Imagine knowing what Doctors know so you can take control of your health.
Welcome to The Patient’s Guide (TPG). For over 22 years, we’ve helped clients and their families navigate health challenges face to face and through clinically informed, research-based digital health guides. In this digital age, it's easy to get overwhelmed. If you’ve ever felt unsure where to turn, you’re not alone. Our simple, unbiased guides help you understand your condition and take confident next steps toward better health.
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Testimonials
Honest feedback from people who wanted clearer answers and better understanding.
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After three spinal operations involving implants to fuse my spine I was left with severe sacroiliac pain. My surgeon recommended fusing my sacroiliac joints. I was recommended to Mr Makinde by a friend and as a last resort I decided to give him a try. After fifty plus years of sport I have seen many physicians but never one like Stephen. His experience encompasses osteopathy, physiotherapy, nerve therapy and acupuncture. He not only helped my pain levels but the exercise regime he designed for me has improved my general fitness and strength levels. I am now playing golf again and most importantly I can manage my spinal problems with home exercise. Many thanks. Jim Dormer Jim Dormer -
Stephen was highly recommended to us by a close friend, and we are incredibly grateful for the referral. Our son has a severe and complex language and communication disorder, along with several other symptoms. Over the past 18 years, we've worked with a variety of therapists from all over the world, but our experience with Stephen has been truly exceptional. We've been working with him for the past 9 months, seeing him weekly, and the progress we've seen has been remarkable. Stephen’s extensive knowledge across multiple disciplines allows him to treat the body as a whole, addressing not just one issue but all interconnected factors. His professionalism, combined with his genuine kindness and understanding, has made a significant difference in our son’s development. Seeing the incredible progress Stephen has made with our son, I decided to seek his help for my own health concerns. I’m truly amazed by his ability to pinpoint the root causes of issues that often show up in unexpected areas of the body. In just three sessions, Stephen has successfully treated a bladder-related condition, resolved a chronic neck problem, and alleviated a long-standing back issue. Additionally, he’s provided valuable advice on the right supplements and dosages. Before, I would visit different therapists and doctors depending on my symptoms, but now, I simply turn to Stephen for all my health needs. His expertise and holistic approach have made a huge difference in both our son’s and my own health. We wholeheartedly recommend Stephen to anyone seeking expert care. His approach is thorough, compassionate, and effective. Wendy -
My daughter was having terrible problems with her coccyx and had several unsuccessful interventions and lots of chiropractic treatment, but the pain would not ease. I was researching cold laser and the possibility of healing the bruised coccyx. I found Stephen had the k laser in his clinic. We made an appointment, and after a few visits, the coccyx pain was gone. My daughter could sit down and return to playing football, and nearly two years on is still playing football—a remarkable turn around with Stephen’s help. I have my injuries and worked with Stephen to get me back on my bike. Riding is my hobby, and I’ve managed to cycle 6000 miles since lockdown. I’ve worked with Stephen to manage and maintain several complicated injuries. I have a persistent knee issue, shoulder impingement and ribs that get stuck. Stephen has used various techniques, manipulation, acupuncture, muscle scraping and sometimes just reassurance. The range of techniques and determination to help me meet my goals is second to none. Stephen is the best therapist I have worked with. His fees reflect that level of expertise, but I would encourage people to see him because he aims to fix you as quickly as possible without costly unlimited weekly visits. He also has worked with my trainer to ensure I build strength and maintain my fitness, limiting the number of repeat visits. David Hall -
I was recommended to see Stephen by a family member who had received treatment which has resolved a significant health issue for him. I had previously seen two physiotherapists for my sudden onset of severe back issues with no success. Stephen not only worked on my back (to prevent me from having to have spinal surgery), but he also looked at my body from a holistic sense and through our discussions Stephen has helped me to reflect on my lifestyle including exercise and nutrition. He solved other health issues that I have been struggling with for years and was told by various consultants they there was nothing that could be done. Stephen has helped me to resolve chronic menstrual pain which has been life changing for me. Throughout the process Stephen prescribed various supplements which made a big difference to my general health which I now no longer need to take. He is currently helping me to manage migraines and thanks to Stephen I feel much more confident about my health and wellbeing. Stephen has also seen two of my other family members and completely resolved their health issues. From being exhausted and in severe pain just standing up, I am now able to exercise regularly pain-free and feel more in control of managing my health. Katie Lewis -
About five years ago I was told that I would need a hip replacement within a year. With treatment and an exercise regime from Stephen I managed to avoid the need for a new hip. This year I had several months of relative inactivity as a result of recovering from a serious Covid infection. My hip and leg became painful as a result. Thankfully Stephen was again able to help me to get back to normal. I have a great respect for Stephen's expertise and I would not be the fit 77 year old that I am today without his help. An English Engineer -
Stephen is amazingly knowledgeable and got me back to work quickly after putting my back out lifting a fish tank. My brother recommended Stephen to me and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Oak Practice to anyone with an injury or problem that Stephen can help with. gardenelectrician -
Was recommended to Stephen through a friend and will be passing on the amazing recommendation to others. Half an hour assesment with him & some alignment issues were discovered. This is the first morning I have awoken without back pain in years. Truly amazing what he can do. Matt -
I started attending perfect balance in late 2019 when I could not move my arm and my hand was numb with pins and needles. I felt like my exercise life was over and also, my ability to cook, including chopping, was very limited. I saw Fatima for a few months and she got my arm working again and ordered an MRI, which showed a trapped nerve in my neck. I have had shoulder, hip and neck problems for 25 years, since swimming for England as a child. I have been to many specialists over the years, as a few problems had occurred, like my arm. But my arm was the worst. At the 1st lockdown I was feeling quite a bit better from regular treatment. Then luckily I was able to continue with Jamie at perfect balance through zoom in lockdown and continued since then. I also went to see Stephen at The Oak Practice. A long way to travel for me but worth it 200%. Stephen has really worked and is still working on enabling me to live a great life with lots of exercise and no operation needed - phew!! The acupuncture has been especially useful and the regular daily physio exercises. In the 20 plus years of having back problems, Stephen is by far the best and really worth the money. Without him I would be walking like an old lady, when I am only 48 years old. I would also be very depressed without the use of my arm. I can now use my arm well. My back hurts but it is improving all the time. Thank you Stephen and Perfect Balance 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Victoria Wade -
I am 64 years old and suffer from unsightly, painful Herbeden's and Bouchard's nodules on my fingers and toes. Old injuries have left swelling and discolouration on bridge of nose and scarring to ear. On line, I discovered that K-Laser could help. Aaron at David Lloyd Gym, Hatfield which offers K-Laser, recommended Stephen as being more experienced. Stephen clearly set out the procedure and likely results. The sessions are very relaxed and friendly with full Covid protection. I can now flex my fingers, exercise and write more easily. The shrinkage in the nodules has been remarkable. The ear scar is softening and is less obtrusive. The swelling on the bridge of the nose has almost disappeared. I am amazed by the results to date. I would advise any potential client to do their research on line and then book a session with Stephen to discuss the findings. You will get an honest, intelligent appraisal on what is possible. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/geougc-cs/AIHozJJvWz61uX5RyAG3rGVHX0JxlUheOpRK0L2UoyVILSA9A5g4aiZL7Ea7dV9dGCVnlHavAyYVB5-KxgicFdwWN1orr_RmiI-2F7wLo-MPW3qnQ88MHDherFLu3dyM9BhYK4O-vnOQ Shobha Edgell -
Life Changing. I was first introduced to Stephen through a friend who spoke so highly of his abilities and urged me to seek out help for my back which i had been struggling with for a number of years. 6 sessions later and I am able to work and play golf pain-free which I never previously thought possible. I personally cannot recommend The Oak Practice enough to anyone who is struggling with pain and have already recommended 2 people to him. I have seen numerous people to treat my various injuries but have never met someone so personable and knowledgeable. Michael Griffiths -
The diagnosis and subsequent treatment I have received from Stephen at the Oak Practice has been a key component of my recent success in gaining a Boston qualifying and ‘Good For Age’ marathon time. I had been struggling for many months with a dysfunction in the way my left leg muscles were firing while walking and running – it was like I was lifting a deadweight and could be painful. I had been working on muscle imbalances per diagnoses from some local physios and osteos without any sustained joy and I came to the Oak Practice hoping for greater success. Within one short session of assessment, Stephen looked at the issue afresh and identified the real root issue – a long-standing pinched nerve in my back that my body had been doing a good job of concealing and working around. The treatment arising from this superior understanding of my issue was fundamentally different and I sincerely appreciate the wide range of techniques that Stephen was able to bring to bear within the Oak Practice premises without fuss and with speed. The fix did not happen overnight but I, at all times, Stephen understood my need and was invested in my successful resolution. The body is such a complex system and it’s been a real pleasure to have access to Stephen’s deep expertise and ability to see beyond the symptom. I would recommend Oak Practice to anyone. Russell Morris -
I was first introduced to Stephen and the Oak Practice through Mid Herts Golf Club, where he has a practice. He is very professional and experienced and has put me on a plan to improve the Arthritis and mobility in my knees, which I now feel they are stronger and giving me more flexibility of movement. Alan Pickard