Filipe Gonçalves is one of the most recognized osteopaths in Portugal. In an interview with Revista Negócios Portugal, the osteopath, who has an engineering background, shared his vision of this now legalized non-conventional therapy.

To provide some context for our readers, could you start by explaining osteopathy: what does it consist of?
Osteopathy is a science that was born 140 years ago, developed by an American doctor, Andrew Taylor Still. Osteopathy approaches the body as a whole, seeking the integration and harmonization of all its structures. To achieve this, the osteopath assesses the patient’s health in order to restore overall balance. Osteopathy, to reach this balance—synonymous with health—uses manual techniques.

The main difference between osteopathy and conventional medicine is essentially the focus on the patient rather than the disease, correct?
Could you elaborate on this point?
Andrew T. Still’s great contribution, when he created osteopathy 140 years ago, was to look not at the disease but at the patient’s health or the lack thereof.

In response to an internal or external aggression, each individual's body reacts differently, depending on age, sex, and race. Osteopathy does not follow stereotyped treatments but rather adapts to the reality and health of each patient.

For which conditions can osteopathy be used?
The word "disease" may not be the most accurate term, although it is used in osteopathic language. Osteopathy treats somatic dysfunctions (functional alterations in the body), which can lead to pathological states. We can say that the osteopath primarily works on the musculoskeletal system, which represents more than 60% of the body. As a result, the range of conditions treated is vast, including headaches, neuralgias, lower back pain, back pain, tendinitis, etc.

Who can benefit from osteopathy?
People of all age groups can receive osteopathic treatment, except in cases where an evaluation identifies contraindications, such as fractures.

Based on your experience, do you find that Portuguese people are turning to osteopathy more frequently, or are they still somewhat skeptical about its therapeutic effectiveness?
Portuguese people are becoming more informed and aware of the importance of osteopathy. Demand is increasing, and so is supply. However, word of mouth still plays a key role in their choices.

Let’s now focus a bit on 'Filipe Gonçalves, the osteopath.' When did you start your career? Why osteopathy?
I first encountered osteopathy as a patient in 2004. At the time, I suffered from lower back pain and found a solution in this therapy. Although my background is in engineering, I discovered a natural aptitude for manual therapy and started developing it through a sports massage course. Since then, I have completed two osteopathy courses and a postgraduate degree in Classical Osteopathy at the English school "The John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy," in addition to other training both in Portugal and abroad.

As a professional, how have you seen osteopathy evolve?
Osteopathy has advanced significantly in the past decade, both in Portugal and internationally. Governments are becoming more aware and "pressured" by the public to regulate osteopathy and other sciences to ensure quality in educational institutions and among professionals.

What techniques do you use most frequently?
I mostly use soft tissue techniques, which include myofascial techniques and, when appropriate, manipulative techniques. I have also developed a specialty in manual therapy that treats conditions related to the presence of scars, whether traumatic or post-surgical.

Do you feel that the competent authorities provide the recognition and support necessary for the practice of osteopathy?
Yes, fortunately, I receive recognition, both from my patients and from some healthcare professionals in other fields who refer patients to me.

Treating some high-performance athletes is also, in a way, a form of recognition. The Portuguese government acknowledged osteopathy by enacting the Law on Non-Conventional Therapies.

What needs to change?
People looking to improve their health should be open to trying this therapy and seeking qualified professionals. On my end, I always strive to improve and develop new tools to meet daily challenges while maintaining the humility to treat those who seek my help.


Article published in Jornal i, 2013 | Revista Negócios Portugal | Osteopathy