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.
Your path to pain relief and full recovery
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.
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.
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.
How we treat pain that keeps coming back
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.
Conditions we treat
Based in Bournemouth
303 Holdenhurst Rd,
Bournemouth BH8 8BX
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.
