The Earlsfield Osteopath
Back to Back is a family-run practice with deep roots in the Earlsfield community. Principal osteopath James Dodd qualified in 1999 and began his career renting a room at the local Earlsfield Practice, where he built relationships with GPs and took his first steps into the community he still serves today.
In 2001, with the support of his wife Annie, James opened Back to Back (a former plumbing shop) on Garratt Lane — with two osteopaths, one vision, and Annie keeping everything running behind the scenes.
In 2011 Annie graduated with a master's degree in osteopathy and joined the clinical team. The practice expanded, adding treatment rooms and broadening its offer to include massage therapy and reflexology. Over the years a team of highly skilled osteopaths has grown around the founding pair, including a specialist paediatric osteopath and a dedicated reception team.
As the practice has grown, so has the Dodd family — their two daughters, who once helped out at the front desk, have since forged their own paths. The clinic they grew up in continues to be run with the same care and values it started with.
What do we do?
Our osteopaths look 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 natural ability to recover. Clear explanations and practical advice help patients understand what's going on — and reduce the risk of it coming back.
Many of our practitioners are also trained in Western acupuncture, used alongside osteopathic treatment where appropriate. Several of our senior team have completed Advanced Functional Movement (AFS) training in the United States — an elite programme focused on movement quality, injury resilience and long-term physical performance.
All of our osteopaths hold a minimum of four years' full-time training from accredited institutions and are fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council, the statutory regulating body for osteopaths in the UK.
Who we see?
Patients come to us through self-referral and on the recommendation of GPs and consultants. We commonly help 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 — early, appropriate care can significantly reduce the risk of longer-term problems. We take time to explain what we believe is causing your symptoms and give you clear guidance on movement, exercise and posture so you leave with more than just short-term relief. Your osteopath will always discuss their working diagnosis with you before treatment begins.
We are committed to continuous professional development, with regular in-house training led by James. Complex cases can be reviewed at senior level, and second opinions are always available when needed.
Find out more about our treatments, our team and who we can help
