In 2009 I was offered the opportunity to become a pioneer in a field of podiatry that had been frustrating me for many years. As a Podiatrist with years of experience in both the NHS and private sectors, I had seen countless patients of various ages who were suffering from unsightly, sometimes painful, fungal nail infections (or Onychomycosis to give it its medical name) which were limiting their quality of life. My podiatric skills alone were not enough eradicate the problem, and every type of treatment on the market had at least one significant downside which rendered them unsuitable.
I was introduced to the benefits of the thermal (hot) PinPointe FootLaser in America early in 2009 and after a visit to the USA, where I worked with a clinic who had been using the PinPointe FootLaser, I decided to bring this new technology back to the UK and set up The London Nail Laser Clinic (LNLC), the only specialist clinic in Europe to treat nail pathologies with laser therapy.
I was certainly able to help my patients combat their fungus more successfully with the PinPointe FootLaser than with traditional treatments, however as I learnt more about nails, fungus and lasers, I realised that fungal infections were generally a by-product of other nail pathologies, and I needed to find a tool that would help with more than just the fungal element.
Fast forward to 2012 and I was told about a new type of laser which had not yet launched in the UK. The Lunula ‘cold’ Laser uses photobiomodulation, a totally different type of technology to clear nail fungal infections. Rather than treating with heat, which is destructive, the Lunula uses light to increase the health of the affected area. As soon as I saw the Lunula I knew this would be another weapon in our armoury to fight fungus.
Throughout the last 10 years I have worked with both Erchonia Corporation, the company that manufactures the Lunula, and Erchonia Lasers, who supply Lunula Lasers across Europe, the Middle-East and Africa, to learn as much as I can about this technology. Due to my vast experience, I am a Clinical Consultant for Erchonia and give lectures to medical professionals across the globe as well as training new providers in how to use the Lunula in their own clinics.
Within the London Nail Laser Clinic I have adapted and honed my own treatment protocols in order to provide an individual and holistic treatment plan for my own patients. I carry out all treatments at both the Marylebone and Radlett clinic locations giving continuity of care and a personal service.
Having graduated from The Birmingham School of Podiatry in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree, with honours, in Podiatry, I moved to London to begin my career in The NHS before transitioning into Private Practice.
I am a member of the Royal College of Podiatrists and am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Martine Silverman BSc (Hons) MRCPoD
Director and Podiatrist of The London Nail Laser Clinic Ltd
HCPC registration number CH13133