If you’re looking for a holistic, drug-free approach to healthcare, you’ll definitely want to consider seeing an osteopath in Singapore. Aside from treating sports injuries, back problems and stiff necks, osteopathy can help with a whole range of conditions including TMJ pain, headaches, arthritis pain, digestive issues, reflux, pregnancy aches and pains, colic in babies and more. Here, we talk to some of the top osteopathic clinics in Singapore about what they do, and the benefits of osteopathy.
City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy
City’s experienced team of over 25 practitioners includes osteopaths, physiotherapists, women’s health experts, and sports massage and lymphatic drainage therapists. Based across three locations in Singapore (CBD, Novena and Bukit Timah), all practitioners provide hands-on, holistic care for patients of all ages.
Your osteopath will first take a detailed health history and conduct many of the same clinical and orthopaedic tests that a doctor would also perform, in order to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment will include a variety of musculoskeletal techniques focussing not only on relief for specific symptoms, but also on improving overall general health. Several sessions may be required, and you can expect to be retested after the treatment to make sure that intervention has been effective.
Hear from osteopath Bryan Lane:
“People don’t find osteopathy. Osteopathy finds people who want to change because what came before didn’t work.
As osteopaths, it’s sometimes hard to assess our own performance because, when you do your job really well, you don’t see your patients again. But, sometimes, you do! I recently ran into a patient I had treated only once, about a year ago, for long-term lower back pain. I had previously treated his wife for pregnancy-related pain, then his newborn for a feeding dysfunction, which included a rather painful direct latch, as well as excessive wind and explosive bowel movements. When I ran into him, I didn’t recognise him at first, as he had lost so much weight. He told me that the time we spent in that one consultation together, going through his medical history and discussing alternatives to living a healthier life, had inspired him to make changes. To me, this summarises osteopathy – finding and inspiring the health unique to each individual.”
The benefits of osteopathy for expectant mums
Hear from osteopath Ashleigh Mitchell, who regularly treats pre- and postnatal conditions:
“Treatment by an osteopath can ease pregnancy related aches or pains, and help improve the function of the body to accommodate the natural changes that are occurring. Releasing tension from the spine, pelvis, hips and on or around the uterus creates a more accommodating space for the baby. Optimising a woman’s alignment and mobility in this way may help the baby to get into the correct position for the birthing process and to pass more easily through the birth canal.
Osteopathy can provide relief for newborns and older babies, too. Gentle manipulation by a trained practitioner can alleviate conditions such as colic, reflux, screaming and excessive crying, irritability, sleep problems, torticollis (asymmetrical head/neck position), plagiocephaly (misshapen head) and poor feeding.”
CBD, Bukit Timah, Novena
6222 2451| cityosteophysio.com
Osteopathy Health Care
Patients of all ages come to see osteopath Shruti Seth of Osteopathy Health Care, which provides holistic treatment for the body, mind and soul at four clinic locations, including just-openedclinics at i12 Katong and Amara Sanctuary Resort on Sentosa Island. Shruti specialises in musculoskeletal cases, cranio-sacral therapy, children’s osteopathy, women’s hormone-related complaints, pregnancy issues and cancer patient care. Other common conditions she treats include acute and chronic illnesses, athletic injuries, neurological problems, heart conditions, asthma, body pains and depression.
As an osteopath, Shruti sees every part of the body as connected and focuses on tackling the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. Doing so, she says, allows for full-body alignment and long-lasting results.
Hear from Shruti, who has been practising osteopathy since 2015:
“I am passionate about osteopathy because it takes a very holistic approach – and with no side effects. It’s a unique approach in that it seeks to find the root cause of one’s suffering by using the palpation of the hands. It’s like scanning each and every layer of tissue in the body and manipulating it manually. It’s a whole-body approach rather than just symptomatic relief to a specific part of the body. Every part of the body is connected and should be aligned to perfection.
A new patient can expect to have a detailed medical history taken to better understand any events that could be related to his or her problem. An examination and evaluation is done to get a diagnosis. The cause of the problem is always explained to the patient, and a treatment plan is discussed. Treatment always begins with proper consent from the client, and lifestyle, diet, exercise and ergonomic advice may also be given, if needed.”
Katong, Dempsey Hill, Tanjong Pagar, Sentosa
8790 9079 | osteopathyhealthcare.com
Edge Healthcare
This progressive, evidence-based osteopathic clinic in Singapore has two locations: one in the CBD (#06-02, Cecil Street) and one at Orchard (#11-01 The Forum, 583 Orchard Road).
Edge Healthcare’s trained therapists are dedicated to providing personalised care to patients looking to lead pain-free lives. The clinic’s wide range of services include cranial, visceral, pre- and postnatal, and paediatric osteopathy, as well as physiotherapy, naturopathic medicine, functional movement assessments, dry needling, and pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation. So, whether you’re having problems with dizziness or experiencing pelvic floor dysfunctions, these guys have got you covered!
As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Edge Healthcare team works closely with other medical and health professionals. This includes general practitioners, sports physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists, personal trainers and sports coaches to help achieve the best results for their clients.
Hear from osteopath Lorène Dawance of Edge Healthcare’s CBD-based clinic:
“I’ve always wanted to do something where I helped people, and I was convinced by osteopathy after seeing an osteopath for headaches myself. I loved how hands-on it is, and how the treatment was very personal and tailored to me. Being able to improve someone’s quality of life – which most of us take for granted – can be so impactful. People can be so grateful and appreciative even for the smallest things when they’re not feeling their best. And, the job is never boring! Working with different people, personalities and conditions definitely keeps you on your toes and thinking outside the box. And of course being able to chat to lovely people all day is a plus and makes the day to day very enjoyable.”
Cecil Street and Orchard Road
6222 4766 | edgehealthcare.com.sg
The Osteopathic Centre
This osteopathic clinic in Singapore has three locations: the CBD (#06-05 The Arcade), East Coast (#01-02 Bowmont Centre) and River Valley (#11-02 Valley Point, 491 River Valley Road ). For over 13 years, founder and osteopath Dr Paul Bell (D.Health), along with his international team of osteopaths, have been helping individuals to improve their quality of life and their sense of wellbeing with a range of techniques. These include cranial, visceral, paediatric, and pre- and postnatal osteopathy, biomechanical assessments, stress management, ergonomic assessments, nutritional advice, dry needling, exercise prescription, pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation, and mat and reformer Pilates.
Although osteopathy is all about the physical touch of manual therapy, the team of practitioners at this osteopathic clinic in Singapore has a ton of knowledge that can be shared via video or phone consultations. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Osteopathic Centre team has found virtual consolations to be very effective, particularly for those families with newborn babies who need support.
Hear from founder and osteopath Dr Paul Bell, who has a professional doctorate in health, and over 24 years of experience in pain and injury treatment:
“Often, the assumption is that osteopaths only treat the spine. In fact, we treat the whole body and consider other factors that may be affecting daily life. It’s important to recognise that pain and injury may have many causes; lifestyle and emotional factors can play an important role in the ability to manage and improve symptoms. Our aim is therefore not only to address biomechanical, postural and musculoskeletal issues, but also to help identify these other factors that can be addressed to reduce pain and increase function. In addition, we provide coping strategies to help deal with the effects that physical and psychological stress have on the body.”
CBD, East Coast, River Valley
6221 4064 | theosteo.com.sg
Back in Health Osteopathy
With over 15 years of clinical experience and a commitment to continual research, Dr Jon Marshall incorporates the latest clinical evidence into his treatments to ensure the best results possible for his patients across two osteopathic clinics in Singapore: the CBD (#10-02 Robinson Square) and East Coast (217 East Coast Road, #05-02 Tides Building).
As an osteopath, Dr Marshall’s approach is to address the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms, thus restoring the whole body to optimal health. His treatment method incorporates natural techniques like osteopathy, dry needling, corrective exercise, lifestyle advice, ergonomic and postural modifications, and stress release strategies.
Hear from osteopath, Dr Jon Marshall:
“I have a genuine passion for helping people get the most out of their bodies without the need for drugs or surgery. The human body has an innate capacity for self-regulation and health. As holistic health professionals, we are simply removing the obstacles and restoring the body to optimal health. This then sets in motion the body’s natural healing process, and the body gets stronger and healthier on its own. That’s the most rewarding part of this job – physically being able to see improvement to patients’ health and fitness.”
CBD and East Coast
9006 8375 | backinhealth.com.sg
Singapore Headache & Migraine Clinic
Also founded by Dr Jon Marshall of Back in Health, this osteopathic clinic in Singapore offers migraine and headache sufferers a holistic alternative to the long-term use of painkillers, or surgery. Singapore Headache & Migraine Clinic uses natural techniques including osteopathy, dry needling, corrective exercise, lifestyle advice, ergonomic and postural modifications, and stress release strategies.
Headache sufferers looking for relief without medication or surgery can visit either of the two osteopathic clinic locations in Singapore (#10-02 Robinson Square and 217 East Coast Road, #05-02 Tides Building in the East Coast). Dr Marshall incorporates the latest clinical evidence into his treatments to naturally alleviate each patient’s headache or migraine at the source.
Hear from osteopath, Dr Jon Marshall:
“Osteopathy is an effective option for chronic headache and migraine sufferers who are conscious about their long-term health, and therefore reluctant to continue their reliance on pharmaceuticals for relief indefinitely.
Recent research suggests that around 80 precent of headaches and migraines may originate from the upper cervical spine. Osteopathy looks at addressing the musculoskeletal imbalances of these spinal segments through specialised orthopaedic tests and techniques. This targets the source directly, as opposed to masking the symptoms. Sufferers can therefore get effective ongoing relief, be less reliant on medication and avoid drastic surgeries.
It’s very rewarding to physically see the burden of a debilitating condition lift and allow patients to go about the lives pain-free. It really restores their quality of life.”
CBD and East Coast
9006 8375 | sgheadachemigraine.com
Osteopathic Pain Relief Centre
At this osteopathic clinic in Singapore, senior osteopath Jose helps people suffering from body ailments often related to recreational, sports and manual labour injuries, stress- and pregnancy-related tensions, and injuries from over-working in the office. Jose has 29 years of experience correcting imbalances in tissues and using a variety of techniques, including manual manipulation, trigger point needling and biodynamics cranial osteopathy to help patients’ “healing abilities overcome their problems”. He says that rebalancing the body to get it back to its optimal health is what his specialisation is all about.
For the last five years, Jose has been able to provide free osteopathic therapy servicesto all Singapore-based foreign domestic workers. Find out more here.
What can you expect from Jose?
“At the first visit, I try to explain why patients have their symptoms and how to reduce them. During the follow-up visits, I continue to rebalance the body and improve the patient’s symptoms further.
Osteopathy sessions go beyond pain relief. Many patients report feeling a sense of calm after their sessions, as well as being able to manage their lives more easily with the follow-up ‘re-setting’ or ‘rebalancing’ treatments.”
#14-06 Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road
6327 8545 | oprc.com.sg
Calibrate
This holistic healthcare practise on Orchard is dedicated to helping patients live pain-free lives by encouraging optimal movement and function. Calibrate offers both osteopathy and physiotherapy, which may include manual therapy, exercise therapy, dry needling, taping, nutrition and lifestyle advice, modalities such as electrotherapy and ultrasound, postural assessments and ergonomic desk set-ups.
Some of the most common conditions patients come to Calibrate with include muscle strains, slipped discs, sciatica, headaches, jaw pain, whiplash, knee and ankle injuries, shoulder and elbow conditions, pregnancy-related pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Additionally, with the help of a patient’s doctor, the Calibrate team supports the management of conditions like fractures, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer-related pains. They can also communicate with any fitness professionals you work with, to make sure your exercise routine is optimal for your overall health.
Hear from osteopath Ryan Patrick Unsworth (8 years experience):
“People and their bodies are puzzles. I like solving puzzles and I like helping people, which is why I became an osteopath. It’s rewarding to see my patients out-perform their expectations and get back to doing what they love after pain or injury.
It’s a common misconception that you should only go see someone if you’re in pain. Although we are specialists in reducing pain, most issues can be identified and prevented long before they become painful.”
#03-01 Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Road
8725 6910 | calibrate-health.com
Osteopathic Treatment Centre
Osteopathic Treatment Centre is an osteopathic clinic in Singapore founded by renowned osteopath Dr David Tio. As a third-generation osteopath from the founder of osteopathy, Dr AT Still, Dr Tio studied yoga and nature care in India, and got his diploma in osteopathy at the European School of Osteopathy in England; he returned to Singapore to found the Osteopathic Treatment Centre in 1984.
For the past 37 years, Dr Tio has brought together a multi-faceted team to provide a very extensive range of natural, drug-free treatment modalities. They treat everything from body aches and pains, foot problems, common ailments and chronic degenerative diseases to behavioural and developmental problems in children, addiction and depression, among other conditions. The wide range of services at Osteopathic Treatment Centre includes osteopathy and cranial osteopathy, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, applied Kinesiology, chiropody and podiatry, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, energy healing, naturopathy, neurofeedback, psychological counselling, physio and rehab exercises, clinic nutrition and more.
Hear from Dr Tio:
“The key philosophy of osteopathy is that all parts of the body are interconnected and that the body can properly heal itself only when every part of the body’s system functions together in an integrated manner. An osteopath will not want to simply ease a specific problem, such as a pain in the neck. The osteopath will also want to know what is causing that pain. It could be anything from physical injury to mental anxiety.”
#05-13/15 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road
6734 6440 | osteopathy.com.sg
UFIT
Taking a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to recovery and sports rehabilitation, UFIT offers osteopathy services across three of its clinic locations: Club Street (#01-01 21 Club Street), One-North (#01-02 Galaxis Building) and Orchard Central (#06-11). Using skilled evaluation, diagnosis and a wide range of hands-on techniques, the osteopaths at UFIT can identify important types of dysfunction in your body. Patients come to them for everything from neck and back pain, sports-related injuries and arthritis pain to postural problems caused by pregnancy, driving and work strain. Hands-on techniques include dry needling, stretching and massage for treatment of soft tissues, along with mobilisation of specific joints and tissues.
Hear from osteopath Zoe McParlin:
“It’s often assumed that osteopaths only treat bones, particularly the spine. Though spinal issues are one of the most common conditions I help with, I treat all kinds of conditions and musculoskeletal issues – from tension headaches and jaw pain to finger and toe pain.
My treatment is often a combination of massage, articulation, manipulations, mobilisations and dry needling, when appropriate, and some exercises or stretches to help manage a patient’s pain. I feel very strongly that it is important that a patient understands exactly what is going on with their body, and I make sure it is explained in an easy-to-understand way before we end the session.”
Club Street, One-North and Orchard Central
ufit.com.sg/osteopathy
Central Osteopathy Singapore
This osteopathic clinic in Singapore uses a wide range of non-invasive manual techniques to help patients relieve pain and discomfort. These include include joint manipulation, soft tissue massage, nerve stretching, dry needling, visceral and cranial osteopathy, and exercise rehabilitation. The clinic’s osteopath Niall Wafer has 14 years experience in osteopathy, including five years working with a local podiatry clinic, three years working with Indonesian track and field Olympic-level athletes, and teaching manual visceral techniques to physical therapy students around the world. He believes that these hands-on methods, combined with educating and understanding, is key to a patient’s health and wellbeing.
Hear from Niall Wafer:
“It’s a common misconception that you have to be injured to see an osteopath. While I believe in getting the patient to be in control as soon as possible, sometimes a trained eye on how you move and general health factors can be a way to keep you in tip-top shape and help you age gracefully. Body tension can be likened to teeth plaque; it’s good to get a good scale and polish as part of your self-care routine.
As an osteopath, I enjoy figuring out all the components that lead a patient to come see me. I love the puzzle work of good therapy, and seeing my patients get onboard is so rewarding.”
Core Collective, Level 21
79 Anson Road
6250 1222 | centralosteopathysingapore.com
Like this? Read more in our Health & Fitness section.
Amy Greenburg
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