Frequently Asked Questions — London Osteopathy & Pilates

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal problems — conditions affecting your muscles, bones, joints and connective tissue. It uses hands-on techniques including soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, manipulation and stretching to reduce pain, restore movement and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Learn more about osteopathic treatment →

Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions including
back pain,
neck pain,
sciatica,
shoulder problems,
headaches,
sports injuries,
joint pain, arthritis and
postural problems.
View all 27 conditions we treat →

Both treat musculoskeletal problems but their approaches differ. Osteopaths take a whole-body structural approach — assessing how imbalances in one area affect the entire system. Physiotherapists typically focus on rehabilitation of a specific injured area through exercise and movement therapy. Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), a statutory body established by the Osteopaths Act 1993.

Both use manual therapy but osteopaths tend to use a wider range of techniques including soft tissue work, gentle articulation and stretching — not just spinal manipulation. Chiropractors focus primarily on spinal alignment and manipulation. Osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the GOsC; chiropractors by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). Both are legitimate healthcare professions — the choice often comes down to personal preference.

Yes. Osteopathy is very safe when performed by a registered practitioner. Serious complications are extremely rare.
David Canevaro takes a full medical history before treatment and adapts techniques to your individual health status. Mild temporary soreness after treatment is normal and usually resolves within 24–48 hours.

Most osteopathic techniques are not painful. Some discomfort may occur during treatment of very tight or inflamed areas, but this should never feel severe. High-velocity manipulation (the “cracking” technique) is only used where appropriate and with your consent. Many patients find treatment deeply relaxing.

No. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners — you can self-refer directly without seeing your GP first. Simply
book an appointment online or call your nearest
clinic.

• Central London — Old Street:
  325–327 Old Street, Hoxton EC1V 9LE
• Beckenham:
  22 Oakfield Gardens, Beckenham BR3 3AZ
• Orpington / Petts Wood:
  1a West Way, Petts Wood BR5 1LN

Book online or call your preferred clinic directly:

• Central London: 020 7127 8771
• Beckenham: 020 3633 6132
• Orpington: 020 8467 4451

Often, yes. Same-day and emergency appointments are available subject to availability. Call your nearest clinic as early in the day as possible to check.

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less notice may be charged to protect David’s time and to allow the slot to be offered to another patient.

Yes. David provides professional
home visit osteopathy across London and Kent for patients unable to attend clinic. Fee: £200 per hour. Ideal for post-surgical recovery, mobility problems or high-profile clients requiring discreet treatment.

Fees vary by clinic location. Sessions range from £55 (30 min follow-up) to £99-£105 (60 min initial consultation).
View full fee schedule →

Yes. David is recognised by all major UK private health insurers including AXA Health, BUPA, Aviva, Vitality and Cigna. Please check your policy terms with your insurer before booking to confirm coverage.

David will take a detailed case history, conduct a physical examination including postural and movement analysis, explain his findings clearly, and provide hands-on treatment. First appointments typically last 45–60 minutes. You will leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment plan and aftercare advice.
Learn more about what to expect →

This depends on your condition and how long you have had it. Many patients notice significant improvement after 2–4 sessions. Chronic or complex conditions may require a longer programme. David will give you a clear, realistic timeline at your first appointment.

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. You may be asked to undress to your underwear for postural assessment — towels are provided. David will explain what is needed at your appointment.

Yes. David regularly combines
osteopathy with
medical acupuncture,
sports massage and
clinical Pilates within a structured treatment programme — this is the foundation of the
Osteolates® Method.

Yes. Osteopathy is particularly effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain — conditions that have not responded to other treatments. David’s integrated approach addresses the structural and neurological components of pain rather than just managing symptoms.

Clinical Pilates is a rehabilitation-led approach to Pilates delivered one-to-one by a trained healthcare professional. Unlike gym classes, it is designed to treat specific injuries, correct postural dysfunction and rebuild strength following surgery or illness.
Learn more about clinical Pilates →

Mat Pilates uses your body weight for resistance and is performed on the floor. Reformer Pilates uses a specialised machine with adjustable spring resistance, allowing more precise muscle targeting and assistance for movements you cannot yet perform unsupported. Both are used in clinical rehabilitation.
Read more about our Pilates services →

No. Clinical Pilates is adapted to your current level of strength and mobility — it is suitable for complete beginners, post-surgical patients, elderly individuals and elite athletes alike. David designs programmes specifically for your body’s needs.

Deep tissue massage refers specifically to a technique — applying sustained pressure to deeper muscle layers. Sports massage is a broader clinical approach incorporating deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and stretching — all applied within a clinical assessment.
Learn more about sports massage →

No. Despite the name, sports massage is appropriate for anyone experiencing muscle tension, soft tissue restriction or movement-related pain — office workers, parents and active individuals all benefit.

Traditional (Chinese) acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi energy. Western medical acupuncture — the approach David uses — is based on modern anatomy and neurological science. Needles are placed at anatomically defined trigger points to stimulate the nervous system and reduce pain.
Learn more about medical acupuncture →

Medical acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much thinner than injection needles. Most patients feel little or no pain on insertion. A brief dull ache or tingling is normal and indicates the point has been activated correctly.

Yes. Osteopathy is very effective for sciatica — particularly when caused by muscle tightness, pelvic dysfunction or spinal joint restriction rather than severe disc herniation.
Learn more about osteopathy for sciatica →

Yes. Osteopathy is particularly effective for tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches arising from neck dysfunction).
Cranial osteopathy is also used for migraine management.
Learn more →

Yes. Osteopathy is safe throughout pregnancy when delivered by a trained practitioner. David adapts techniques to avoid lying flat in later stages.
Cranial osteopathy is particularly gentle and suitable for pregnant women.

Yes.
Cranial osteopathy is extremely gentle and safe for babies — particularly helpful for unsettled babies, feeding difficulties, colic and head shape concerns following difficult birth.

David holds a BSc (Hons) in Osteopathy and is fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). He has over 25 years of clinical experience and is certified in Polestar Pilates and APPI clinical Pilates. He is also a qualified medical acupuncturist and lectures at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine and British School of Osteopathy.
Read David’s full profile →

The Osteolates® Method is David’s unique integrated treatment approach — combining osteopathic manual therapy, clinical Pilates rehabilitation and medical acupuncture into a structured programme. It addresses the root cause of pain and rebuilds long-term strength and stability.
Learn more about the Osteolates® Method →