Supporting You Heal

Osteopathy . Scar Work . Therapeutic Shamanism . Mind - Body Connection

Welcome to the website of Jo Sheppard BA BSc DO

Jo works with patients to manage a range of muscular skeletal and functional conditions using a holistic mind-body-spirit approach

*** AS OF 8TH SEPT 2025 THE PRACTISE WILL MOVE TO THE NEW LOCATION OF 163 ASHFORD RD, BEARSTED, ME14 4NE. ANY APPOINTMENT BOOKED FROM THAT DATE ONWARDS WILL BE HELD AT THAT ADDRESS**

OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathy is a holistic form of manual health care that works with the body’s muscular skeletal, neurological and fluidic systems to help balance structure and improve function. As Osteopaths we are concerned with looking at root causes of conditions and assess the person as whole not just at the painful area.

SCAR THERAPY

The aim of Scar Therapy is to help improve function and condition (and often the appearance) of the scar and surrounding tissue, helping to restore balance and function to the body as a whole.

THERAPEUTIC SHAMANISM

My approach to osteopathy is rooted in seeing the patient as a complete whole - mind, body and spirit. People present with physical aches and pains but there are usually many factors that contribute to their presentation, we are more than just our physical body. It is becoming more scientifically accepted that mind and body function are linked are but what about the spirit part?

CANCER CARE

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a scary time. You may feel uncertain about the future and feel unable to control what is happening to your body which is seemingly, under attack from an often unseen process that is occurring inside of you. Your body might suddenly feel like an unsafe place and you might be wondering what will help you and what might make things worse….

OSTEOPATHY FOR STRESS & TRAUMA

Over the past 16 yrs of practicing and teaching osteopathy, I have formulated a way of observing, palpating (feeling) and treating holding patterns in the body created in response to stressful or traumatic events. It has become a specialist interest of mine and has become the focus of further training and development…..

PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION FOR OSTEOPATHS

The purpose of supervision is to hold a confidential and reflective space to discuss and explore any aspect of professional life. It’s aim is to help the therapist personally and through them, also help their clients. Supervision is not about judgement or ‘being watched’ rather it is about practising ‘Super - Vision’. Together we view your experiences with enquiry and compassion thus enabling you to understand yourself better and improve your communication and relationship skills with others. The relationship between supervisor and supervisee is a supportive one that can simultaneously help to strengthen and develop a flourishing practise or support, guide or look for solutions when a therapist may be struggling.

“I have been a patient of Jo for more than 10 years. She is so gifted and has the ability to immediately see/feel what needs work. She has incredibly healing hands and always resolves whatever problem I have whether it is lower back pain, stiff neck, joint pain, tight fascia/muscles, visceral issues or cranial. She never stops taking courses and learning to expand her knowledge. I value her work so much that my husband, daughter and son all see her and trust her to the same degree. We all highly recommend her and are very grateful for all that she does for us.”

- L.E - Osteopathy

“Jo is a human being with a special gift. She is so in tune with others bodies and minds. She is an amazing listener and full of wisdom and advice. She sorts out my physical body issues but I always feel mentally lighter and more positive after I leave an appointment too. Her treatment room is gorgeous and always smells nice + fresh posey’s cut from her beautiful garden I would recommend Jo to anyone”.

- L.Y - Osteopathy

I started running recently and unfortunately pushed myself too hard, injuring my knee. Jo was absolutely fantastic! She quickly identified the issue and provided the right treatment to not only relieve the pain but also help me get back on track with my training. Thanks to her expertise, I'm back to running stronger than before! I'd highly recommend her to anyone in need of an excellent osteopath.”

- C.C - Osteopathy

“I’ve been seeing Jo for treatment - everything from cranial osteopathy, scar treatment and therapeutic shamanism - for many years now, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. I've sent numerous clients to Jo on recommendation, something I would definitely not do if she wasn't excellent at what she does.

She is kind, thoughtful, insightful and always puts the needs of her clients first. There is no ego with Jo, she is matter-of-fact in her approach, and will always explain exactly what she is doing or is about to do so there is never any concern over what is about to happen.

Equally important for me, is that Jo was integral in helping me start my journey into shamanism at a time when I was very much searching for something I couldn't put my finger on. But she discussed what was happening - how it was manifesting in my body - and guided me towards the solution in shamanic practice, which I will be forever grateful for.

If only we could clone Jo and have every osteopath be like her, the world would be a much better, less painful place for us all!”

- A.S - Osteopathy & Therapeutic Shamanism

Reviews

“I have been seeing Jo for regular osteopathy appointments now for approximately 4 years. What can I say, Jo is so very much more than your average osteopath. She treats the whole person, mind, body and soul. I have recommended her to so many people and without exception the feedback is always that she is amazing. Jo is a truly lovely person and is incredibly professional and committed to her work, participating in sharing her profession knowledge with others and continually learning and developing her own skills. I initially sought Jo's help as I was suffering from sinus issues. Cranial osteopathy has been revolutionary for me. My sinuses are always clear after leaving the practice room. Cranial work by Jo has also been amazing for my vertigo and helps enormously. I suffered with back pain for 20+ years. Jo reduced this pain significantly after 1 or 2 sessions and I find seeing her for regular monthly appointments has kept the pain away by dealing with little niggles as they arise. Every time I see Jo she looks at my whole body and works on every single issue I may be experiencing at that particular time. I always leave after a session feeling relaxed, refreshed and anxiety free. I have also enjoyed two Shamanism sessions as preparation for a big life change. As well as being a very enjoyable experience it was hugely beneficial. I can't recommend Jo enough and would never see any other osteopath.”

- D.C - Osteopathy & Therapeutic Shamanism

“Jo is an absolute godsend for me. I look forward to my appointments with her, not just because she deals with all my aches and pains, but for the whole experience. Her space is welcoming, comfortable and spotless whilst having the calming feel of a spa treatment room. Jo is so warm and friendly, she really puts you at ease. I love her holistic approach, I really feel like she is tending to my mind and spirit as well as my physical issues. Jo is very intuitive, and she really listens to ensure she is getting to the root of things and providing the best treatment. I leave my appointments feeling calm and cared for, I can't recommend her enough”.

- L.M - Osteopathy

“I have been treated by Jo for over 10 years now. Back, shoulder and recurring neck issues, all improved following regular sessions with Jo. I now go every 6 weeks for maintenance sessions to keep me mobile and pain free.
I look forward to my appointments and always feel rejuvenated and relaxed afterwards.
I have encouraged many friends to see her as well as my husband and mum in law who at 91 is still active and independent thanks to Jo's regular input.
Would not hesitate to recommend Jo to anyone of any age.”

- J.P - Osteopathy

“After a challenging period in my life, my body felt stuck in fight/flight mode, I was unsettled. I had explored other therapies before seeing Jo, however, something felt unresolved. I noticed the positive effects of cranial feeling calmer, more grounded, deeply rested and safer in my body.

After around five sessions, I feel more confident and at ease. My system feels regulated in a way I didn’t expect. I’m very grateful to Jo.”

- M.W - Osteopathy

“I've been seeing Jo over a number of years.  She is a highly skilled and sensitive osteopath who is thorough and nuanced in her approach and very effective in her treatments. I feel wholly confident in her and lucky to have found her.'“

- J.C - Osteopathy

‘People heal better when they are seen, heard & understood’.