Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of saying a few words at the opening of the newly extended and refurbished Mermaid Chiropractor Practice in Hartlepool and it was a revelation.

To be honest, I'd been quite ignorant about what such facilities can do. I'd always had the idea that they were only useful for dealing with injuries or back problems, but there's much more to it than that. Just how this new venture came about is a great story in itself.

The new clinic is the latest step in a journey that started ten years ago, when a visiting Chiropractor from Australia, Dr Andrew Fell, caught the attention of the then Hartlepool electrician, Ken Rose. During a demonstration in the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Ken became fascinated in the work of the man who would later become his mentor and asked if he could act as his assistant. Andrew agreed and over the next few weeks, while Andrew was based in Hartlepool, the two became friends.

When Ken decided to leave Hartlepool and enrol on the five-year course in Bournemouth that would eventually lead to him becoming qualified to practice as a Chiropractor, it was Andrew who provided the encouragement and support for him to do so. In recognition of that support, Ken named his Hartlepool practice, Mermaid, after Andrew's practice on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Ken started treating patients in September 1999. His first treatment rooms were at the Hartlepool Medical Centre, where he set up as a newly qualified Doctor of Chiropractic on his return from Bournemouth and with the help of his sister, Dianne. He moved to the upper floors of the current premises in Spring 2000. But it was when the shop became vacant on the ground floor that Ken realised that his plan to expand his practice was about to get off the ground.

For the last few months, workmen have been carrying out extensive alterations creating a new reception room and new treatment rooms on the ground floor of the premises. Ken has been ably assisted by members of his family including his Dad, Alan, who has decorated the place from top to bottom, and his cousin, Dave, who has built the reception desk by hand. Ken often says that Mermaid Chiropractic is a family run business and the clinic certainly has an unmistakable family friendly feel about it.

Certainly at Saturday's opening celebration, the family feeling was there in abundance, and the whole event was really moving.

You'll know that sports people have known about the benefits of Chiropracty for years and how regular treatment can improve their performance. I'm now thoroughly convinced that us lesser mortals can gain real benefits too. Ken gave me a computerised spinal scan which was quite an experience, especially as it identified a potential lower back problem that I didn't even know about. After some expert remedial treatment, I'll get round that squash court like a young gazelle!

There's a very good team at Mermaid, and I sampled an amazingly relaxing arm massage with therapist Debbie Wharton. It's a Western fault not to award ourselves enough enjoyment time, and I'm going to get better at that!

If you'd like to know more ring Mermaid Chiropractic on Hartlepool (01429) 296 766 during normal office hours to book your Spinal Screening. You will be assured of a very warm welcome, and perhaps, like me, you'll get a surprise too.

Published: 09/04/2003