Perfect Balance Clinic

Stephen was recommended to me by another practitioner to help get to the bottom of my functional digestive issues. He has always proven to be knowledgeable and has worked with me continuously for several years to help me control my symptoms, even though I was not able to see him regularly as I was living abroad. I would highly recommend Stephen to identify the root causes of and find lasting solutions to chronic issues where other practitioners are unable to do so.

Following a series of three operations in the last decade, bowel cancer and two keyhole back procedures, I turned to PB for bespoke rehab. Under the supervision of neuro osteopath Stephen Makinde, who expertly identified my weaknesses I was assigned to rehab specialist Jamie Cunningham and acupuncturist Alex Charles, who over the ensuing weeks staged my recovery in an efficient, progressive manner. I chose to follow the step by step advice of all three adherently, and as a result I’ve just been able to complete and enjoy a week long hiking trip to the challenging Dolomites terrain of Italy. Moreover, after a decade long absence from the gym I now enjoy the confidence to participate In a full exercise regime on a regular basis. Accordingly, I have no hesitation in recommending PB for their professionalism and expertise. My back surgeon specifically advised me to seek out a bespoke rehab programme, and as far as I’m concerned it was a fully worthwhile investment.

I first came upon the services of Stephen Makinde at Perfect Balance Clinic after suffering from ongoing debilitating back/pelvic pain for over two years. I had seen more than a dozen different physios/chiropractors/osteopaths, who provided me with some understanding of what had happened to my body and also some treatment that helped ease some of the symptoms. However, after two years of paying for around 80 private appointments (due to the 9-12 mth NHS waiting list times), I still had no real resolution. I had lost tens of thousands due to being unable to work for a year and also from paying my medical bills. After extensive research, I saw Stephen Makinde’s background and experience from his online profile and hoped that he could be someone who had the expertise to help me get to the crux of the problem. I had to fly over from Belfast to London for appointments, but from the first couple of sessions I could tell that he seemed to have a great insight into my condition and had sound ideas on what was causing it and a plan of action going forward. Like previous physios I had been to, he identified that the damage I had received to my calf muscle a few months before my back/pelvic pain started (and the subsequent limp/calf weakness from it) had caused my body weight to shift away from the pain on the right and on to the left side of my body. This then resulted in lack of muscle use on my right leg and glute, which in turn caused muscle wastage. This could be seen visibly on my right glute being smaller and weaker. My right ilium had tilted forward slightly in classic fashion due to weakness in the right glute and tightness in the rectus femoris. This was a very typical ‘lower crossed syndrome’ that had developed i.E. Weak glute and lower abdominals in conjunction with tight over loaded lower back muscles, iliopsaoas and rectus femoris. This put a high load of stress on to my lower back to compensate, especially when standing or walking. My posterior kinetic chain in my right leg had broken down because I couldn’t push off my right foot properly due to a weak and painful calf. My pelvis always felt ‘twisted’ when I was standing and my lower back muscles would constantly spasm. After a gait analysis, which Stephen arranged for me, he could see the significance of how the force down through my feet when standing had become very uneven due to muscle imbalance further up the body and the weight shift in my pelvic region. This was a key insight that Stephen identified and one that other practitioners I had been to had failed to see. Stephen decided, in addition to some pelvic/lower back manipulation, that a simple orthotic under my right foot would enable my toes to feel the ground again, regain the correct nerve signals and allow me to stand and walk more naturally again. This very basic (but ideal for purpose) orthotic, transformed my walking ability and immediately allowed my whole body to start standing and walking in a more natural way. This is in turn started relaxing imbalanced muscles in my lower back/pelvic area and the pain started to decline dramatically. Stephen realised that the ‘twisted’/imbalanced pelvis and the feet were creating a viscous circle of one affecting the other. Therefore, the cycle of pain and dysfunction needed to be broken. I was amazed at the results. Stephen was a bit more expensive than previous physios/osteopaths I had used, but he is top of his game and was worth it ten times over. I was in constant pain, confusion and despair before I got treatment from him. I am still having some treatment and hopefully I continue to progress to complete resolution. I highly recommend both the Perfect Balance Clinic and Stephen Makinde in particular. Thank you!Moreexpand_more

When I booked an appointment with Stephen Makinde I had been suffering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction for 11 years and had seen over 20 previous practitioners without success. Stephen immediately diagnosed the underlying cause and fixed it during our first session. Over the following six weeks he set about systematically treating all of the secondary problems caused by my body being misaligned for 11 years, including some I never realised I had. Combined with his treatment he also arranged for me to undergo a gait analysis, which identified and corrected problems with my walking, together with sports therapy sessions with Daine McKibben Rice, who worked with me on a rehabilitation programme to rebuild strength and mobility in my weakened muscles. Both were brilliant, friendly and professional, but above all they have completely fixed a problem which had left me in constant pain for years and had been impacting the quality of my life. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.

I have been seeing Stephen for a few weeks now for laser treatment on osteoarthritis of my fingers. Not only is he an excellent physician and has made a huge difference to both the pain and the look of my hands which have improved enormously, he is also very kind and caring. He has gone above and beyond expectations to help me with my problems. I have no hesitation in recommending him. Thank you to everyone involved in my treatment at the clinic.

Stephen is charming and a delight to deal with. I have no hesitation in recommending him as he is a very good diagnostician and is open to using a variety of treatments. He has successfully trated both ankle and arm problems.

Stephen Makinde, as his physio said to me, "is a miracle worker". She'd seen patient after patient being fixed…and I joined that list. I am experienced with acupuncture, exercises, physios and serious back operations - and none can hold a candle to the beneficial effects of his acupuncture and (simple) exercises. He has an extraordinary understanding of the interplay of muscles, bones and viscera. After half an hour, my pain is gone and it does not return. After six months or so, I might want to go back and he sorts me out immediately. Money is a consideration for me, and yet I learned to find it to afford his sessions. They simply made and make the difference. I cannot praise him highly enough. Five stars in every category.Moreexpand_more

Stephen Makinde has been treating my mom since march and he is probably the best physiotherapist anyone could ask for. He's good at his job and very friendly, making his patients relaxed and comfortable but most importantly feeling stronger and better. I would definitely be recommending him to all our friends.

I have always had wonderful service at Perfect Balance. Stephen is by far the best Osteopath I have ever seen. He easily recognizes the problem and always deals with it very effectively. His knowledge and use of different therapeutic modalities is outstanding, and his friendly and approachable personality make sessions both enjoyable and incredibly informative. In addition, his sports therapist, Sonal, provides an incredible sports massage and her knowledge of sports rehabilitation definitely helps provide a much quicker recovery. The team at Perfect Balance have all been wonderful and not only treat my injuries but also keep my body working optimally so I am able to live and enjoy a very active lifestyle. Thank you Perfect Balance!