Active X Clinic | Osteopath Edinburgh

How can we help you?

About us

Professional and effective osteopathy treatment in Edinburgh

Active X Backs is an osteopathic and massage clinic specialising in the
treatment of back pain and sciatica . We have more 5 star google reviews than any other osteopath in Edinburgh. The Clinical Director has over 30 years of experience, specialising in the treatment of lower back pain and sciatica at this West End clinic.

24/7/365 telephone answering for emergencies

Specialist coaching online – accessed through any device

About You

We've got your back!

You are looking for a long-term solution to your persistent/recurrent pain.

You want an explanation for why you’re in pain and you don’t want any mumbo-jumbo.

You’re fed up of being disabled by pain and not being able to be as active as you’d like to be.

You want a credible plan for rapid relief AND long-term prevention.

What we treat

How we help you

Back Pain

Sciatica

Neck Pain

Headaches

Shoulder Pain

Elbow Pain

Hip Pain

Knee Pain

Foot Pain

Sports Injuries

Specialising in lower back pain and sciatica.

Why do we specialise?

Our team have all experienced it

Clinical Director has written 2 books on it.

We don't want to be a "jack of all trades"

We aim to excel

Active X's

Core Values

You want results, and we want to deliver. You define the SMART goals you’re aiming for and we do everything we can to support you in achieving those results. If we don’t measure it, it won’t get done.

Focus on measurable outcomes

Choose to grow

Show the love

Think big

Our Services

What we do

Learn More

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is one of the oldest systems of manual medicine and treatment in the Western World. It originated in Kirksville, Missourri in the 1880s.

Learn More

Massage

Massage has been practised for thousands of years, across different cultures. It’s simple, non-invasive, very safe, and it feels great.

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Pain relief and prevention

Our goal is to provide rapid relief AND guide you to long-term prevention of recurrence. We don’t want you dependent on therapy or painkillers. This is a 2-phase process. If you only want relief, we’ll do that. But if you want long-term prevention, then that’s where we excel.

Providing rapid relief from pain AND prevention of pain.

Are you looking for the best back pain or sciatica treatment ? Then you’ve come to the right place. But (and don’t tell anyone) we also have clinicians who can help you top to toe. Give us a ring or book online.

You can consult one of our osteopaths in-person at our West End clinic in
Edinburgh or you can consult with an expert online.

30+

Years Experience

100+

Patient Reviews

24/7

Phone support

24/7

Emergency Back Pain Service

Our 24/7 Emergency Phone Services

Call: 0131-221-1415

Our Team

Meet the Active X experts

Gavin Routledge

Clinic Director and Registered Osteopath

Graham Logan

Massage
Therapist

Jordan Clemson

Registered
Osteopath

Caspar Giffard

Registered
Osteopath

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an osteopath?

Osteopaths are health care professionals that are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. This relates to pain or injury of the joints, spine, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. They are highly trained, and regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOSC) who are responsible for maintaining a high standard of clinical care by the profession. Only clinicians registered with GOSC can use the title osteopath.

What does an osteopath do?

Osteopaths usually start by taking a detailed medical history from a patient, taking the time to listen to their situation and history of the injury. They will then perform a thorough physical assessment of any areas related to your complaint. This usually involves viewing some of the movements that are currently challenging or painful. They will then use their hands to feel the movement of the joints and muscles, to help determine what has caused the injury. Once the cause of pain has been established, a course of treatment involving hands on manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation is usually recommended to help ease symptoms and improve day to day function.

What do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths are experts in treating a wide range of conditions throughout the body. Most complaints will be related to pain, often with associated stiffness or lack of movement. This can stem from an injury to the joints, muscles, ligaments, or tendons, and often be related to the nerves that are connected to these areas. The most common complaint seen by osteopaths is back pain or neck pain. However they can also treat most areas of the body, including the feet, shoulders, hips, jaw, elbows, hands, wrist and knees.

What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?

Osteopaths & chiropractors will usually be consulted by patients with similar injuries or conditions. The approach to patient care usually varies between individual clinicians as much as between professions. However, as a general overview, osteopaths tend to look at the body in a more holistic manner. This includes reviewing any muscles or joints that are related to the area of pain and injury, to determine whether they are involved or contributing. They will also usually ask questions around lifestyle, stress, and sleep, as changes here can help aid in the healing process.

Can an osteopath help with sciatica?

Osteopaths can help with sciatica and are usually very effective in helping to relieve symptoms such as pain. Sciatica is a complex issue that refers to pain running down the back of the leg, caused by the sciatic nerve. An osteopath would first aim to diagnose the cause of sciatica, and then come up with a treatment plan to address the underlying cause and improve the patient’s daily function. This will usually involve a gradual exercise rehabilitation programme to help ease symptoms more quickly. If required an osteopath may recommend a scan such as an MRI scan to help understand what is causing the symptoms, however this is often not required.

What is osteopathic medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is the same as osteopathy. This is the system of healthcare used by osteopaths in their unique approach to the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and injury. Osteopaths use movement and hands on treatment to help ease pain and injury, instead of using medications.

Is an osteopath a doctor?

Doctors and osteopaths are both healthcare professionals, however they are two separate professions. Osteopaths undergo a four year degree in osteopathy before being qualified and able to register as an osteopath. Doctors usually undergo a five year degree in medicine before being able to register with the british medical association. Osteopaths are allied health professionals, similar to physiotherapists or podiatrists. They are qualified to diagnose and treat pain & injury, but are not qualified to prescribe medications or perform surgical procedures. Osteopaths will often work with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, to help achieve the best outcome for their patients. In the USA osteopaths must undergo medical training so earn the title of Doctor of Osteopathy (DO). While these professions differ greatly, much of the core training will be similar, with osteopaths spending more time focusing on anatomy and orthopaedic injury.

Testimonials

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

“I’ve been assisted by Active X for about three years now. Without them a lot of my success wouldn’t be possible. Training 6-7 times a week always comes with the worry of injury and as an athlete injury prevention is very important. I am very grateful for the help received so far from Gavin, Lynne and Alex who have each given me first class treatment. Whether it be helping with mending me after crashes – which as a track cyclist does happen, and usually at high speed – preparing for competitions through massage, or dealing with any niggles which arise due to the high volume of training.”

“I have been attending the clinic for well over 10 years. As a healthcare professional I have been consistently impressed by the approach of all of the staff with whom I have interacted. In particular the Osteopaths have performed detailed and accurate assessments and the treatments delivered have on every occasion been of substantial benefit both symptomatically and in improving function. I have recommended the clinic to colleagues, patients, family and will continue to do so.”

“My otherwise healthy, rugby-playing 14 year old son had been suffering from such bad headaches for over four years that he was regularly having to miss school and the NHS solution was daily medication, which I wasn’t happy about. Contacting Active X Backs has changed our lives. Within two sessions we had noticed an improvement and with continuing care we are almost daring to hope that his headaches are a thing of the past. I cannot recommend their sympathetic and friendly approach highly enough.”

“Amazing fact – I’ve been taking prescription painkillers since the accident (14 years ago) but haven’t needed any since about April this year. I think it is safe to say I am now officially Active X’s biggest fan!”

“Active X Backs sorted out my back pain when I was playing and I still see them whenever I have a problem. I would highly recommend them to help with any type of back, neck or shoulder problem you have.”

“I’ve been quite lucky in that I have only had a few minor injuries over the years. I use Active X primarily for body maintenance/upkeep, in order to catch any problems before they get a chance to develop further. Gavin and his staff are very good at providing re-alignment and sports massage.”

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About Active X

Our mission is the relief and prevention of pain. If you struggle daily with lower back pain or sciatica we can help.

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