Why I became an Osteopath

I decided to become an Osteopath following a skiing accident where I broke my neck. Medics in Vancouver saved my life but an osteopath in London cured me. 

I had never heard of an Osteopath but on checking the Yellow Pages I found a local practice and had an appointment a few days later.

By the time I staggered into the Osteopath’s clinic, the Doctor’s drugs had worn off and I was in agony. I had difficulty swallowing and sleeping and the painkillers from my local pharmacy didn’t touch the pain. The Osteopath asked lots of questions about the accident, my injuries and medical history, then asked me to undress down to my underwear and began by examining my head, neck, spine and pelvis. I was then asked to lie on the plinth whilst she began working on the painful muscle spasms of my back and neck, finishing the treatment with what seemed like the clicking of my neck and spine.

I left that clinic with a spring in my step. My head and neck moved easily and, most importantly, I wasn’t in pain! Through no fault of my own, this accident could have cost me my life, but with Osteopathic treatment I now had a new lease of life. I was amazed that someone could take away pain with the simple yet effective use of hands-on treatment. I had to find out more…

I checked out the London Osteopathic Schools and Colleges and decided to enrol on the four-year Bachelor of Osteopathy programme at the British School of Osteopathy. I chose this course because it provided a variety of clinical experience in busy and diverse osteopathic clinics. It offered walk-in care for anyone in pain and offered care in the community for expectant mothers, children, the elderly, sports people, the homeless and those living with HIV.

I knew that a change in career and lifestyle would be challenging. My training was rigorous and demanding but with the help and support of my friends and family I achieved my goal. I had for many years considered a profession in healthcare and, thanks to that accident, I am now an Osteopath helping others in pain and I’ve never looked back!

Andrew Oliver
BSc (Tons) Ost Med, Dip. Sports Injuries and Massage.

I employ a wide variety of techniques including: Classical, Cranial, Structural, Medical Acupuncture and Sports Massage to remedy a broad range of medical conditions, providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to osteopathy from new born babies to the mature.

I have memberships with the Institute of Classical Osteopathy, British Osteopathic Association and the London Osteopathic Society where I attend regular lectures keeping me up to date with new treatment techniques and peer reviewed research articles. I am registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

Complementing my private clinic in Twickenham I also work as an MSK (Musculoskeletal) Osteopath in Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

In addition to my London based clinic I lecture at Oxford Brookes University, teaching intermediate and advanced osteopathic skills and techniques to 3rd, 4th and 5th year students.