Osteopathic Treatment in London

Osteopathy is a clinically recognised, hands-on system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal, joint and soft tissue conditions. It is based on the principle that the body functions as a whole — and that structural imbalances in the bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue can affect overall health and movement far beyond the site of pain.

David Canevaro BSc (Hons) is a GOsC-registered osteopath with over 25 years of specialist clinical experience, treating patients at our Central London (Old Street), Beckenham and Orpington clinics. His approach integrates classical osteopathic techniques with evidence-based rehabilitation — designed to relieve your pain now and prevent it returning.

What Does Osteopathic Treatment Involve?

Osteopathy uses a combination of manual techniques, developed through a highly refined sense of touch known as palpation, to assess and treat areas of restriction, tension or dysfunction within the body. Every session begins with a thorough clinical assessment — David takes a full case history, conducts a postural and movement analysis, and palpates the relevant structures to build a precise picture of your condition.

Treatment techniques may include:
Soft tissue massage and myofascial release — to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and restore tissue mobility
Joint mobilisation and articulation — to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness in restricted joints
High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation — precise, controlled adjustments to restore joint movement — applied only where clinically appropriate
Muscle energy techniques (MET) — using your own muscle contractions to improve joint mobility and reduce pain
Cranial osteopathy — gentle, non-manipulative techniques applied to the head and sacrum — see our cranial osteopathy page for more detail
Rehabilitation exercises — targeted movement programmes integrated with clinical Pilates for long-term recovery

Sports massage and medical acupuncture are also incorporated into treatment plans where clinically indicated.

Conditions Treated with Osteopathy

David treats a comprehensive range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. Some of the most common include:

Lower back pain — acute, chronic, disc-related and postural
Sciatica — nerve pain radiating from the lower back into the leg
Neck pain — including cervical stiffness, whiplash and nerve irritation
Shoulder pain — frozen shoulder, rotator cuff problems and impingement
Headaches and migraines — including tension-type and cervicogenic headaches
Hip pain — hip impingement, bursitis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Knee pain — including patellofemoral syndrome, IT band syndrome and osteoarthritis
Sports injuries — muscle tears, tendinopathies, sprains and overuse injuries
Joint and muscle pain — arthritis, repetitive strain, tennis elbow and more
Postural disorders — pain arising from desk work, driving or asymmetric loading

View all 27 conditions we treat →

What to Expect at Your First Osteopathy Appointment

Many patients are unsure what to expect from their first osteopathy session. Here is exactly what happens at David’s clinics:

1. Case history
David asks detailed questions about your pain — when it started, what makes it better or worse, your work, lifestyle and any previous injuries or treatments. This context is essential to accurate diagnosis.

2. Physical examination
You will be asked to perform simple movements — standing, bending, turning — so David can assess your posture, range of motion and movement quality. He will then use palpation to identify areas of restriction, inflammation or dysfunction.

3. Diagnosis and explanation
David will explain his findings clearly — what is causing your pain, why it has developed, and what needs to change. If further investigation (such as MRI or X-ray) is clinically indicated, he will advise you accordingly.

4. Treatment
Your first appointment typically includes treatment. Sessions last 45–60 minutes. You will leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and the recommended treatment plan.

5. Aftercare advice
David provides specific exercises, postural guidance and lifestyle advice tailored to your condition — ensuring your recovery continues between sessions.

Osteopathy as Part of the Osteolates® Method

David is the creator of the Osteolates® Method — a structured integrated treatment approach that combines osteopathic manual therapy, clinical Pilates rehabilitation and medical acupuncture into a single programme tailored to each patient.
This approach is particularly effective for patients with complex or long-standing conditions, where isolated therapy has not produced lasting relief. By addressing the root mechanical dysfunction through osteopathy, rebuilding strength and stability through Pilates, and managing pain and muscle tension through acupuncture, patients achieve faster and more durable recovery.
Read more about David Canevaro and the Osteolates® Method →

Osteopathy Clinic Locations in London

David provides osteopathic treatment at three clinic locations:

Central London — Old Street
325–327 Old Street, Hoxton, London EC1V 9LE
Near Old Street, Shoreditch & Liverpool Street stations
Tel: 020 7127 8771

Beckenham
22 Oakfield Gardens, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3AZ
2 mins from Eden Park station | On-site parking
Tel: 020 3633 6132

Orpington / Petts Wood
1a West Way, Petts Wood, Orpington BR5 1LN
2 mins from Petts Wood station (Zone 5)
Unable to travel? David also offers home visit osteopathy across London and Kent.