Picture the scene.

A group of female trainee chiropractors aged 18-23, sharing a house in Bournemouth, and every night putting into practice theory learned during the day at the AECC University College.

Quite a sight.

And a lot of fun.

One of them – Frankie Amat – said: “It’s a very hands-on five-year degree.

“We learned a lot practising our techniques and finding the trigger points.

“And, yes, we had a lot of laughs as well.”

For Frankie, qualifying as a chiropractor was a dream come true.

Although her heart was initially set on becoming a pilot, she had always been fascinated by the human body – and injuries.

Frankie said: “Growing up I was always outside chasing a ball and playing sport.

“A series of knocks and injuries led me to a desire to learn how the human body works.

“When my Dad took me along to his regular visit to the chiropractor and I saw him ‘click’ his neck, I knew instantly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!”

In 2014 – four years after qualifying as a Master of Chiropractic from what was then known as the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic – Frankie started Amat Chiropractic from her home.

She steadily built up the practice while teaching part-time at the now renamed AECC University College.

And it was at AECC that she met Alice Broome, at the time one of her students.

“Alice had star quality and a lovely way with people.

“I could see that she was going to be a really good practitioner when she graduated,” said Frankie

Today Amat Chiropractic is based in Muscliff, Bournemouth, after operating from The Core, Ferndown, for the last three years.

Alice, 35, is Associate Chiropractor while Frankie, Clinic Director and Principal Chiropractor, has a keen interest in sports and rehabilitation, working with many different types of athlete.

Their clients range in age from two weeks into their late 80’s.

For Frankie, who is married to Jen, it’s a labour of love.

She said: “We both simply love what we do.

“We treat people from all walks of life and of all ages.

“Our philosophy is that in order to live well, you must move well and be well.

“This is where chiropractic plays a fundamental role in our patients’ lifestyles.

“I feel very privileged and lucky to practice as a chiropractor.

“The ability to help people make positive changes to their lives, relieve them of pain and experience a journey with them is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.”

Both Frankie and Alice can’t wait to return to the ‘new normal’ following lockdown.

Frankie said: “It’s been a very difficult time.

“I call my patients my friends because that’s what they are.

“Being a chiropractor is a huge privilege and you get totally immersed in the person.

“I’m so looking forward to seeing them again and getting back to some sort of normality.”