Mark Foster makes a big splash at Freedom launch

Photo: Olympian swimmer Mark Foster at the Freedom Back Clinics launch

Feb 2011

Five times Olympian swimmer, Mark Foster, certainly made a big splash when he visited North Colonnade in Canary Wharf to help Freedom Back Clinics celebrate the opening of its latest clinic.

Having performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony he chatted to the invited guests prior to receiving a sports massage for his recurring back problem from accredited therapist, Tony Dillan.

Mark believes the new 1,100 sq ft state-of-the-art clinic will prove very popular with those living and working around Canary Wharf.

"Having been a long term sufferer of back pain I have been on my fair share of treatment tables," he said. "Speaking from experience, therefore, I am very impressed with the specialist facilities provided and the team of experienced practitioners at Freedom Back Clinics.

"The concept of having a conveniently located clinic which is open from early morning to late evening is excellent. Many of the people I talked to at the event told me that in the past they have put off seeing someone about a twinge or a niggle as it was too much hassle to go and see someone. With the opening of the new clinic they can now have treatment at a time convenient to them whether it's before, after or during work."

The Canary Wharf clinic is only the second of a planned 40 clinics that will be opening across the UK. The first clinic opened in Leeds last year and Manchester is holding its official launch on 24 February 2011. Negotiations are also underway to open a further clinic in London.

Diane McKerracher, chief executive of Freedom Back Clinics is delighted with the popularity of the clinic.

"Having initially opened in the heart of Leeds' business district we quickly realised our new concept for neck, back and sports injury treatment was going to be extremely popular.

"Using the same model, we were keen to open our next clinic in Canary Wharf. There are over 95,000 people working in the area. Many are sat at desks hunched over computers all day, which is a sure fire way to create aches and pains.

"80% of us will be affected by back pain at some point in our lives of which 15% will go on to develop chronic problems if they ignore the warning signs.

Diane continued, 

"It surprises me that most of us visit the dentist regularly to have our teeth checked even though we don't have toothache, yet most people don't have their spines checked and maintained. Keeping your back in good shape can help you to avoid getting headaches, relieve stress, make you feel more comfortable and help you sleep better.

"To help get people into the mindset of giving their spines an MOT, we are providing free spinal health checks. Further details are on our website at www.freedombackclinics.com."

Client: Freedom Back Clinics