As well as being a leading UK osteopath, Dr Oliver Thomson is an experienced researcher and collaborates with leading academics worldwide on research relating to osteopathy, clinical reasoning, and back pain/sciatica. He has authored over 30 research papers that have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Several of his research papers have become core reading for osteopathy students at educational institutions in the UK and internationally, and for students of physiotherapy and chiropractic. He regularly holds workshops and lectures on osteopathic clinical reasoning, grounded theory and qualitative research in the UK and internationally.

He is a peer reviewer for several research journals and is an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine and is on the international advisory board for the journal Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. For more information on Dr Thomson's research work, click here.

Research interests and expertise are in the following areas:

  • Qualitative research and grounded theory
  • Psychosocial aspects of low back pain
  • Clinical reasoning of back pain
  • Professional identity and beliefs
  • Osteopaths' attitudes towards evidence-informed practice
  • Patient-centred care

Selected Research Publications

  1. Sampath, Kesava Kovanur, Ben Darlow, Steve Tumilty, Warwick Shillito, Melissa Hanses, Hemakumar Devan, and Oliver P. Thomson. Barriers and facilitators experienced by osteopaths in implementing a biopsychosocial (BPS) framework of care when managing people with musculoskeletal pain–A mixed methods systematic review protocol. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (2020). 
  2. Leach, Matthew J., Tobias Sundberg, Gary Fryer, Philip Austin, Oliver P. Thomson, and Jon Adams. "An investigation of Australian osteopaths’ attitudes, skills and utilisation of evidence-based practice: a national cross-sectional survey." BMC health services research 19, no. 1 (2019): 498.
  3. Inman, John, and Oliver P. Thomson. "Complementing or conflicting? A qualitative study of osteopaths’ perceptions of NICE low back pain and sciatica guidelines in the UK." International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine 31 (2019): 7-14.
  4. Sundberg, Tobias, Matthew J. Leach, Oliver P. Thomson, Philip Austin, Gary Fryer, and Jon Adams. "Attitudes, skills and use of evidence-based practice among UK osteopaths: a national cross-sectional survey." BMC musculoskeletal disorders 19, no. 1 (2018): 439.
  5. Thomson, O.P., Abbey, H., Tyreman, S., Draper-Rodi, J., Evans, D.W. and Vogel, S., (2018.) 'The ghost in the machine'-But whose ghost is it and what machine? A response to Wallden and Chek's editorials. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 22(4), pp.1022-1024.
  6. A.L. Noyer, J.E. Esteves and O.P.Thomson (2017). Influence of perceived difficulty of cases on student osteopaths’ diagnostic reasoning: a cross sectional study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 25:32
  7. A. Formica, O.P Thomson and J.E. Esteves (2018). 'I just don't have the tools' - Italian osteopaths' attitudes and beliefs towards their management of patients with chronic pain: A qualitative study. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 27 6-13
  8. H.J Clarkson and O.P Thomson (2017). 'Sometimes, I don't feel like an osteopath at all’-a qualitative study of final year osteopathy students' professional identities International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. Vol. 26 18-27.
  9. Thomson O.P and Collyer, K. (2017) ‘Talking a Different Language’- A qualitative study of low back pain patients’ interpretation of the language used by student osteopaths. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 24: 3-11
  10. Thomson O.P, Abbey H. (2017) Your paradigm or mine? Navigating the varied landscapes of osteopathic practice, research and education. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, Volume 24, June 2017, Pages 1-2
  11. Zangoni, G., & Thomson, O. P. (2016). “I need to do another course”- Italian physiotherapists’ knowledge and beliefs when assessing psychosocial factors in patients presenting with chronic low back pain. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 27, 71–77.
  12. Hirai, P. M., & Thomson, O. P. (2016). T4 syndrome- A distinct theoretical concept or elusive clinical entity? A case report. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(4), 722–727.
  13. Hohenschurz-Schmidt, D. J., Esteves, J. E., & Thomson, O. P. (2016). Tensegrity and manual therapy practice : A qualitative study. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 21, 5–18.
  14. Pollard-Smith, T., & Thomson, O. P. (2016). Professional ballet dancers’ experience of injury and osteopathic treatment in the UK: A qualitative study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
  15. Thomson, O. P., & Evans, D. W. (2016). Masterclasses - integrating research evidence with expertise into clinical practice. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 20, 1–2.
  16. Petty N.J, Thomson O.P., & Altimimi, A. (2016). Professional identity and clinical decision-making of musculoskeletal therapists. Manual Therapy, Sept 25 55
  17. G. McGivern, M. Fischer, T. Palaima, Z. Spendlove, O. P.Thomson, J. Waring (2015). Exploring and Explaining the Dynamics of Osteopathic Regulation, Professionalism and Compliance with Standards in Practice. GOsC
  18. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., & Moore, A. P. (2014). Clinical decision-making and therapeutic approaches in osteopathy - A qualitative grounded theory study. Manual Therapy, 19(1), 44–51.
  19. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., & Moore, A. P. (2014). Diagnostic reasoning in osteopathy - A qualitative study. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 17(2), 83–93.
  20. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., & Moore, A. P. (2014). A qualitative grounded theory study of the conceptions of clinical practice in osteopathy - A continuum from technical rationality to professional artistry. Manual Therapy, 19(1), 37–43.
  21. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., & Moore, A. P. (2014). Osteopaths’ professional views, identities and conceptions - A qualitative grounded theory study. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 17(3), 146–159.
  22. Vaughan, B. and O. P. Thomson (2014). Letter to the Editor. Onset of complications following cervical manipulation due to malpractice in osteopathic treatment: a case report. Medicine, Science and the Law 54(4): 236-237.
  23. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., & Scholes, J. (2014). Grounding osteopathic research - Introducing grounded theory. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 17(3), 167–186.
  24. Thomson, O. P. et al. (2013). Clinical reasoning and therapeutic approaches of experienced osteopaths. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 16(1), 15 -16.
  25. Thomson O.P. Clinical decision making and therapeutic approaches of experienced osteopaths. (2013); PhD Thesis University of Brighton and British Lending library.
  26. Esteves, J. E., Bennison, M., & Thomson, O. P. (2013). Script concordance test: Insights from the literature and early stages of its implementation in osteopathy. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 16(4), 231–239.
  27. Lougee, H., Johnston, R. G., & Thomson, O. P. (2013). The suitability of sham treatments for use as placebo controls in trials of spinal manipulative therapy: A pilot study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 17(1), 59–68.
  28. Fisher, G., Ramadan, H., & Thomson, O. (2013). Can a high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation of C1-2 affect active depression of the temporomandibular joint in a symptomatic population? International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 16(1), e21–e22.
  29. Sutton C, Nono L, Johnston R.G, Thomson O.P (2013). The effects of experience on the inter-reliability of osteopaths to detect changes in posterior superior iliac spine levels using a hidden heel wedge. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 17(2):143-50.
  30. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., & Moore, A. P. (2013). Reconsidering the patient-centeredness of osteopathy. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 16(1), 25–32.
  31. McSweeney, T. P., Thomson, O. P., & Johnston, R. (2012). The immediate effects of sigmoid colon manipulation on pressure pain thresholds in the lumbar spine. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(4), 416–423.
  32. Petty, N. J., Thomson, O. P., & Stew, G. (2012). Ready for a paradigm shift? Part 1: Introducing the philosophy of qualitative research. Manual Therapy, 17(4), 267–274.
  33. Petty, N. J., Thomson, O. P., & Stew, G. (2012). Ready for a paradigm shift? Part 2: Introducing qualitative research methodologies and methods. Manual Therapy, 17(5), 378–384.
  34. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., Ramage, C. M., & Moore, A. P. (2011). Qualitative research: Exploring the multiple perspectives of osteopathy. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 14(3), 116–124.
  35. Thomson, O. P., Petty, N. J., & Moore, A. P. (2011). Clinical reasoning in osteopathy - More than just principles? International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 14(2), 71–76.
  36. Thomson, O., Haig, L., & Mansfield, H. (2009). The suitability of high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation and mobilisation techniques on pressure pain threshold in the lumbar spine. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 12(2), 56–62.

Book your appointment

If you're experiencing back pain, sciatica or another musculoskeletal problem or have been failed by 'quick fix' treatments and promises, Dr Oliver Thomson can provide effective evidence-based treatment and advice. He is based at BodyMatters Clinic, located at 1 McCrone Mews, Belsize Park, London, NW3. With free on-site parking, it is easily accessible via car or public transport (Jubilee and Northern tube lines) from central London, Camden, Hampstead, Golders Green, St John’s Wood, Primrose Hill, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Chalk Farm.

Appointments can be booked online or calling 0207 419 7900.
BOOK NOW