“I have nothing but praise for my experience of Active X Backs; from my phone call to make my initial appointment through to my treatments. My proplapsed disc happened 14 weeks ago but my back feels better than it has done for a number of years; this is testament to the quality of the treatment.   The benefits have lasted too – I now have ongoing exercises suggested by Gavin, that will minimise the chances of a similar back issue developing.
I now see the prolapsed disc as a positive; as – if it hadn’t happened – I reckon I would have soldiered on with minor pains, whereas now, I feel better than I have done for years.   Anyone who has back pain, however minor they think it is, should book an appointment with Active X Backs. For me, the difference has been staggering – 2 months ago I couldn’t walk more than 400 yards without having to stop because of pain.  Yesterday I walked over 9 miles and felt great after it!” 

Dave MacKay Google Review 08/06/2017

The Active X Backs Rules – you don’t have to follow them, but we recommend you do!

1. Use it or Lose it, But Don’t Abuse it

Be as active as you can be, but don’t push into the pain.

2. Get healthy habits; ditch the bad ones

The things you do most frequently and regularly will determine your future health.

3. Focus on what matters

If you want to change something, you need to give it sufficient attention for long enough.

“Why choose Active X Backs?” Gavin answers…

If you are looking for an Edinburgh Osteopath that aspires to run the best possible Back Pain Clinic, you’ve found me.  I’ve run an Edinburgh osteopathic clinic since 1993.  And although osteopaths don’t refer to themselves as a “doctor of osteopathy“, it would certainly be fair to describe me as a back pain specialist doctor.  Just go easy on the use of the term “doctor” – I am NOT medically qualified.  I mean doctor in the literal sense – teacher.  Whether I’m an osteopath, chiropractor or physiotherapist or doctor shouldn’t really matter.  What matters is that back pain and sciatica are my professional passion.  I had a Lumbar 4/5 disc herniation when I was 20.  It plagued me on and off through most of my twenties. Eventually I understood my back problem in detail.  AND I stuck to my own advice (see rules 2 & 3 above).  My back is stronger now than it was 30 years ago.  What I learned in studying for a Masters Degree in Pain Management years later, confirmed the approach I developed.

I have been focused for a long time, having specialised in low back pain and sciatica for nearly 30 years.  I’ve written 2 books on the subject.  And created numerous online courses for back pain and sciatica.  And built an app for lower back pain sufferers.  I spent the dissertation period of my MSc in Pain Management reviewing the 230 apps on the app store for lower back pain.  Then I scoped the features for my own “digital intervention” for lower back pain sufferers.

We now focus on in-clinic and Skype consultations. Because our experience is that people suffering lower back pain and sciatica want the reassurance that comes from consulting a professional who specialises… We’re not the best at elbows and knees (better than many).  But we’re very good at backs!  And because the majority of the value we bring to you is our knowledge, this can be shared via a Skype call.  I think we’re very good at applying manual techniques too – this helps you to heal faster.  Every member of the AXB team had to put their hands on me as part of their interview. And further training during their trial period is compulsory.  They are all very good with their hands.  But remember healing can occur without therapy, so long as you follow our 3 rules (above).