NEWS FLASH! (Great) expectations of recovery from back pain are associated with recovery from back pain

By Oliver | September 4, 2019

Recent research confirms our previous intuitions, that expectations of recovery predict recovery from low back pain. See the full paper by Eklund et al here My suggestions for managing patient expectations. Explore patients’ expectations at the first visit (before setting them!) & explore underpinning beliefs. Ask the patient flat out, for example “What are you…

Osteopathy and evidence-based practice- getting there, but challenges still ahead

By Oliver | September 4, 2019

Whilst NOT perfect (and continually under evolution and refinement- e.g. Greenhalgh et al 2014), evidence-based practice (EBP) is the OPTIMAL and ETHICAL approach to clinical healthcare practice. The now familiar definition of EBP is the integration of best research evidence WITH clinical expertise AND patient values & preferences.. EBP was developed in the early 1980s,…

CPD Course on Effective language and communication when managing low back pain- how to help and not harm

By Oliver | April 24, 2019

CPD for musculoskeletal therapists Patients with back pain who consult a musculoskeletal healthcare professional expect and desire a diagnosis and information for their problem. However, the words we use to shape our responses and convey messages to patients in pain, have the potential to heal (facilitate recovery) or have the capacity to harm (delay or…

Your back IS strong…even if you (or someone else) doesn’t think that it is

By Oliver | January 4, 2019

When we’re experiencing back pain is easy to feel that our spines are fragile and vulnerable to damage. It can really feel like any ‘wrong’ movement or position will be harmful to our backs. As a consequence, we often modify our behaviour and change how we move. For example, maybe you decide to skip a…

Low back pain: To scan, or not to scan? That is the question

By Oliver | February 25, 2018

Many of my osteopathy patients with low back pain (LBP) often ask me whether or not a scan is required, but the decision to scan is not always straight forward, so let’s clear a few things up. Firstly, there are several different types of scanning procedures used to investigate back pain, we’ll focus on…

Jedi powers and magic manipulations for back pain? Nope, just get moving.

By Oliver | December 8, 2017

Back pain is common…really common. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) estimates that LBP affects about a quarter of us each year costing the UK over £12 billion annually. With lots of bad advice and claims of instant fixes, lets clear a few things up: Q. What’s the…

Sticks and stones….Words can be hurtful with back pain

By Oliver | November 24, 2017

Preface Having attended my first TherapyExpo earlier this week, I presented this topic to a far from packed-out audience. As I wandered around the endless stalls, I was struck by the emphasis on selling ideas, gadgets and gizmos to help therapists find and fix the perceived/imagined broken bits of peoples’ bodies, which ironically, but conveniently, exemplified…

What is sciatica?

By Oliver | November 10, 2017

Approximately 70-80% of people will suffer from lower back pain (LBP) at some time during their life. Fortunately, the majority of these cases are ‘simple non-specific’ LBP which will resolve relatively quickly with manual therapy and exercise. However around 15-40% of people with LBP will also experience additional back-related leg pain, which can be…

Benjamin Sharples

07:23 27 Feb 22

I have severe neck pain from a slipped disk in my neck, and had gone for an MRI and been told it was a hernia in my spine at C4-5, and that I needed the help of an Osteopath. I asked Dr. Oliver Thomson for professional advice on ways to deal with the intense pain resulting from this and he suggested several ways to both control, and more importantly, manage the waves of pain. On his advice I've implemented several exercises and daily stretches that have helped me deal with the intense pain from the hernia. He talked me through the process smoothly and easily and if I had questions he was able to work through my issues without adding to the anxiety I had already. The process is ongoing but I feel much better about where I am as a result of his advice and help. I'd absolutely recommend him to anyone in a similar situation as I am! Happy to recommend Dr. Oliver Thomson PhD to anyone interested in his services as an Osteopath. He'll be able to help you through it!

Lee Evans

08:32 25 Mar 21

Fantastic appointment with kind and caring customer service. Wonderful work to find the type of sports injury I had and the best way to proceed. Highly recommended.

Innessa Kuz

18:36 05 Aug 20

Dr Thomson has helped me with some back pain. He’s very professional and takes time to explain and answer any questions.

Andrew MacMillan

21:24 04 Aug 20

Oliver is a fantastic Osteopath and teacher, he is considered an expert in the profession and wider medical community. He has excellent knowledge and lots of empathy, he genuinely cares about the people he sees. He understands the importance of empowering patinets, he has given me great exercise advice and modifications over the last 3 years or so.

Paul Babai

22:45 27 Jul 20

I was 29 when I needed back surgery to help with a slipped disc. Whilst the initial result was positive the years that followed were full of pain and discomfort eventually leading to chronic back pain. I tried everything to relieve it; physio, pilates, stretching, yoga but nothing helped. Dr Oliver helped me to isolate the pain and explained the right exercises to focus on. Moreover he helped me to understand the mental aspect of my pain, something very few doctors can identify let alone work assist with. Unlike other specialists Dr Oliver doesn’t want you to come back, he wants you fixed as soon as possible and recommends coupling his therapy with other training methods to fix the issue for good, such as light training. He genuinely changed my life and overall well being. Should you choose to visit him you’ll be in good hands!

Jim Hurden

13:10 27 Jul 20

Excellent training on communication and it's effects on patient recovery. Highly recommended for any clinician in any branch of medicine.

Tamar Golan

08:53 08 Aug 19

I am so grateful to Oliver and everyone at Body Matters Clinic, who have seen me through several nasty injuries.Oliver cares tremendously about his patients and their recovery. More than immediate relief, Oliver is always giving me the knowledge and tools stay injury and pain-free in the long term. He and his team are amazing!

Lea Golan

22:52 07 Aug 19

Oliver is a unique combination of vast knowledge, professionalism, and the nicest personality. I came to him on numerous occasions with a variety of injuries, pains etc. I also sent friends and family members. We all feel fortunate to have been treated by him.

Sam Read

20:20 07 Aug 19

Hi highly recommend Oliver. An incredibly knowledgeable practitioner. Helped me with a couple of major injuries. You’re in safe hands with him!

Patrick Populorum

08:51 20 Jan 19

I was having terrible back pain and Dr Thomson put me on the road to recovery! Thank you so much! With two kids to take care of I couldn’t afford to be debilitated. Dr Thomson was able to address the problem, show me how to adjust my movement and I have been pain free for the past year! I am so grateful and highly recommend Body Matters Clinic!

leon cohen

20:58 12 Oct 18

I found Dr Oliver both professional and reassuring. I strongly recommend him.

Joey BY

16:56 17 Jul 18

You can tell pretty quickly that Dr Oliver knows exactly what he is doing and talking about. Confident, reassuring and settles any doubt as to his prognosis by quoting numerous studies and journals.Highly recommended!

Jerry Draper-Rodi

12:34 28 Jun 18

Dr Oliver Thomson is a very professional osteopath. He's one of the leaders in research in the UK and he provides effective, up-to-date and evidence-based treatments. His aim is to help patients get better and to nurture their autonomy. I highly recommend him for anyone in need of help with back, joint and muscle pain.

Nuno Esteves

18:55 14 May 18

I see Dr Thomson on a regular basis due to reoccurring neck and back pain. Dr Thomson is an excellent osteopath—I consistently feel better and pain free after our sessions. I highly recommend him!

Mark Puertolas

13:31 12 May 18

I have known Oliver a few years now and have trained with him in the past. I have been in a area of inactivity for a few years now and my back had gone very bad. For months at a time. I knew I had to get more exercise but was really afraid to as my back was just destroyed. In three visits with Oliver I am a new person already. He got down to the mental aspect of what I feared right away and put these fears to rest. With that I have started to swim and stretch pretty regularly and have not had a problem with it .I highly recommend the Body Matters Clinic I find them very professional ,friendly and knowledgeable .They know what they are doing.

Keith Gladstone

06:54 08 Feb 18

Dr Thompson is certainly someone i would recommend. He offers clear, sensible advice and treatment.

Driton Budakova

17:11 07 Jan 18

Dr Thomson is excellent. He’s helped me and family members recover from back pain and sciatica. Oliver doesn’t try to sell you lots of sessions or unnecessary treatment. A true professional and I highly recommend him.

Keir Kennedy Mitchell

10:50 21 Dec 17

I have had lower back problems since I was 15 and have had to manage the symptoms since then. Over the years I have seen a number of osteopaths. Three years ago a friend of mine recommended Oliver Thomson and I booked a session. I was so impressed and benefitted so much from that first treatment with him that he has become the man I immediately turn to whenever my back troubles me. Oliver has also treated me for a number of other injuries including elbow, knee and ankle all with the same positive results!He gives feedback, recommends exercise programs and how to implement them and guides you in preventative measures to stop your injuries recurring. As a personal trainer, knowing I have Oliver to turn to if anything goes wrong is very reassuring.I cannot recommend him highly enough!

13:07 14 Dec 17

Alex Huckle

09:40 13 Dec 17

One of the best osteopaths around. DrThomson, sorted my sciatica out. I can highly recommend him.

John Ingledew

19:02 18 Oct 17

I went to see Dr Oliver Thomson at BodyMatters Clinic for an osteopathy treatment for my back pain. He was excellent, very professional, caring and knowledgeable. The clinic is very welcoming and it offers a wide range of therapies. The reception team were very helpful and accommodating. If you suffer from any back pain I would certainly recommend Dr Thomson and will be returning to his clinic.

Back Pain