Elemental Health owner and chiropractor Sara Wagstaffe tells Natasha Baluchi why she believes in a ‘whole-person approach’ to care
What made you decide to open a multidisciplinary health practice in Jersey?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate throughout my career to have worked alongside some amazing colleagues and to have cared for so many wonderful clients. Those experiences have shaped my approach to healthcare and inspired the vision for Elemental Health.
When my brother, Tom Wagstaffe, qualified as a chiropractor in 2019 and wanted to return to Jersey and work with me, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring that vision to life and Elemental Health opened its doors on the summer solstice of 2020.
After more than 24 years working in healthcare, I’ve learnt that true health comes from treating the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Our health is influenced by many interconnecting factors. Physical health, nutrition, movement, stress, sleep and emotional wellbeing all play an important role in how we feel and function. I wanted to create a practice that recognises all those elements, bringing together practitioners with different areas of expertise to provide a whole-person approach to care.
Has the business changed much since you first opened?
We are incredibly grateful for how the practice has grown since we first started. We began with a team of four practitioners and since then have expanded to 15, allowing us to offer a much broader range of healthcare services. We have also introduced a variety of wellbeing classes including yoga, Pilates, tai chi and qigong.
Building a trusted reputation within the Jersey community is something we’re incredibly proud of. We are especially grateful that so many of our clients recommend us to their family and friends; there is no greater compliment.
What services do you offer and why do you think it is important to bring different practitioners together?
We offer a wide range of health and wellbeing services. Our team includes practitioners specialising in chiropractic, massage therapy, shockwave therapy, nutrition counselling, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, functional medicine, hypnotherapy, reflexology and post-partum care, alongside a variety of other complementary wellbeing approaches.
One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that healthcare is rarely one-dimensional. By having a team of practitioners working together, we are able to work more collaboratively, sharing knowledge and, where appropriate, co-ordinating care, so that clients have access to a broader range of expertise. Rather than focusing solely on managing symptoms, we aim to understand the factors that may be contributing to a person’s health concerns.
This collaborative approach helps us understand the wider picture, enabling us to provide more personalised care that supports both recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Do you think people in Jersey are becoming more aware of the importance of preventative care?
I would say one of the biggest changes we’ve noticed is the increasing impact of stress on people’s health and wellbeing. Stress can affect us both physically and emotionally, contributing to symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, sleep difficulties and increased sensitivity to pain. It can also affect our emotional wellbeing, contributing to feelings of anxiety and low mood.
We are seeing far more people take an active interest in their health and wellbeing than ever before. More people are recognising that looking after their health isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them too. It’s really encouraging to see more people recognising the value of prevention and healthy lifestyle habits.
We are definitely seeing more people who are interested in understanding how lifestyle factors such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management and emotional wellbeing contribute to their overall health. People are investing more in their health and wellbeing because they want to stay fit and healthy.
A lot of people think chiropractic is just about treating back pain. Is that the case?
Back pain is certainly one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care, but it’s only one part of what we do. Chiropractors can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine, joints, muscles and other soft tissues.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that chiropractic is simply about “cracking backs”. In reality, chiropractors are highly trained healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose and manage musculoskeletal conditions.
Treatment is always tailored to each individual and may include spinal adjustments, muscle and soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises and advice on posture, movement and lifestyle to support long-term musculoskeletal health. Our aim is to help reduce pain, improve mobility and restore function.
What are some of the most common reasons people come to see you?
People most commonly seek chiropractic care for back and neck pain, headaches, shoulder, hip and knee problems, sports injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions that affect movement and everyday function.
We also care for many women during and after pregnancy, helping to manage back, hip and pelvic pain, improve mobility and support their bodies as they adapt to the physical changes of pregnancy.
At Elemental Health, we welcome people of all ages. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for clients ranging from just one week old to 97 years of age, which reflects the diversity of people who come through our doors.
What do clients tell you after they’ve received treatment?
One of the most common things clients tell us is they wish they had come sooner. Many say they didn’t realise the amount their pain was affecting their everyday life until it started improving. Clients also really value having access to a team of different practitioners in one place where additional expertise may be helpful.
Many people are surprised by how thorough the initial consultation is. We don’t just focus on the painful area; we look at the whole person. We take time to understand their medical history, lifestyle and health goals before carrying out a detailed assessment. We explain our findings fully and clearly and discuss options available, so clients feel informed, involved and confident about their care.
Is there a client story or lesson that has stayed with you?
One of the things that continues to amaze me every day is the powerful connection between the mind and body. Through working with many clients, I’ve seen how closely our thoughts, emotions and physical wellbeing are linked.
This understanding led me to train as a neuro-linguistic programming and emotional freedom technique practitioner, allowing me to better support clients on their health and wellbeing journey. The mind-body connection is a really important part of looking at health as a whole.
In my experience, integrating NLP and EFT, when appropriate, with chiropractic care can complement treatment considerably, as it helps clients explore the mental and emotional factors that may also be influencing their health and wellbeing.
What’s next for Elemental Health?
We are always looking at new ways to enhance the care we provide, whether that’s investing in new treatment approaches, expanding our services or continuing to develop our team.
We have recently introduced shockwave therapy, which is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. It helps to reduce pain, improve function and support recovery in injured muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. It is particularly beneficial for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis and golfer’s elbow.
We were delighted to receive support through the Better Business Grant, which enabled us to invest in a high-quality machine and bring this additional treatment option to our clients.
If someone has been thinking about booking an appointment but keeps putting it off, what would you say?
Your health influences every aspect of your life. When you’re moving well, feeling your best and able to do the things you love, it has a positive impact on your family life, work, relationships and overall wellbeing. If something is preventing you from living life to the fullest, don’t keep putting it off.
Seeking professional advice early can often make a real difference. Looking after your health is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your future.
