Osteopath in Bournemouth for Back Pain & Injury Recovery & Chronic Pain Relief

If back pain, neck pain, headaches, or joint problems have been holding you back for months – and traditional approaches haven't fixed it – you're in the right place
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What makes Functional Therapy different from other osteopaths in Bournemouth?

There are plenty of therapists in Bournemouth. Most will assess you, treat you on the table, and send you home with a sheet of generic exercises. You feel better for a week or two. Then the pain comes back. Repeat.

We work differently.

Petr Mach is a registered osteopath and a certified Functional Patterns practitioner – one of very few clinicians in the UK with both qualifications. That means your treatment doesn't end on the table. We find the movement patterns and muscle imbalances that are actually causing your pain, and we correct them. If you've had pain that keeps coming back no matter what you try, that difference matters.

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Your path to pain relief and full recovery

Our approach focuses on finding the root cause of your pain and offering personalised treatment. From consultation to recovery, we guide you towards better posture, movement, and a pain-free life.
First Visit

Deep-dive diagnostic assessment (60–90 minutes)
Your first session is longer than you're used to. That's intentional. We watch how you walk and move to find what's actually driving your pain – not just where it hurts. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong and what we're going to do about it.

Every session after

Hands-on treatment + movement retraining
Each session combines osteopathic techniques with exercises built specifically around your body – joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, functional movement work, core training, and breathing correction where needed.

The result

Lasting results you can feel
Most patients feel a real difference within the first few sessions. Muscles that have been overcompensating or switched off get reactivated and rebalanced. Your gait and posture improve. You move without pain.

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How we treat pain that keeps coming back

Most traditional therapists treat the part of your body that hurts. The Functional Therapy Method™ goes further – addressing the full picture of why your body is in pain.
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Our practice now includes two more disciplines to care for every layer of your healing:

  • Acupuncture works beautifully alongside osteopathic treatment, supporting the body's natural capacity to heal.
  • Psychotherapy builds the inner resources and adaptability that help both body and mind recover for the long term.
“I had a repetitive back injury and there were times I couldn't even get out of bed. Visiting Petr changed my life.”
Sonia S.

Conditions we treat

We help patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions, including:
  • Lower back pain (acute and chronic)
  • Sciatica and nerve pain
  • Slipped disc and trapped nerves
  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Hip pain and stiffness
  • Knee pain
  • Shoulder pain (including frozen shoulder)
  • Foot and ankle pain
  • TMJ disorders
  • Elbow and wrist pain
  • Postural pain from desk work or driving
  • Work-related upper body strain and RSI
  • Sports injuries
  • Postural correction
  • Recovery from surgery or injury
  • Pain returning to exercise
  • Arthritis and joint stiffness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Persistent pain that hasn't responded to other treatment

Based in Bournemouth

Functional Therapy is based in Bournemouth and serves patients across Dorset, including Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Ferndown, Boscombe, and Southbourne.
Address
Functional Therapy
303 Holdenhurst Rd, 

Bournemouth 
BH8 8BX
  • Free on-street and off-street parking nearby | 5 min from town centre

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to FAQs about our services, sessions and general info here:

Your first appointment lasts 60–90 minutes – much longer than a typical osteopath visit. We carry out a full case history, observe how you walk and move, and identify what's actually driving your pain. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis and a specific treatment plan. Follow-up sessions are typically 30 minutes.

Treatment is tailored to you and may include soft tissue techniques similar to massage, joint mobilisation, spinal manipulation, and corrective exercises. At Functional Therapy, we also incorporate functional movement retraining and breathing correction where needed. We always explain what we're doing and obtain your consent before any technique.

Some soreness within 24–48 hours is common and is a normal response to hands-on treatment. Staying hydrated, having a warm bath, and keeping gently active can all help. If you have any concerns after treatment, do get in touch with us for advice.

This varies depending on the nature and duration of your condition. After your first session, we'll give you an informed prognosis. As a general rule, the longer you've had a problem, the longer recovery takes – which is why we encourage patients to seek treatment sooner rather than later. Most patients notice a real difference within the first few sessions.

No. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners in the UK, which means we can assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal problems directly. You can book an appointment without a referral.

Discover our Services

Functional Training

Corrective and postural exercises. Ideal for maintenance and long-term physical health.
Functional Training

Oromyofacial Therapy

Relieve Jaw, Neck, and Facial Pain – Visit Our Oromyofacial Therapy Page for Solutions
Oromyofacial Therapy
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We will contact you as soon as possible.
Thank you.