I can’t recommend Clarks Healthcare enough! Their service and personalized care plans are unparalleled. Truly top-notch treatment – a solid 10/10!”

Rob

“I’m in my 90s and I truly love coming here. The Healthy Living Programme at Clarks Healthcare has made such a significant difference in my life. I exercise at the studio three times a week, and it’s not only helped to keep my blood pressure under control, but it’s also improved my walking immensely, keeping me out of a wheelchair and maintaining my independence.

The team at Clarks is always so attentive and ensures that all the exercises are tailored to my health needs and mobility issues. I can exercise safely, which is incredibly important at my age.

I’m profoundly grateful to Michael, Lisa, and their wonderful team for their dedication and care. Joining this programme has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to stay active and retain their health and mobility.”

Irene

“My care experience here was outstanding, surpassing any treatment I’ve received at other clinics.

The team’s exceptional blend of professionalism and personalized attention made me feel truly valued. Their support and advice were pivotal at every step of my tailored care plan. Immense gratitude for the life-changing impact you’ve had on me and my family”

Eve

Gary Hall
“I’ve tried other osteopaths and physios in the area but the osteopaths I saw at Clarks were more thorough and gave me detailed exercises to do at home. I would happily recommend Clarks as it was the only place that was able to fix my ongoing back problem. Thank you!”

George Evans
“After a nasty Rugby injury, I was in constant pain and had limited movement. The dual approach of acupuncture and osteopathy at Clarks Healthcare has been great and significantly reduced my pain and improved my recovery time. Their approach really works.”

Charlotte Knight
“Chronic neck pain had been part of my life for too long. Acupuncture sessions, combined with osteopathic treatments at Clarks Healthcare, have provided me with a relief I didn’t think was possible. I can finally go about my day without being in constant pain. Truly grateful!”

Will Davies
“I have been having treatment for my tennis elbow at Clarks Osteopaths. The combination of acupuncture, osteopathy and rehab has been fantastic. I’ve seen a substantial decrease in pain and an increase in my range of motion. Highly recommend 10/10!”

“Cannot thank Michael Clark enough for helping my wife, The initial diagnosis of my underlying problem, acromegaly, and sending her immediately for further medical investigations, in fact the words of my consultant endocrinologist was that Mr Clark deserves a medal for spotting this.”

Sean Burke

“My work is very physical and as I get older it becomes harder and harder. Going to Clarks Osteopaths every 4 to 6 weeks helps me do my job to the best of my ability”

Tony Crispin

Fall Prevention

“I can’t thank Michael and Lisa enough for how they have helped me regain my independence. When I first joined their programme, I was so worried about falling that I wouldn’t even go into my garden because I couldn’t handle the steps down. I love my garden, but after my hip replacement, the thought of falling was always on my mind. Michael talked through my goals and what I wanted to be able to do again. After the assessment, which was incredibly thorough, he said if I worked hard and really committed myself, I would be able to walk normally and return to my gardening. I put the work in with my home stretches and never missed an exercise session in the studio. True to his word, I’ve made remarkable progress. I’m back gardening again and just last week, I was able to change the fence panels with my son. It might seem like a small task to some, but for me, it was a huge victory, and I was so proud. Michael, you’ve given me more than just balance and strength; you’ve given me my life back. Thank you.”

Ray

“I had a bad fall which ended with me in hospital with a concussion and my confidence lost. My mobility had gone downhill after my knee replacement. The operation didn’t go as well as I wanted, and I had gradually become weaker and weaker, relying on my other knee which isn’t so great either. Michael spent a long time examining me, and at the end, he identified all the areas that needed improvement. He designed me a bespoke programme with lots of exercises to strengthen my knees, hips, and back, along with balancing exercises. I look forward to exercising in the studio. Every session is safe yet challenging. I aim for small improvements each time, and those small changes have really added up.

Changing my diet, exercising regularly, and drinking more water has fixed 20 years of high blood pressure, and my GP has taken me off my blood pressure tablets. The doctor was very impressed with the changes to my diet and exercise routine and told me to keep with it. Now, I can walk without a cane and feel confident. I’ve returned to playing bowls and get out and about. I’ve recommended Clarks fall prevention programme to my friends and family. Thank you.”

John

“My arthritis got so bad that I could barely get out of a chair, so I used to sit most of the day because of the pain. I also started to notice that I was becoming very unsteady on my feet, my daughter also noticed and put me onto Clarks and it’s been the best thing I did. Michael spent a good couple of hours looking at all my movements and checking what muscles needed strengthening. Then he recommended the fall prevention programme, to help me regain my mobility and balance. Following the assessment I got straight to it, I took it seriously and made sure I was at every training session ready to get stuck in. It’s absolutely unbelievable what I can do now. I can stand on one leg for 3 minutes and even kick a football around with the grandkids. I can make a cup of tea and wash up with no bother. Most importantly on my grandsons 18th I stood at the bar with him for a pint.”

Malcolm

“I have a young mind but sadly I had a weak body and the realisation had finally hit me that my age had finally caught up on me. I can’t express enough gratitude for Michael and Lisa’s Fall Prevention Programme. The one-on-one sessions and bespoke exercise plans have given me a confidence in my body again. I feel so much steadier and haven’t had any falls since starting. I recently managed a family trip to Centre Parcs, something I never thought I’d be able to do again. Michael, your holistic approach has turned back the clock to how I used to be. Thank you so much!”

Katherine

“Michael and Lisa’s programme has been a lifesaver. My balance and walking have improved so much, I no longer hunch over and I feel much safer going out to the shops and going to my clubs again. Michael, Lisa, and the team are knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely lovely people. I have exercises to do at home and then come in for one-to-one sessions in their studio with their wonderful trainers. I feel stronger than I have in years. I wish I had joined years ago. Thank you.”

Mary

“I had a nasty fall and broke my hip. The NHS gave me a hip replacement and physio. Unfortunately, the operation left me weaker than before, feeling quite frail. Michael assessed my hip and determined that although the NHS had started the process, I still had a lot more rehabilitation left to do. I had also lost a lot of strength in my back and needed to improve my flexibility. I completed their programme and now, 10 years on, I can still touch my toes, walk for hours, swim, and do all the everyday things I used to take for granted. Thank you, Michael, for everything!”

Trevor

“I was really struggling, and my balance was getting worse; I could barely walk in a straight line without waddling from side to side like a penguin. It was embarrassing to see myself like this, and my confidence was at an all-time low. However, this programme has changed all that, and I walk upright and confidently now. Michael, Lisa, and their team are friendly, knowledgeable, supportive, and encouraging. Their personal care and support are second to none, and because when I exercise in the studio it’s one-on-one, I don’t feel self-conscious and can focus on myself. Highly recommend!”

Charlotte