BRITCHIRO CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN HORSHAM

BritChiro Clinics is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Horsham. Established by husband-and-wife Peter and Karena Westergaard, the business continues to thrive. AAH met the founders and some of its team of experienced chiropractors…

A NEW VISION

Peter moved from Denmark to Britain with the ambitious goal of elevating the status of chiropractic care towards the levels he had seen in his home country. He opened his first clinic in the New Forest in 1997, with Horsham becoming the second four years later.

Peter recalls: ‘When we opened at New Milton in the New Forest, we were one of the first High Street chiropractors in the country. Traditionally – like osteopaths – most chiropractors practised from home. It was unusual to establish a clinic in a retail location and one of the challenges we faced was the reluctance of local authorities to allow healthcare-related businesses on the High Street. We experienced this in Horsham too, when we first tried to establish ourselves in the town.

‘Karena and I toured the south of England for six months, looking for the ideal spot for our flagship clinic. There were other contenders, but Horsham was our preferred location. Any further north, towns can feel like outer suburbs of London, while further south they lose the influence of the capital. However, it was the people that really drew us to Horsham.

‘Fortunately, we found a unit in West Walk, a thoroughfare off West Street, which had ground floor access but was designated as office space. This has provided us with a presence in the town centre. Starting afresh in a new town meant that we opened the doors without a single patient. However, within a few weeks, our diary was fully. It felt as though Horsham had been waiting for us.

‘We expanded by opening further clinics in Westbourne and Horley, and for many years managed four branches, overseeing a 40-strong team. Westbourne and New Milton are now run by BritChiro Clinics associates, while Horsham remains our base and has continued to flourish. We have a dynamic team of five chiropractors, two massage therapists and a reception team, with over 14,000 registered patients, many of whom have remained loyal from the outset.’

GENUINE CARE

One of these patients is Brenda Iles, from Horsham. Brenda suffered a serious road traffic accident in the 1970s, leaving her with long-term neck pain. Caring for others caused further back problems, while arthritis and spinal osteoporosis have been added to the list of complaints over time. However, Peter and others have helped keep Brenda largely pain-free.

She said: ‘I’ve been visiting BritChiro for 25 years and although Peter has been my main chiropractor, I’ve been treated by all the team at various times. They all adopt a very high level of professionalism. What is interesting is that each practitioner has their own way of working, yet I always have a positive outcome. Most importantly, they genuinely care about what they do, which is why I’ve recommended them to many of my friends and family.

‘I don’t think people realise the amount of training involved in becoming a chiropractor; it really is extensive. Having been involved in NHS care committees, I’ve long felt that chiropractic treatments should be more widely promoted within the health service. Peter has told me that in Denmark, people see a chiropractor as regularly as they see their dentist. I feel many people here could benefit from a similar routine, as regular chiropractic treatments have helped me maintain a functional spine, so I can live a normal life.’

TALENTED TEAM

When it comes to recruitment, Peter and Karena take pride in seeking out not only the most promising graduates, but the most attentive. The chiropractic team includes Charlene Warnell, who has practiced in Horsham for over 20 years. For many patients, Charlene is the first port of call for their health and wellbeing.

Victoria White studied Biological Sciences at Oxford University before embarking on a career change and graduating from the prestigious Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC). Jack Humphrey is also a graduate of the AECC, having previously earned a degree in Languages. Jack joined BritChiro two-and-a-half years ago, having previously benefitted from the expertise of a chiropractor, who helped him overcome injuries related to distance running.

Dr Edmund Tso joined the team in 2017, having first met Peter at an AECC event. Ed said: ‘I gained a degree in Applied Anatomy from the University of Bristol, but couldn’t apply that knowledge without becoming a therapist or practitioner. So, I spent a further five years gaining a Masters in Chiropractic from AECC, which allowed me to transfer my knowledge in a way that has a positive impact.

‘For me, being a chiropractor involves much more than simply diagnosing pain. Naturally, knowledge and experience inform what I do, as it helps to establish trust and reassures the patient. However, being naturally caring is fundamental to the job. It’s important to give people time, so we listen and build a picture of their history and situation. As they’re not rushed through a revolving door, people leave with the confidence that they’ve come to the right place, as they see the commitment we make to helping them.’

TRADE TOOLS

BritChiro adopts a scientific approach with patients, using a range of methods to diagnose and treat neuromuscular problems. As well as hands-on manipulation and adjustments to relieve pain and improve joint mobility, adjustment tools can deliver a low-force thrust to help realign the vertebrae.

The team also has in-clinic Digital X-ray equipment, while Gonstead treatment benches allow for precise, segmental spinal adjustments. It may resemble a vintage barber’s chair, but the Zenith Vertilift is perhaps the ultimate chiropractor’s device. With multiple height selections and adjustable cushions, it provides not only comfort, but results too.

Peter said: ‘My father, who was also a chiropractor, was involved in the development of a chiropractic bench in Denmark, but it proved so expensive that it wasn’t put into full production. However, an American manufacturer produces a similar bench, which we use, and is – in my opinion – the best treatment bench in the world. For some patients, even moving onto a bench can be too painful, but this device makes it much easier. We detect which vertebrae are not moving correctly and this treatment bench allows us to deliver an optimal correction.’

When it comes to treatments, people visit the clinic for many reasons, says Victoria: ‘The most common problem is lower back pain, but we also treat people with sciatica, headaches, neck pain, shoulder issues and much more. For some, pain can be triggered by spending too much time commuting or sat at a desk, while for others, it’s a symptom of physical labour, such as construction work putting too much strain on the body. Whatever the cause, true pain comes from missing out on doing some-thing they love, or which is essential to their livelihood. That can be gardening, playing sport, or being able to work efficiently. That’s what brings people here. It’s our job to provide a treatment which supports their health and ensures they can continue doing the things they love.’

Further information: BritChiro, 13 West Street, Horsham, RH12 1PB Tel: (01403) 275000. www.britchiro.com

Originally published in AAH (All About Horsham) Magazine on 1st April 2026. Words by Ben Morris. Photography by Alan Wright.