New therapy could be a quick fix for back pain

A new treatment developed for people with back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as fractures and sprains, is available from today at a London clinic.

The Fenzian system uses a batteryoperated device which is held over the affected area. It works by transmitting electrical impulses to stimulate the central nervous system with the aim of speeding up the healing process.

One of those who have tried it is Emma Sayle, 30, from Fulham, who is captain of the Sisterhood rowing crew. She suffered neck and shoulder pain for more than 10 years and underwent five half-hour sessions of the treatment as a last resort before competing in a three-day, 120-mile raft race along the Amazon. The team won.

"I received Fenzian treatment for a shoulder injury the week before the challenge and felt no pain at all during the race," she said.

The treatment was developed by Dr James Colthurst, previously an NHS surgeon and radiologist. It is available at the London Fenzian clinic in Harley Street, which will focus on using the technology to treat sports injuries.

A spokeswoman for the clinic said: "Some 13 million people suffer from sports injuries every year in the UK."

A treatment session at the clinic costs £150, and an average course is five to seven treatments.