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…

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…

Protect your sleep to protect your back

By Oliver | July 10, 2018 |

Backs LOVE sleep. Poor sleep (both quality and quantity) is highly predictive of developing and worsening low back pain (see here and here). Sleep patterns influence our psychological an emotional well-being (mood) which can further sensitise back pain and reduce the ability to cope and tolerate pain. Furthermore, worry and anxiety related to back pain (e.g.…

Re-grounding biopsychosocial back pain research- Introducing Grounded Theory Method

By Oliver | June 26, 2018 |

Patients’ and practitioners’ values, preferences and experiences are very much part of modern iterations of evidence-based practice (EBP), and developing a research-based knowledge of these constructs are crucial to the sensible and effective adoption of EBP by healthcare professionals [see seminal paper by Greenhalgh and colleagues here]. Its now widely accepted that evidence derived from…

“I should be glowing not aching!”- The facts about low back pain during pregnancy

By Oliver | March 28, 2018 |

I was recently invited to write a guest blog for social group Hampstead Mums, on the causes, risk factors and treatment options for pregnancy-related low back pain. A real dampener during pregnancy I see lots of mums-to-be in clinic experiencing back pain, and it can be a real dampener on their pregnancy experience. Low back…

Top tips for back pain

By Oliver | February 25, 2018 |

I’ve been treating and managing patients with back pain for over 11 years. Below I outline my top 10 tips to help dispel common myths and ensure a swift recovery. Keep calm… -Although back pain can be very unpleasant and distressing, fortunately most episodes are short-term and rarely due to any serious damage or disease. Carry on – Changing how you move during…

Rating

4.9

Based on 27 Reviews

Mike Harvey

October 11, 2025

Post Lockdown, Oliver worked his magic unlocking and relieving impacted back and leg areas and kept me able to walk and mobile whilst awaiting a new hip. I can’t thank him enough.

Diana Thomson

October 4, 2025

Liam Hickey

I saw Dr Thomson at the body matters clinic after lookong for an osteopath. I could not be happier with the service. I had ongoing issues with my middle back which kept me uncomfortable for a long time. After a few treatments, the level of uncomfortable significantly dropped and I now have things in place to manage this. I also sent my mum to see Steve at the clinic who is the resident podiatrist there and she came back with glowing reports after discomfort in the top of her left foot, which has now gone. Great team, lovely clinic, fully recommend

Jo Sime

Excellent knowledge. Great care. No hesitation in recommending.

Odee Whyte

I was really nervous about seeing someone about my back, but they put me at ease. I now see a way forward. Thank you so much.

Loïc T

I have known Dr Oliver for a number of years, he’s an excellent osteopath and provides the highest level of care for back pain and sciatica - His valuable advice is still a great help to me in better understanding how to manage my health. I would highly recommend him.

George Whyte

First class service. Made me feel welcome. A wealth of knowledge explained in a way I could understand. Thoroughly recommended!

Dave Koffel

February 23, 2024

Have been seeing Oliver for more than 5 years, every time I come to London. I cannot recommend him more highly - always professional, always gives treatments that work, always has sound and helpful advice. Wish he lived in Sydney!!! Tricia Koffel

Adelina Budakova

February 18, 2024

I saw Oliver the osteopath for my back pain, he was excellent and professional and I highly recommend him and the clinic.

matheus teixeira

February 15, 2024

Can’t recommend Oliver and the clinic highly enough.

Stefano

Have used Oliver many times for back pain and knee pain. Always excellent, prompt, friendly and very reassuring service

dion

April 10, 2021

Paul Babai

July 27, 2020

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!

Tamar Golan

August 8, 2019

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!

Sam Read

August 7, 2019

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

January 20, 2019

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

October 12, 2018

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

Joey BY

July 17, 2018

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

June 28, 2018

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

May 14, 2018

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!

Keith Gladstone

February 8, 2018

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

Kevin B

January 11, 2018

Oliver is a well respected colleague and a great osteopath! Highly recommended for aches and pains, and general advice around back pain and sciatica.

Keir Kennedy Mitchell

December 21, 2017

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!

Haidar Ramadan

November 30, 2017

Very professional Osteopath, one of the best in the field with amazing knowledge and experience. I highly recommend him.

Ben Mcchesney

November 9, 2017

I would recommend Oliver for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and injury. He is very professional and delivers high quality, effective evidence - informed osteopathic care.

Peter Gaffney- PGPT

November 6, 2017

Knowledgeable, empathetic and most importantly realistic advice to get you back into peak health. Refer all PGPT clients to Dr Thomson.

Posts Tagged ‘low back pain’