The British School Of Osteopathy

I went to the BSO over 2 years ago for help with upper back pain. After 4 – 5 appointments that were mildly helpful, I received a back adjustment from the supervising tutor that has caused me chronic back pain much worse than I originally had. The tutor tried to adjust a rib, but there was no ‘crack/​pop’. He then did it again with tremendous force (he actually hopped a little to get greater force into the adjustment). He did not warn me that he was going to essentially jump on my back. It was very painful and since then (that’s over 2 years now!) I have had frequent, recurrent pain where he cracked my back that leaves me lying on the floor unable to do much. I went back a month after the adjustment to tell them about the pain and they said that it’s just inflammation and to use ice. Obviously that did not help. I have since tried many treatments and nothing helps. He clearly caused damage to my back. I have spoken to doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors who all said that so much force should never be used in an adjustment, especially on someone of my small size. If the correct alignment is used and soft-​tissue work is done first to loosen the muscles, a skilled practitioner never needs that degree of force. I urge anyone going to BSO or any osteopath or chiropractor to talk to them first to make sure they will not use a lot of force for the adjustment.

This place is a real find if you are need of back care but cannot afford pricey consultations and treatment, plus it’s a bonus to know you are assisting students to become fully qualified. The students are knowledgeable and put you at ease. The prices are very reasonable and the quality of service very high. My only quibble is that they do not offer appointments in the late afternoon post normal work hours (which can be a pain if you can’t get time off work).

If like me, you’re unlucky enough to suffer a bout of back pain and prefer a holistic approach it’s worth considering a visit here, especially if you’re counting the pennies… It’s also good to know that you are investing in future osteopathy stars.
As the title suggests, it is a school so you see a student (or two) — they tend to be in their third or fourth year, so you won’t need to feel too anxious. They start by taking a very detailed history then liaise with a supervising tutor before carrying out any treatment. Treatment is caring and gentle. Prices are around half of what you would normally pay with a fully trained osteopath: £20 for the initial treatment and £17 for follow-​up treatments. You need to allow an hour and a half for the first visit.
Be warned, the waiting area is overwhelmingly over-​heated and the treatment room — at least the one I was in — was frrrrreeeeezzzzing, so not ideal in that respect! The premises could do with updating but they are moving to a new location — just down the road — in Spring 2008, hopefully that will improve things.