Andrea Barabas obtained a distinction in her Masters in Chiropractic from London South Bank University, and has a long-standing passion for health and fitness. With a background in personal training, she has a keen interest in functional and rehabilitative exercises and likes to incorporate these in her care. She finds that combining hands-on treatment with physical therapy and education about one’s condition is key to achieving lasting results. Andrea blends soft tissue therapies, such as trigger point therapy and muscle release techniques, with spinal and extremity adjustments.
What led you into wanting to become a chiropractor?
My passion for a healthy lifestyle led me to personal training, where often my skills and knowledge were not adequate to support people who have gone through or been recovering from injuries or back pain. This inability to help drove me to further my education and chiropractic provided that and much more. It has been the best decision I made in my life.
What has surprised you most about the profession as a practitioner?
The rigorous initial screening and the depth of knowledge that is required to finally get to the actual source of the problem. Also how many different conditions can present with the same type of pain in the same location. Hence the meticulous screening and assessment needed.
What have been the unexpected hurdles you have had to face?
Educating people of the importance of at-home exercises and that even small lifestyle changes can be powerful, but to actually implement those in daily routines in the long term is often a challenge. Hence, I often recommend focussing on improving by 1% only until that 1% improvement has formed a habit.
What have been the unexpected benefits you have enjoyed?
It is well known that helping people to be out of pain and feel good again is a rewarding position to be in; however, just how rewarding this feeling is takes me by surprise all the time. For me, this rewarding feeling has been very positive and, in its pursuit, I have been able to meet many people from various backgrounds and personalities, which is another benefit I have enjoyed.
What has been your most momentous moment?
Helping someone who suffered from various long-term musculoskeletal complaints, and have seen other practitioners with no success, become pain free and fully functional.
What glimpse of wisdom can you offer about health / the body?
Do an activity that you genuinely enjoy. Start small. Look after your sleeping, eating, movement and social habits and you will become the best version of yourself. Above all, smile and be happy because a healthy mental state translates to physical well-being 😊.
Keep moving, it’s good for your mental and physical health and the best way to do this is to find an activity that you enjoy.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy in life?
A variety of sports and activities, including weight lifting, skating and Latin dancing. Acrylic painting is a big passion of mine. I love to connect with nature and do long walks bare foot in the park. When time allows, I would love to relearn playing the piano.
What will always bring a smile to your face?
My beautiful identical twin cats and a seaside view.
