Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Osteopathy Solutions in Edinburgh
At Active X Clinics, we are dedicated to transforming lives through expert osteopathic care, physiotherapy, and massage therapy. With over three decades of clinical experience, our team specialises in evidence-based treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic back pain, sciatica, neck pain, and sports injuries. Our holistic approach focuses on long-term solutions, combining hands-on therapy with tailored exercise programs to restore mobility and prevent recurring pain. Led by Clinic Director Gavin Routledge, a registered osteopath and author of three best-selling books on back pain, we ensure every patient benefits from a proven system grounded in national clinical guidelines. Our Edinburgh-based team includes HCPC-registered physiotherapists and GOsC-registered osteopaths, supported by specialists in restorative pilates and sports science.We prioritise patient education, empowering individuals to maintain active, pain-free lifestyles through preventive strategies and lifestyle adjustments. With two accessible locations in Edinburgh city centre and East Lothian, we serve local communities and international visitors seeking reliable, compassionate care. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in hundreds of five-star reviews, highlighting rapid pain relief, professional service, and personalised attention. By integrating advanced clinical knowledge with a patient-centred ethos, we strive to be Edinburgh's leading choice for musculoskeletal health solutions.
Services
Osteopathy
Physiotherapy
Massage
Emergency Osteopathy
Back Pain
Sciatica
Neck Pain
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Sports Injuries
Highlights and features
- We offer evidence-based care aligned with NICE guidelines and national clinical standards.
- Our team includes HCPC-registered physiotherapists and GOsC-registered osteopaths with decades of combined experience.
- We provide rapid pain relief through a holistic approach addressing root causes, not just symptoms.
- Our Edinburgh city centre and East Lothian locations ensure convenient access for local and international patients.
- We empower patients with preventive strategies and lifestyle adjustments for long-term musculoskeletal health.
Associations and certifications
- HCPC
- General Osteopathic Council
What people say
Fantastic osteopath
Excellent service
Quick recovery
Highly recommended
Knowledgeable practitioners
Services
Osteopathy
Our osteopathy service provides hands-on treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, focusing on joints, muscles, and spine. Using diagnostic techniques and therapeutic manipulation, we address chronic pain, sports injuries, and postural issues. Patients benefit from improved mobility, reduced inflammation, and long-term symptom management through tailored treatment plans.
Physiotherapy
Chartered physiotherapists deliver evidence-based rehabilitation for injuries and chronic conditions. Treatment combines exercise programs, manual therapy, and patient education to restore function and prevent recurrence. We specialise in postural correction, sports injury recovery, and workplace-related musculoskeletal disorders with measurable outcomes.
Massage Therapy
Registered massage therapists use deep tissue and sports massage techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance recovery. Sessions target specific areas of discomfort while promoting overall relaxation and stress reduction through targeted myofascial release and trigger point therapy.
Back Pain Treatment
Specialised treatment for lower and upper back pain combines spinal manipulation, posture correction, and core strengthening exercises. We address disc-related issues, sciatica, and chronic strain through a structured protocol developed over 30 years of clinical practice, focusing on sustainable recovery.
Sports Injury Recovery
Comprehensive management of sports-related injuries including ligament sprains, muscle strains, and joint instability. Our approach integrates soft tissue therapy, biomechanical assessment, and sport-specific rehabilitation to accelerate healing and prevent future injuries through performance optimisation techniques.
People
Gavin Routledge
Clinic Director and Registered Osteopath
With over 30 years of clinical experience, Gavin is a leading osteopath and author of three best-selling books on back pain. He developed the clinic's evidence-based treatment protocol aligned with national guidelines.
Caspar Giffard Tutt
Registered Osteopath
Specialising in rapid pain relief for complex musculoskeletal conditions, Caspar combines precise manual techniques with patient education. His approach focuses on restoring functional mobility and preventing recurrence through tailored exercise programs.
Craig Spinks
Chartered Physiotherapist
Craig applies advanced physiotherapy techniques to treat sports injuries and chronic pain conditions. His practice integrates movement analysis and rehabilitation strategies to improve patients' physical performance and daily functionality.
Maelle
Restorative Pilates Specialist
Maelle specialises in using pilates-based rehabilitation to address chronic pain and postural imbalances. Her sessions focus on core stability, muscle re-education, and movement pattern correction to enhance overall musculoskeletal health.
Graham Logan
Massage Therapist
Graham provides therapeutic massage treatments targeting muscle tension and stress-related conditions. His techniques include deep tissue work and myofascial release to improve circulation and promote recovery from physical strain.
Questions
What conditions do your osteopaths treat?
We treat a wide range including back pain, sciatica, neck pain, sports injuries, joint issues, and headaches. Our holistic approach addresses musculoskeletal problems from head to toe using manual therapy and rehabilitation.
How does osteopathy differ from physiotherapy?
Osteopathy focuses on whole-body balance through manual manipulation, while physiotherapy often incorporates exercise programs and electrotherapy. Both aim to improve mobility but use different treatment philosophies and techniques.
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
No referral is required. As primary healthcare practitioners, our osteopaths and physiotherapists can assess and treat patients directly without prior medical consultation.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. For spinal assessments, you may need to remove outer garments while maintaining appropriate coverage and dignity during treatment.
Are treatments covered by insurance?
Most private medical insurance policies cover osteopathy and physiotherapy. Check with your provider for specific terms. We provide receipts for potential reimbursement from health insurance plans.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment plans vary by condition. Initial improvements often occur within 2-3 sessions, with complete recovery typically requiring 6-8 visits. Chronic cases may need extended care with periodic maintenance sessions.
Reviews (7)
Eric Sid Young
Jan 22, 2021
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I've had back problems on and off for a while now and I received an email offering 75 off an hours session so of course I made use of this offer. Last time I was here I seen gavin who fixed me but with me falling back in to old routines my back problem re surfaced so back I went. This time I seen a delightful young lady called Kelly who couldn't have been any better, she put me right at ease straight away with her warm and friendly chat and I would definitely recommend her if your suffering from lower back pain and sciatica. It has been 2 weeks now since my session and I'm doing the recommended
Graeme Ritchie
Nov 06, 2020
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I've had occasional lower back pain from time to time over the last few years. And am currently suffering from uncomfortable sciatica/lower back pain. There was no sign of improvement after a few weeks, so I turned to Active X Backs. A face to face visit was not possible so I have embarked on an Active X Backs online program. Communication has been excellent so far. And the first online video consultation was professionally carried out, with a plausible diagnosis being made. Then some pointers to get me started and the next follow up session arranged. Gavin comes across as very knowledgeable and
Spurdaddy
Dec 31, 2019
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Gavin is an excellent osteopath who has changed my life. Back pain was something that I had to deal with on a daily basis but through this treatment I no longer have this issue. Gavin is incredibly knowledgeable and when providing the treatment you pick up bits of his wisdom in terms with regards to diet, exercise and general well being. I cannot recommend Gavin and this practice highly enough - I wish I could give 10 stars out of 5!!!
Mara Noelle Fojas
Dec 19, 2019
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I originally started coming here to see the osteopath because of hip pain - which turned out to be bursitis (ow). Gavin was both helpful and gentle with me. He is also open-minded, which is important to me. I continue to see him. I have also started getting massages with Graham. I feel so good afterward, but more importantly (in my opinion), when I tell him about a problem I am having, he is able to get to the source of the issue and treat that. The office works well together as a team, coordinating care across providers. I really appreciate that.
Natasha Seager
Nov 21, 2019
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After visiting Active X Backs today I can highly recommend them! I went in with shoulder pain and had an hour massage with Graham. I came away feeling relaxed, my muscles felt looser and relieved and I had much more movement in my neck Nd shoulder. It was so easy to book with Active X Backs using the online booking system. This system is great because you can book appointments even when they are closed. The prices are very reasonable and good value for money. The office and treatment rooms are really cosy, clean and a comfortable temperature. The staff make you feel so welcome, relaxed and
Leah Maycock
Jun 20, 2019
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Gavin and Kelly have been fantastic. They've given me relief from my back issues and also provided aftercare with exercises and stretches. Great service and a special mention to the wee dog who greets you on arrival and keeps you company in the waiting area :)
Tsarlin Domingo
Aug 09, 2018
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I've been to this clinic for 3 times and scheduled for a 4th appointment. Staff is friendly and I can tell Mr. Gavin is very professional and excellent at what he does. I immediately experienced relief from my neck and back pains right after my first visit and my overall back felt better and better as I had more sessions. Would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
