The Earlsfield Osteopath
Back to Back is a family run business. The principal, James Dodd, qualified in 1999 and first rented a room in the local doctors’ surgery, The Earlsfield Practice. Here he built up a relationship with the GPs and had his first introduction to the Earlsfield community. With the support of his wife Annie, he opened Back to Back - The Earlsfield Osteopath in 2001, in a former plumbing shop on Garratt Lane. James and one associate osteopath offered healthcare to the community, with Annie running the business behind the scenes.
Over the years many developments took place. In 2011 Annie graduated with a master’s degree in osteopathy and joined the expanding team. The clinic then increased its capacity, adding on two more treatment rooms and started offering massage therapy and reflexology. Since then the team has grown with more highly skilled osteopaths joining the clinic, including our paediatric osteopath.
The administrative duties were then taken over by a team of wonderful receptionists making up the multi-disciplinary clinic we are today.
As James and Annie grew older, so did their two daughters, who may be seen helping out on the front desk from time to time. The youngest is now a doctor, and the eldest has achieved a 1st in her photography degree and currently living in Dubai.
At Back to Back you will meet a team of healthcare practitioners who have been together for over many years, who all contribute to the successful running of the practice.
What do we do?
Our osteopaths work by looking at how the body moves as a whole, not just where pain is felt. Through careful assessment of joints, muscles, posture, and movement patterns, they identify areas that may be stiff, overloaded, or compensating for something else. Hands-on treatment is then used to improve movement, reduce pain, and support the body’s ability to recover. Clear explanations and practical advice help patients understand their problem and reduce the risk of symptoms returning.
Many of our practitioners are also trained in Western acupuncture, which may be used alongside osteopathic treatment where helpful. A few of our senior team have also undergone elite functional movement (AFS) training in the US.
All of our osteopaths have completed a minimum of four years’ full-time training at accredited institutions and are fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council, the statutory regulating body for osteopaths in the UK.
Patients come to us both by self-referral and through recommendations from GPs and consultants. We commonly help people with back and neck pain, postural problems related to work or pregnancy, and sports or activity-related injuries.
We place particular importance on seeing acute injuries promptly, as early, appropriate care can reduce the risk of longer-term problems. Just as importantly, we take time to explain what we believe is causing your symptoms. With clear guidance on movement, exercise, and posture, we aim to help you reduce the risk of the problem returning. Your osteopath will always discuss their working diagnosis with you before treatment begins.
We are committed to continuous professional development and run regular in-house training led by our principal osteopath, who brings extensive experience to the team. Complex cases can be reviewed at senior level, and second opinions are readily available when needed.
Find out more about our treatments, our team and who we can help
