Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre

Negative experience: I think it's right that people should know that IDD doesn't always help and can make matters worse. I had an MRI scan in July and from that, James recommended IDD. Having paid for the course, the 20 sessions took place over July, August and September 2025 but it did nothing to alleviate my original back issue. Now, however, following IDD, I have additional pain, particularly at night, something which I never had experience previously. I followed up with a couple of sessions of standard osteopathy, but have now stopped as it is of no help. The new pain was preventing me from sleeping properly, but, fortunately, I was recommended by a friend to The Chiropractic Room in St Johns, Tunbridge Wells and Emma swiftly resolved the issue caused by the IDD.

Negative experience: I echo a previous review on this page that IDD Therapy you have to be very careful of. My experience was that I got very little reasoning for 'why' i was a good candidate for IDD but just a very generic 'we think you are right for it' having looked at your MRI... . I very much believe as IDD is the main part of the business that they have a 'throw anyone on the stretch rack' attitude with the phrase that 'IDD can do you no harm etc'. Well 3 months later my back is much worse, more pain and its costing more than the IDD to try and fix it! I have also spoken to various people who are highly qualified who disagree entirely that IDD can do no damage. Poor bedside manner as well when I was asking questions about whether i could stretch etc and actually got snapped at, while my daughter was sitting next to me in the waiting room... not ideal. I would treat v carefully with IDD and Wealden I'm afraid.

Fantastic experience: I had such a positive experience with Elizabeth at Wealden Osteopaths and Spine Centre. From the moment I walked in, she was warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. She has a lovely way of putting you at ease straight away, which made such a difference. Elizabeth took the time to listen carefully, explain everything clearly, and made me feel completely confident in the treatment plan. I left feeling reassured, well cared for, and optimistic about my recovery. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Elizabeth to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, approachable, and highly skilled osteopath.

Fantastic experience: Lauren was an incredibly friendly and very well educated in what she does, making you feel comfortable and was very engaging in conversation as well as the Sports Massage was super helpful for my body. Will very much book again.

Fantastic experience: I have been suffering with lower back pain for many years. I have tried absolutely everything, but after having an MRI on the NHS was told I had osteoarthritis in the base of my spine, which was due to degeneration/wear ‘n’ tear due to age. I was offered pain relief injections which I tried on 3 separate occasions. Unfortunately, these did not work so I gave up. I was then offered physiotherapy and acupuncture which I attended and received, plus I decided I needed to try and manage the pain myself so I joined a gym and attended Pilates and Yoga classes regularly. Whilst this helped to some extent it did not cure the pain, and sleepless nights. I then heard about IDD therapy. After investigating further I had a consultation with James and decided to go ahead. I booked the recommend 20 sessions. The first 10 or so, my spine was feeling quite sore and achy, which is to be expected, but from about session 12 or 13 I started to notice a difference. I have just completed my sessions and my pain is approximately 85% to 90% less than it was, and I am confident it is only going to get even better with time. I am now sleeping through the night and feeling so much better doing everyday activities without any pain. James and Lauren have been great throughout my sessions and always happy to answer any questions. All I can say is this treatment is truly marvellous, and if you are suffering with back pain I strongly recommend it.

Fantastic experience: A big thank you to Lauren at Wealden Osteopaths who has helped me with my neck and back pain recently. Lauren is professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Lauren took time to chat through my history and made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Alongside the sports masaage sessions, Lauren also provided me with a series of strengthening exercises too. I will definitely be recommending Lauren & Wealden Osteopaths to others.

Fantastic experience: I would like to thank James and Lauren for the care and support I have received from them. At the age of 64, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and was in chronic pain - having been on heavy pain relief and trying anything to relieve the symptoms, I came across IDD Therapy. What a Godsend - after my course of treatment I honestly feel as if I am a walking miracle and within just a few sessions I was able to stop taking pain relief medication. The treatment itself is not painful. Whilst my course has finished, I have not been left high and dry, and will receive further support over the coming months to maintain my current mobility, as I get back to my daily activities and am able to enjoy life again. There is also the opportunity for Sports Massage and Osteopathy - a great team all under one roof (with easy access and free parking right outside!) I could not recommend them more highly - a very professional and efficient clinic!

Fantastic experience: Elizabeth was excellent. She treated me over a number of months to resolve various injuries. She was extremely thorough and has a highly effective practice as well as a compassionate manner and will explain, in detail if requested, the treatment she is giving.

Fantastic experience: I had a ‘mum and baby MOT’ earlier this week with osteopath Elizabeth Woodward. Elizabeth was amazing with my 5 month old baby, who calmed down as soon as she was held. Elizabeth treated her extremely gently with different techniques including some cranial osteopathy, explaining everything she was doing really clearly to me. I then had my own treatment which was so wonderful for the aches and pains of new parenthood and birth recovery. I would definitely recommend the treatment to new parents! The Wealden Osteopaths clinic setting is so beautiful as well, so the whole experience felt very calming.

Fantastic experience: Wealden osteopaths is in a beautiful setting, no need to worry about parking, it’s all very easy. I have had several treatments watch involve cranial osteopathy, it is remarkably effective for me and it’s a very gentle treatment. I highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I've been seeing Elizabeth for several months now, and I can honestly say it's been a game-changer for my wellbeing. From the very first appointment, her approach was thorough, compassionate, and tailored to my specific needs. she took the time to really listen and explain what was happening in my body, which helped me feel both reassured and empowered. The treatment itself has made a noticeable difference—pain I’d been living with for months is now significantly reduced, and my mobility has improved more than I thought possible. What really sets Elizabeth apart is the mix of professionalism, empathy, and genuine passion for helping people feel better. I highly recommend to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective care.

Fantastic experience: IDD has been a life changing experience. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and taking multiple painkillers for months with no improvement. James and his team at Wealden Spine centre in Flimwell have totally fixed my problem and after two week I am off the 29 painkillers I was taking each day and completely pain free. I arrived on crutches and now only two weeks later just half way through my treatment I am feel totally healed and a new woman thanks to James and his team

Fantastic experience: The IDD treatment offered and supplied by James and his team at the Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre really works. Having been subjected to various medical treatments and injections over the last year, which have all failed, I decided to try IDD and having completed around 50% of my treatments I can honestly say it works. Excellent service from James and his team I can only recommend to back pain sufferers to give them a call and discuss your needs. Mike

Fantastic experience: Five stars don't even come near to the care I received from Lauren Bolger who is the inhouse Sports Therapist. Lauren quickly and accurately diagnosed my heel pain as plantar fasciitis and recommended a course of Shockwave Therapy - the results of which have been remarkable. Thank you Lauren, James and all at Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre.

Fantastic experience: Elizabeth is the best osteopath I have ever seen and has helped my health in so many additional ways over and above normal osteopathy for my back. I would highly recommend her always!

Fantastic experience: Great service, knowledgeable team, spotless office with woodland setting. I have had many appointment for multiple back issues, and its been a real help of the last year.

Fantastic experience: I have been having IDD treatment for my neck which was a great success, James has such a great way of relating to his patients and is highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I was intrigued to find out whether a sports massage would suit me, a pensioner! So I booked up a session with Lauren, the qualified sports therapist, at Wealden Osteopaths. I explained my exercise routine and my main objective of being able to keep active, mobile and pain free for as long as possible and she tailored the session accordingly. The session was really great and Lauren loosened up tight areas through firm but sensitive massage. I highly recommend her and will definitely be booking up again.

Fantastic experience: I was able to get an appointment on the same day. Beautiful clinic, spotlessly clean. My therapist was brilliant. I cannot believe how Lauren ‘fixed me’. Definitely recommend this place

Fantastic experience: I had IDD therapy at the Wealden Osteopaths & spine clinic after slipping my L5-S1 disc. Before the treatment I was suffering with chronic debilitating back and sciatic pain. I was in constant pain, on strong pain killers and was loosing hope of ever recovering. The therapy has completely changed my life and I will never be able to thank the team enough for accepting me on the 6 week treatment. Very simply it has given me my life back.

Fantastic experience: I have just completed my 20 sessions of IDD at Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre. I am already feeling in much less pain, and am able to move freely and easily. Working, sitting and standing is no longer the trauma that it was. James and Lauren have been supportive and informative throughout and now with the help of Lauren I will recommence exercise and activity which I am assured will complete my recovery. With the help of James and Lauren I now feel positive about a pain free future!

Fantastic experience: Many thanks to Elizabeth for helping me get moving again having struggled with back and foot pain for many months.

Fantastic experience: I recently had IDD therapy after a diagnosis of bulging neck discs. The therapy is absolutely painless, but yielded very quick results. The clinic is in a lovely setting as well.

Fantastic experience: Amazing results for me with Idd, having been put on horrid pain relief and awaiting neurosurgery for my C6 partially extruding disc fragment, IDD has been the turn around. James and the team explained the treatment plan really well and by treatment 7 I came off my strong medication and am now pain free and also not going down the surgical route due to my treatment plan success so far.

Fantastic experience: IDD works for me, years of discomfort released and feeling much more flexible, not only is my back better, but also my knees. Thank you all and Merry Christmas Tim

Fantastic experience: I have used Wealden Osteopaths for a number of years now, following a nasty fall from my horse. Whilst James is highly effective at treating acute injuries, I continue visit the practice on a monthly basis to keep ongoing back issues under control. This proactive holistic maintenance treatment keeps niggles at bay and allows me to continue to do the things I want to do and stay active. The practice itself is now improved by recently moving to an easily accessible location with plenty of free parking and in a tranquil setting. I highly recommend Wealden Osteopath & Spine Centre.

Fantastic experience: I recently completed a course of IDD Therapy at Wealden Osteopaths, having encountered back pain for years which had been getting worse recently due to a bulging disc. I had read about this therapy in local press and I believe Wealden Osteopaths are the only practice in the area to offer it. The location is a tranquil woodland setting yet it is easily accessible just off the A21 and with free parking. James and Elizabeth are both knowledgeable and personable and they explained the treatment fully – it is actually a relaxing treatment for both back and neck problems! My back pain is certainly easing and James advised the IDD Therapy will help my back to heal itself going forward. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Wealden Osteopaths and whilst I am not very local to the practice I have already booked future appointments for osteopathy with them in order to maintain the progress I am making with my back pain.

Fantastic experience: A fantastic team. Very knowledgeable, friendly and professional.

Fantastic experience: I have been attending appointments at Wealden Osteopaths for many years now and cannot recommend them highly enough. Elizabeth's techniques and knowledge of the anatomy are fantastic and she never ceases to amaze me with the way she can assess me, not only on a musculoskeletal basis, but in terms of what's going on internally too. I feel I get a really good holistic approach to my treatment. Great new premises in Flimwell too.

Fantastic experience: I went to James Pickering more in hope than expectation as I'd tried many other treatments, including physio and normal osteopathy. Before I first had a session with James I was in a lot of pain and was walking with great difficulty even with two sticks. However, I'm glad to say that after IDD treatment I've rediscovered the joy of being able to walk without sticks and to resume the life I had before my walking problems began. Thanks James !

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a patient with Wealden Osteopathy for many years and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them. Professional, caring and effective treatment (and lovely new premises in Flimwell).

Fantastic experience: Started IDD treatment just before summer and has really helped with my back. James couldn’t be more informative during the process from start to finish and continuing on with my ongoing treatment. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I have been to see James at Wealden osteopath on 3 separate occasions over the last 8 years and each time I get a warm welcome. Within the first or second treatment my reason for going is so much better. The appointment are always on time and their new venue is fab. Thank you to James and his team. Emily Bolton

Fantastic experience: We highly recommend James and his IDD machine , it has made an incredible difference to the constant pain my husband has been in for many years. Brilliant customer service re ongoing appointments etc...

Fantastic experience: Very successful IDD therapy - has made a world of difference to my every day life. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I have always had issues with my back for many years and was recommended by a friend to try the Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre. I have had several sessions now and my discomfort has receded and my quality of life has improved. I will be continuing treatment going forward but on a maintenance footing, Highly recommended. Roy Jones

Fantastic experience: Having recently completed a course of IDD therapy for quite severe sciatica of which I have had recurring bouts for 9 years, I am pain free! These episodes usually resolve in 4 to 6 weeks but this time, after 7 weeks, it was getting worse not better. From not being able to stand still, let alone sit without pain and having to travel in the car in a horizontal position, I am now able to travel upright for at least 40 minutes, sit for as long as is advisable for anyone to sit and am (carefully) resuming all my previous activities. Thank you so much for giving me back my old self.

Fantastic experience: with my wife's ongoing back problems we decided to visit Wealden osteopath centre for my wife to have a course of IDD therapy with James Pickering, as she had been suffering sciatica and constant back pain. after Sonia started the course after last Christmas its been a gradual progress and i'm pleased to say that the pain down her right leg and pins and needles in her foot is so much improved, to the point where walking is not an effort anymore .with her IDD now finished she is in the excellent care of Elizabeth one of the osteopaths and this has gone hand in hand with the therapy and my wife now feels that she has got her life back to the point she is now able to walk fully, and enjoy her swimming once again, we can't thank James and Elizabeth enough!!

Fantastic experience: I visited Wealden Osteopaths & Spine Centre due to continuing Sciatica symptoms and was interested in IDD treatment having attended a local Chiropractor for the last year with little success. Before booking my treatments, I looked at several local places offering IDD but was really impressed with James during our initial pre consultation despite the clinic being 30 miles from my home. I booked 20 sessions and cannot fault the treatment. It really works and I am now pain free. I highly recommend James who provided a first-class service.

Fantastic experience: After suffering from two slipped discs and told surgery was my only option. I discovered this place and through the idd treatment went from unable to walk to practically a full recovery. James is very supportive answering any questions you may have and the machine that does the work isn’t painful at all and whilst on it takes away all your pain and you will feel so relaxed. If you have a slipped or herniated discs debilitating your life. I highly recommend Wealden osteopath idd treatment.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic friendly service IDD has literally been life changing when more conventional medical options had failed

Fantastic experience: I can’t thank Wealden Osteopaths enough and James in particular, after suffering with pains in my right leg for five years. Looking for some kind of relief, my wife found a website offering IDD treatment. Although it was some distance from where I live, I thought it would be a good idea to make an appointment and see if they could help me. I was advised to do a course of approximately ten sessions initially to see whether this would help. Gradually over the weeks I felt considerable relief from the pain and this lasted for a number of months. I had to top the treatment up because my initial operation was cancelled and in October 2021, I went into hospital for a spinal fusion. After the operation, my recovery was swift and I feel certain this was helped by the IDD therapy that I received. I am now completely pain free.

Fantastic experience: I have just completed a course of IDD with James and I can’t recommend it enough! I had a back injury back in April which left me with a bad herniated disc. I was at the point where I felt I was going round in circles in terms of getting help, until I found Elizabeth and James! I saw Elizabeth first for a hands on osteopath treatment, she then recommended I speak to James about IDD therapy and it’s been life changing. I finally feel like I’m getting somewhere! Both Elizabeth and James are brilliant! They make you feel comfortable every step of the way and are very informative, happy to answer any questions you have. To anyone reading this who is suffering and wondering if it’s worth a shot…it is!!

Fantastic experience: I have just finished a course of IDD treatment with James. A couple of months ago, despite a spinal injection and a mixture of painkillers and nerve blockers I was pretty much unable to walk and certainly cycle. Although this is the start of an ongoing recovery and restrengthening I am already able to again enjoy pain free dog walks and have even been back out on my bicycle for short and steady rides (two months ago I couldn't even use my turbo trainer). I can only say that for me, IDD seems to have made a significant improvement to my disc issues and kick started my recovery. Thank you James.

Fantastic experience: Having suffered for two years with back pain from bulging discs and stenosis of the spine, I decided to undertake a course of IDD Therapy to see if it could relieve some of the discomfort. James Pickering was so helpful in explaining how the treatment could help and what would be involved, I was confident that I would benefit from it. Having just finished my course of treatment I am now pain free - a wonderful relief! Thank you James for all your help and advice.

Fantastic experience: Thank you James for treating & guiding me through IDD recently-I was in the worst of pain, but your care and IDD were amazing.IDD really is The Best solution for acute back/sciatica pain.

Fantastic experience: After many years of back pain, surgery and pain relief injections I can now start to lead a normal life after being treated by James and his incredible team at the Wealden Spine Centre. I have successfully completed my IDD course with amazing results !! Thank you to James for his patience and care whilst going through my treatment.

Fantastic experience: I cannot speak highly enough of James and his team at Wealden Osteopaths and Spine Centre! I am self employed and have a physically demanding job that often see’s me on my feet for long periods of time. Having suffered with long term back pain for a number of years, things finally came to a head when I began to experience sciatic pain in my left side which eventually reached as far down as my feet. Finding not just working, but also simple day to day tasks such as dressing an increasing struggle, the pain was making me moody and very miserable. I turned to my GP desperate to find a solution to my pain. The results of an MRI scan showed that I had a herniated disc in my lower back, but a stretched NHS service meant that my referral appointment would be at least 3 months down the line. As a sole trader with a young family to support, I simply could not afford to continue as I was, knowing that I could quite easily end up not being physically capable to continue working much longer. I heard about Wealden Osteopaths from a former patient, who had also suffered from severe sciatica and had seen excellent results from the IDD therapy. I immediately contacted the clinic and booked a consultation with James to see if this treatment was the much needed solution I was looking for. From my initial appointment I was very clear that I needed a treatment that would be able to fit around my busy work schedule, and that time off simply was not an option. James was confident I would see good results from the treatment and assured me that, providing I was sensible and committed to the procedure, there was no reason why I couldn’t continue with most of my daily routine. James was excellent at working the appointments around my extremely busy work calendar, often accommodating me at evening appointments when many other practices would have long closed. I started to see positive results very quickly - within the first 5 or 6 sessions - and found the IDD therapy itself to be a very comfortable and relaxing process. I am now 1 month down the line from finishing the 6 week treatment and could not have imagined 3 months ago, being in such good health in such a short period of time. The sciatica has completely subsided and the stiffness in my back that I have suffered with for as long as I can remember has also improved. I will be returning to the clinic for regular treatments to maintain the incredible results I have seen. Thanks so much to James and his team!

Fantastic experience: Both i and my husband have been treated by James for several years. He is an outstanding osteopath, calm, reassuring and immensely capable. We lead very energetic and physically demanding lives. We are in our mid seventies. Because of his care we are both able to remain very active and without resort to painkillers other than the occasional paracetamol.

Fantastic experience: Having read some of the reviews on here I consider I was lucky enough to come to James’ centre early on in my problem with chronic sciatica down my right leg. He recommended an MRI scan which was arranged within days to confirm his suspicion of a herniated disc. I started a course of 20 IDD Therapy treatments the following week and I have now completed the course and the results have been amazing in such a short time. I am still continuing my exercising but my mobility is virtually back to normal and free of pain. I can’t thank James and his team enough for the gentle guidance and support.

Fantastic experience: I would like to start if by explaining the position I was in before idd treatment. I am a 22 year old plumbing and heating engineer and unfortunately due to the nature of my work I have been dealing with a herniated disc for the last 18 months from the constant bending and lifting. When the pain was at its worst I was hunched over at a 90 degree angle I would not get more than a hour or two of sleep a night due to the sciatica. I had undergone physical therapy and a epidural steroid injection and was finally offered open surgery which was not a option so I found idd treatment on the internet, after the first week I was sleeping much better and the pain continued to decrease until it was completley gone after about 6 weeks. I had my life back And was able to enjoy myself again including a downhill mountain biking holiday to which my back held up really well! James was so helpful during the treatment answering and exsplaining any questions I had making me feel very comfortable. James also continues to be really helpful after the treatment answering any questions I have and giving me advice. If you are having problems with a herniated disc you owe it to yourself to try idd, my only regret was finding it after 18 months rather than at the start.