Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 5 Surprising Truths

For many, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is just a "stomach ache." But for those who live with it, it's a complex and chronic condition, marked by abdominal pain and unpredictable bowel habits, all without a physical cause detected in tests. It's a reality that profoundly affects quality of life, often silently and misunderstood. Far from being an isolated problem in the intestine, IBS is the result of a dysfunction between the brain, the gut, and the emotional state. This integrative view reveals a much more complex condition than imagined. This article will explore 5 surprising facts that will change your perspective on what it really means to live with irritable bowel syndrome.

1. It's not just in the stomach: the symptoms go far beyond the intestines

Although abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits are the core symptoms of IBS, its manifestations can spread throughout the body in ways that many wouldn’t associate with a digestive problem. This condition reveals how interconnected the systems of the human body are.

Many patients with IBS also report extraintestinal symptoms that significantly affect their overall well-being. Among the most common are:

  • Lower back pain
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased vitality

This demonstrates the importance of looking at the body as a whole. Symptoms are not confined to a single organ; they are signs of a broader imbalance involving multiple systems communicating with each other.

2. The brain as the "conductor" of pain

One of the most transformative concepts in understanding IBS is the central role of the brain-gut axis. Although triggers may originate in the gut, the experience of pain is ultimately a creation of the brain.

Science is clear on this point: regardless of the initial triggers of the symptoms, “the brain is ultimately responsible for constructing and generating the conscious perception of abdominal pain, discomfort, and anxiety based on sensory information from the gut.”

This changes everything. It means that pain is not just damage to the intestinal tissue, but an interpretation by the brain. That’s why emotional state doesn’t just “worsen” symptoms – it’s an integral part of the mechanism that creates them. But how does the brain receive these messages from the gut? Through an information “superhighway.”

3. The secret "highway" that connects everything: the vagus nerve

If the brain and gut are in constant communication, what pathway do they use? The main pathway is the vagus nerve, a crucial component of our nervous system that acts as the primary “modulator” of the brain-gut-microbiome communication pathway.

Its nerve endings in the intestines establish a direct connection with the enteric nervous system (the “brain” of the gut). This nerve is activated by microbes and the metabolites they produce, which are directly influenced by diet, helping to generate functional digestion patterns.

Any alteration in this complex communication pathway, whether in the brain, the nerve itself, or the intestinal ecosystem, is implicated in the pathophysiology of IBS. And one of the factors that can most disrupt the “traffic on this highway” is stress, which has the power to reshape the very starting point of communication: the intestinal ecosystem.

4. Stress physically alters the gut ecosystem

The idea that stress can alter the stomach is more literal than you think. Psychosocial factors have a direct and measurable impact on the ecosystem of bacteria that lives in the human gut, a phenomenon known as dysbiosis.

The research confirms that “there is scientific evidence regarding the psychosocial effect on the abundance of gut microbes.” What this means is that stress is not an ethereal emotion. It is a biological event that acts as a “bad gardener” in the gut, favoring the growth of microbial “weeds” at the expense of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance, or dysbiosis, sends constant alarm signals to the brain, perpetuating the cycle of pain and discomfort.

5. An unexpected help: osteopathy

When you understand IBS as a disorder of the brain-gut axis, and not just as a digestive problem, new therapeutic approaches begin to make sense. In addition to diet and psychotherapy, osteopathy emerges as a surprising, yet logical, option.

When you understand IBS as a disorder of the brain-gut axis, and not just as a digestive problem, new therapeutic approaches begin to make sense. In addition to diet and psychotherapy, osteopathy emerges as a surprising, yet logical, option.

  • Adjustment of the Polygon of Forces, adjusting the body's tensor apparatus and its mechanical-physiological relationships in the abdominal and pelvic cavity and its relationships with the vertebral central arch and baseline.
  • Fascial release of structures such as the small intestine, colon, root of the mesentery, and greater omentum, to restore mobility and physiological motility.
  • Diaphragmatic work: Addresses the fascial relationship of the diaphragm with the visceral structures and its insertion (pillars D11-L3), crucial for managing internal pressure.
  • Cranial techniques and suboccipital decompression: These aim to directly influence the vagus nerve, helping to "calm" the communication pathway and promote a state of greater relaxation and digestive function (parasympathetic).

This integrative approach reflects the philosophy of osteopathy, as mentioned by John Wernham:

“There is only one Osteopathy and that only way is through the process of INTEGRATION”

Conclusion: The Body Speaks in Unison

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a perfect example of how the body doesn’t function in isolated parts. It’s a deeply integrated system where digestive health, the nervous system, and emotional state are intrinsically linked. Understanding these connections not only demystifies the condition but also opens doors to more holistic and effective therapeutic approaches.

After seeing these connections, do we hear all the messages that the body is trying to send us?

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Hemorrhagic Stroke – Osteopathic Body Adjustment Treatment

The present study was entitled Hemorrhagic Stroke – Osteopathic Treatment of Body Adjustment (OTBA), carried out as part of the Specialization Course in Classical Osteopathy.
Stroke is one of the most prevalent and deadly diseases worldwide. Through the osteopathic approach it is possible to influence the physiology of the body and contribute to health. The main objective of the study was to document the intervention of Classical Osteopathy, through OTBA in a patient victim of haemorrhagic stroke.
Data and findings on the patient’s condition were collected using assessment methods described in the literature and the OTBA was applied in 29 osteopathy sessions over 16 weeks.
The results revealed improvements in the patient’s general condition contributing to an increase in his quality of life.
It is concluded that OTBA has effects in a hemorrhagic stroke condition, namely on joint mobility, muscle strength, gastrointestinal system and quality and quantity of sleep.

Case Study: The contribution of Osteopathy in the treatment of Cervicobrachialgia

Cervicobrachialgia is a medical diagnosis whose cause is considered mostly idiopathic. It can often be confused with or associated with other diagnoses such as thoracic outlet syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome. These diagnoses are not seen by conventional medicine through a multisystem view, and tend to segment the affected areas, not seeing the body as a whole. 

In the osteopathic view, injuries are diagnosed and treated through the perfect structural adjustment between bones, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, organs, systems and the internal and external environment, through which vital relationships are expressed. 

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Sandy_Antunes_bio

Sandy Antunes DO

Sandy’s patients range from infants to seniors, all aspiring to a healthy and balanced life. She approaches her practice with great passion and drive, and welcomes the challenge of helping her patients achieve their health and wellness goals. Sandy has a lifelong commitment to learning and advancing her knowledge and skills. She has a special interest in developing corporate health and wellness programs and identifying and addressing the underlying cause of a patient’s condition.

With over 25 years of practical experience, Sandy has evolved her professional career from Shiatsu Therapy to Osteopathy over the past 15 years. In addition to running her successful practice, she has taught Anatomy and Physiology (at the Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine) and is currently an international lecturer for the Institute of Classical Osteopathy (Great Britain).

Sandy began her health and wellness career at the Canadian School of Shiatsu in 1995 and continued her studies at the Tokyo Shiatsu Academy. Before starting her private practice in 2004, Sandy spent 5 years working alongside a variety of healthcare professionals, including physicians, RMTs, chiropractors, and physiotherapists, whose common goal was to create the most effective treatment plan for each patient.

A graduate of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and Holistic Health Sciences with a Diploma in Osteopathic Manipulative Theory and Practice in 2008, she completed her Master’s in Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences in 2010.

Sandy is a member of the Register of Osteopaths, the Ontario Osteopathic Association, and internationally the Institute of Classical Osteopathy. She is a director and volunteer for the Society for Osteopathic Wellness and is constantly learning and improving her skills. She is also a guest speaker for Running Rooms, Community Centres, and special interest groups.

ChrisOD-1_bio

Christopher Batten D.O.

Christopher studied osteopathy on a four-year full-time course in Maidstone, UK, with a great osteopath, John Wernham, who had been a student of John Martin Littlejohn, himself a student of Andrew Taylor Still, the father of osteopathy. “It was a privilege to be taught by the successor of such a lineage, with personal stories of the roots of the profession, a very thorough education in a traditional approach to osteopathy, a solid grounding in medical science and clinical methods.”

After completing the course in 1989, Christopher set up his practice, dealing with this traditional approach to osteopathy, which guides the body, mind, and spirit towards a greater sense of ease, freedom of movement, balance, and stability.

He has developed a wide patient base in the UK, with special interests in treatment during pregnancy, for babies and children, and osteopathy for general health.

With a deep thirst for greater understanding and a need to share, he has added to his intense practice a career in teaching classical osteopathy at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as speaking at conferences around the world.

Since 2000, he has been Secretary and Director of Education at the Institute of Classical Osteopathy.

raquel_varela_bio

Raquel Varela

ACSS – Professional Card No. 0032419

Raquel was born in Torres Vedras, where she lives.

“Over the years, I have become increasingly fascinated by the field and by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my patients. This is, and will be, a challenging journey, which motivates me day after day to acquire more knowledge and always give the best of myself to each patient.”
  • Professional Background

06/2023 – to date – Osteopath in Torres Vedras (Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy)
2022 – to date – Osteopath at the Requilibrius Clinic, Mafra

  • Academic Background

2018-2022 – Degree in Osteopathy from the Portuguese Red Cross School of Health

abel_santos_bio

Abel Santos

Professional Card - Order of Physiotherapists No. 3971

Member of the Portuguese Association of Classical Osteopathy – APOC

He was born in Setúbal, but currently lives in the Torres Vedras council. He graduated as a Physiotherapist and worked as such in several institutions. He has worked in different areas such as geriatrics, functional rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and sports. The principles of Osteopathy fascinated him so much that he has dedicated himself to applying them in daily practice to all those who need and seek him out.

  • Professional Background

July 2023 to date – Physiotherapist trained in Classical Osteopathy in private practice – Setúbal
October 2019 to date – Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy
2016 – Physiotherapist at the Multimédicas clinic – A-dos-Cunhados
2015-2018 – Physiotherapist at the Santa Catarina clinic – Lourinhã
2015 – Physiotherapist at Grupo Desportivo O Sobreirense
2015/2016 – Physiotherapist at Hospital Soerad
2014 – Physiotherapist at Vitória Futebol Clube – Setúbal

  • Academic Background

2022 – Clinical Neuromobilization Training – OSTEOFORM
2022 – Mesotherapy Course – João Martins – DietMed/BWIZER
2019 to 2022 – Specialization Course in Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2019 – Applied Imaging Course for Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2019 – Applied Clinical Analysis Course for Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2019 – Cadaveric Dissection Course by EFEAC – Module I
2010 to 2014 – Degree in Physiotherapy from the Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão

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Cláudia Santos

ACSS – Professional Card No. C-044476183

Cláudia is from Torres Vedras, where she currently lives, and works as an Occupational Therapist with training in Classical Osteopathy at the Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy. She considers herself passionate about health, pediatrics, and the principles she discovered through Classical Osteopathy and which govern her clinical practice today.

  • Professional Background

2018 to date – Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2014 to 2018 – Occupational Therapist in the Early Childhood Intervention Team and the Resource Center for Inclusion – APECI Torres Vedras
2013 to 2014 – Occupational Therapist at the DomusVida Parede Residence – José de Mello Saúde

  • Academic Background

2022 – Clinical Neuromobilization Training – OSTEOFORM
2022 – Mesotherapy Course – João Martins DO
2019 – Applied Imaging Course for Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2019 – Applied Clinical Analysis Course for Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2016 to 2018 – Professional Training in Specialized Course in Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2015 to 2016 – Postgraduate Degree in Animal Assisted Therapy (Higher Institute of Applied Psychology)
2009 to 2013 – Degree in Occupational Therapy (Higher School of Health of Alcoitão)

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Pedro Pereira

ACSS – Professional Card No. C-006148

Born in Torres Vedras, where he lives and has been working since he finished his studies.
Pedro found in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Classical Osteopathy and more recently in Coaching and NLP tools that help him reconcile some of the pillars that he considers important both for his life and for helping others. He believes that life and quality of life start from a balance between these 5 pillars: Biomechanics and Physiology, psycho-emotional condition, life purposes, and goals.

  • Professional Background

2015 to date – Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2015 to date – Creation of the project “Traditional Chinese Medicine outside the urban center of Torres Vedras”.
2017 to 2018 – Clinical Director of the senior football team of the Ponterrolense club
2014 to 2015 – Specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the company Tai Yang
2014 to 2015 – Collaborated with the Medical Department of the senior Roller Hockey team of AEFDTV
2012 to 2013 – Collaborated with the Medical Department of the senior football team of Monte da Caparica Atlético Clube

  • Professional Background

2023 to date – Level 1 and Level 2 of Coaching ICF – International Coaching Federation
2021 to 2022 – Master Practitioner Level NLP INPNL – International Institute of Neurolinguistic Programming
2020 to 2021 – Practitioner Level NLP INPNL – International Institute of Neurolinguistic Programming
2019 to 2022 – Specialization Course in Classical Osteopathy IPOC – Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy
2019 – Introduction to Classical Osteopathy Course IPOC – Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy
2016 to 2017 – Postgraduate Studies in Osteopathy – ITS
2015 – SPAT Congress – Brazilian Society of Arthroscopy and Traumatology
2014 – Hospital Internship at Nanjing University
2009 to 2014 – Traditional Chinese Medicine Course – ESMTC School of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Vitor_pereira_-biografia-scaled

Vitor Pereira D.O.

ACSS – Professional Card No. 0100423

  • Member of the Portuguese Association of Classical Osteopathy (APOC)

Vitor is from Alpedriz – Alcobaça, and lives in Marinha Grande.

  • Professional Background

01/2018 to date – Osteopath at the Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
04/2011 to date – Osteopath in private practice

  • Academic Background

2023 – Course in Kinesiology applied to Sanum Therapy (Homeopathy)
2019 – Course in Clinical Analysis applied to Classical Osteopathy
2019 – Course in Imaging applied to Classical Osteopathy
2018 – Postgraduate course in Cadaveric Dissection (EFEAC Paris-France)
2017 – Course in Posturology (Bernard Bricot) (CIES – Porto)
2015 to 2016 – Advanced Course in Classical Osteopathy (JWCCO – Portugal)
2013 to 2015 – Postgraduate course in Classical Osteopathy (JWCCO – Maidstone, England)
2011 to 2012 – Internship in Osteopathy Clinic
2011 – Course in Craniosacral Therapy I (Upledger Institute Portugal)
2009 to 2011 – Osteopathy Course (Instituto Técnicas da Health)
2008 – Clinical Mesotherapy (Dietmed)
2001 to 2006 – Higher Education Course in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Phytotherapy (Dr. Pedro Choy School of Traditional Chinese Medicine)
1987 to 1989 – Physiotherapy Assistant Technician (St. º Antão Rehabilitation Clinic and S. Francisco Hospital Center, Leiria)

mervyn_bio_02

Mervyn Waldman
D.O.

Mervyn Waldman is the President of the Institute of Classical Osteopathy in the UK. He has been practicing Classical Osteopathy in hospitals and in his private practice since 1990.

  • Professional Background

2000 to date – Hospital practice at Rambam Hospital’s Institute of Pain Medicine in Haifa – Israel.
1990 to 2000 – Hospital practice at Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem – Israel.
1981 – Graduate teacher of the Alexander Technique.
1976 to 1990 – Professor at the European School of Osteopathy – ESO, taught Principles and Practice of Classical Osteopathy.

  • Academic Background

1974 – Graduated from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine – BCOM.

 
sergio_santos_biografia

Sérgio Santos
D.O.

ACSS – Professional Card No. 0100105

  • Member of the Portuguese Association of Classical Osteopathy – APOC
  • Member of the Order of Nurses No. 22925

Sérgio was born in Leiria, but lives in the municipality of Porto de Mós. He has been an osteopath since 2005, having studied at the Lusíada University. He has been working as an osteopath in his clinic since 2005, having previously been involved in high-level sports, namely the Portuguese Athletics Federation and Juventude Vidigalense.

  • Professional Background

2019 to date – Assistant Professor at IPOC
2017 to date – Guest Professor at the Portuguese Red Cross School of Health
2013 to date – Guest Adjunct Professor at the Porto School of Nursing
2005 to date – Osteopath in Private Practice
2019 to 2020 – Coordinating Professor at the Ribeiro Sanches School of Health of the Portuguese Institute
2018 to 2019 – Guest Professor at the Leiria School of Health
2004 to 2020 – Responsible for SIMAC – Coimbra
2002 to 2020 – Trainer at SIMAC
2002 to 2008 – Trainer at the Portuguese Red Cross
2004 to 2008 – Trainer at ISLA
1998 to 2019 – Nursing
2017 to 2019 – Osteopath in a Hospital Setting (Chronic Pain Treatment Unit at the Leiria Hospital Center)
2010 to 2019 – Rehabilitation Specialist at the Chronic Pain Unit at CHL, where he developed and implemented the ReabilitaDOR program
2006 to 2012 – Responsible for the Rehabilitation of Futsal athletes at Clube Desportivo Ribeirense
2003 to 2005 – Responsible for the Rehabilitation of athletes from the Portuguese Athletics Federation and the Vidigalense Youth
2002 to 2003 – Responsible for the Rehabilitation of athletes from the ADP 11-a-side football team, in the II division B

  • Academic Background

2013 to date – Institute of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Porto; Developing Doctoral Thesis “The electrostatic effect on orofacial pain”
2013 – Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography
1998 – Postgraduate degree in Occupational Nursing
2011 and 2012 – Postgraduate degree in Economics and Management in Health Organizations
2003 to 2004 – Postgraduate degree in Occupational Hygiene and Safety
2010 to 2011 – Master’s degree in Active Aging
2007 to 2009 – Specialty in Rehabilitation
2004 to 2005 – Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
1995 to 1998 – Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

  • Conferences

Several scientific publications as well as presentations at International Congresses, in the area of ​​pain, physical activity, rehabilitation and sports rehabilitation, clinical electrotherapy, and wound treatment using new technologies.

isabel_fonseca_bio

Isabel Fonseca

ACSS – Professional Card No. 0100180 (Osteopathy), and No. C-027126013 (ACSP)

  • Member of the Portuguese Association of Classical Osteopathy - APOC
  • Member of the Portuguese Association of Osteopathy Professionals – OSTEOPAT
  • Member of the Portuguese Association of Clinical Analysis Technicians – APTAC

Isabel is from Lisbon and currently lives in Caldas da Rainha. Isabel has 15 years of experience in Clinical Analysis Laboratory and Public Health, and is passionate about the health area. Osteopathy has further awakened her special fascination for the art of caring and treating using Manual Therapy.

  • Professional Background

04/2023 to present – TNC Osteopathy, Passo Em Frente, Torres Vedras
10/2019 to present – TNC Osteopathy, IPOC, Torres Vedras
09/2019 to present – TDT ACSP Germano de Sousa Laboratory
04/2018 to present – TNC Osteopathy. Espaço Energia, Gaeiras
07/2015 to 09/2019 – TDT ACSP Hospital Cuf Torres Vedras/ Germano de Sousa Laboratory
08/2014 to 04/2018 – Osteopath Gymnasium, Torres Vedras
04/2013 to 11/2016 – Complementary Internship in Osteopathy, Welfare, Sintra
07/2008 to 04/2015 – TDT ACSP, Hospital Soerad, Torres Vedras
09/2007 to present – Professional Card TDT – Clinical Analysis Public Health

  • Academic Background

2015 to 2016 – Postgraduate Course in Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2014 to 2015 – Advanced Course in Classical Osteopathy – JWCCO and IPOC
2010 to 2013 – Osteopathy Course – ITS Lisbon
2003 to 2007 – Degree in Clinical Analysis & Public Health – ERISA – Lusófona Lisbon (Internship at Hospital São José)

  • Conferences & Publications

05/2023 – Speaker at “Introduction to Classical Osteopathy in the Community”, USF Torres Vedras
03/2022 – Speaker at the Instituto Respirar Functional Conference, associated with the OFM International Community

migueloliveira_bio

Miguel Oliveira
D.O.

ACSS – Professional Card No 0100411

  • Member of the Portuguese Federation of Osteopaths – FPO

Miguel is a native of São João de Vêr, where he currently resides. He is an osteopath with 13 years of clinical experience, working as a trainer at Futebol Clube do Porto, where he has developed his clinical practice in the area of ​​pediatric specialization.

  • Professional Background

Since 2014 – Osteopath at the ETG Clinic, Miramar
Since 2012 – Founder and Osteopath at the Osteopathic Clinic in Lourosa
2007 – 2011 – Nurse/Osteopath at Futebol Clube do Porto, youth football
Since 2003 – Nurse in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of the Hospital Center Between Douro and Vouga

  • Academic Background

2016 – Multidisciplinary Posturology (Montpellier)
2015 – Clinical Posturology (CIES, Porto)
2015 – Pediatric Osteopathy (MPT, Porto)
2014 – Primitive Reflex Integration (CTVS, Porto)
2011 – Postgraduate degree in Classical Osteopathy from JWCCO (Maidstone, UK)
2007-2011 – Osteopathy (IPN and ITS, Porto)
2007 – Active Global Stretching (ITG – SMLamas)
2006 – Tenomyofibrolysis (ETG – VNGaia)
1999-2003 – Nursing (ESEBB – Coimbra)

  • Conferences

2005 – Nursing Care in ACL Ligamentoplasty – APAT – Azores
2006 – Ankle Arthroscopy – Nursing Care. Orthopedics Congress – Porto
2013 – Myofascial Taping in tibiotarsal trauma. National Orthopedics Congress – Algarve
2014 – Neurosensory approach in shoulder dysfunctions. National Orthopedics Congress – Algarve
2015 – Global Stretching – Rehabilitation Nursing Congress – Porto

miguelotero_bio_tomclaro

Miguel Otero D.O.

ACSS – Professional Card No. 0100116

  • Member of the Portuguese Association of Osteopathy Professionals – OSTEOPAT

Miguel was born in Lisbon, where he currently lives. Since 2012, he has been translating and teaching Classical Osteopathy at JWCCO. Miguel is also a teacher at Companhia Olga Roriz. He considers himself passionate about the movements of life and the art of exercise.

  • Professional Background

2013 – 03/2015 – Translator at JWCCO Portugal
2013 – 03/2015 – Assistant Professor at JWCCO Portugal
2012 to present – Trainer at the Fitness Study Center
2012 to present – Professor at Companhia Olga Roriz
2011 to present – Osteopath at the Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology Center
2011 to present – Osteopath at the Lisbon Rheumatology Clinic
2011 to present – Osteopath at the Passeio da Estrela Clinic
2011 to present – Osteopath at the Private Practice

  • Academic Background

2012 – 2014 – Postgraduate and Advanced Course in Classical Osteopathy (The John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy – England)
2009 – 2011 – Course in Osteopathy (Institute of Health Techniques)

soren_bio

Sören Sögaard Jörgensen
BSc Hons D.O.

  • Member of The Institute of Classical Osteopathy (UK)

Born in Denmark in 1970 and residing in Sweden since 2002, Sören is an international lecturer and educator who has taught in the field of osteopathic medicine in Sweden, England, Spain, and Portugal.

  • Professional Background

2008 to present – Lecturer at Stockholm College of Osteopathic Medicine – Sweden
2013 – 03/2015 – Lecturer at JWCCO Portugal
2014 to present – Osteopath in Private Practice
2002 – 2004 – Osteopath at Varberg Hospital – Sweden
1995 – 2002 – Physiotherapist at various Hospitals and Clinics in Copenhagen – Denmark

  • Academic Background

2003 – 2004 – Postgraduate studies in Classical Osteopathy – JWCCO (Maidstone – England)
1999 – 2004 – Osteopathy Course (Scandinavia Cchool of Osteopathy in Gothenburg – Sweden)
1992 – 1995 – Physiotherapy Course (Copenhagen – Denmark)

  • Conferences

2014 – Speaker at the conference organized by JWCCO (The John Wernham Memorial Lectures “Osteopathy – Research and Practice”)

francisco_bio

Francisco Toscano Jimenez
BSc Hons D.O. MRO MROE

  • Member of The General Osteopathic Council (UK)
  • Member of The British Osteopathic Association (UK)
  • Member of the Registry of Osteopaths (Spain)
  • Member of The European Federation of Osteopaths (EFO)

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Francisco currently lives in Malaga, Spain. He is an international lecturer. Since 2006, he has been teaching Classical Osteopathy in England, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland, and Canada. Frnacisco is a speaker and co-organizer of several conferences and lectures organized by JWCCO – “The John Wernham Memorial Lecture”.

  • Professional Background

2015 – Co-founder with Cristina Gioja of the Littlejohn International School of Classical Osteopathy (LISCO)
2009 to present – ​​Lecturer at the Stockholm College of Osteopathic Medicine (Sweden)
2009 – 2014 – Director of Studies at The John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy – Maidstone (UK)
2006 – 2015 – Lecturer at The John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy – Maidstone (UK)
2006 to present – ​​Osteopath in Tumbridge Wells – Maidstone (UK)
2006 to present – ​​Osteopath at the clinic: Osteopathic Health Clinic – Marbella (Spain)

  • Academic Background

2001 – 2005 – Postgraduate degree in Classical Osteopathy (The John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy – England)
2002 – 2006 – Course in Osteopathy (Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine – England)
2001 – 2002 – 1st year of the Osteopathy Course (British School of Osteopathy – England)

  • Conferences & Published Articles

2015 – Co-author with Cristina Gioja of the article LONG LEVERAGE: A “NEW” THERAPEUTICAL APPROACH TO FASCIA from the book “Fascia in the osteopathic field”
2006 – 2014 – Speaker and co-organizer at several conferences organized by JWCCO (The John Wernham Memorial Lectures “Osteopathy – Research and Practice”)

marco_bio

Marco Silvestre D.O.

ACSS – Professional Card No. 0100308

  • Member of the Portuguese Federation of Osteopathy – FPO
  • Member of the Independent Osteopathic Association – AiO
  • Founding Member of the Portuguese Association of Classical Osteopathy – APOC

Marco is from Torres Vedras, where he currently resides. Marco served as director and assistant professor at the JWCCO office in Portugal. He considers himself passionate about life and the art of practicing clinical osteopathy according to the principles and concepts of its founders.

  • Professional Background

03/25/2015 to present – Clinical Director & Study Coordinator of the Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
03/25/2015 – Founder of the Portuguese Institute of Classical Osteopathy – IPOC
2013 to 03/2015 – Director and assistant professor at JWCCO Portugal
2013 to 2015 – Osteopath at the São Mamede Clinic
2010 to 2015 – Collaborated with the Neurosurgery team (Dr. António Reis) – HCV Lisbon
2009 to 2015 – Osteopath in Private Practice

  • Academic Background

2018 – 2019 – Foundation Course and Practical Course (British Institute of Osteopathy London – England)
2017 to 2018 – Postgraduate Course in Cadaveric Dissection (EFEAC Paris – France)
2017 – Pediatric Osteopathy Course (APOTM)
2016 – Medical Imaging Course for Osteopathy (ESSCVP – Lisbon)
2014 – Primitive Reflexes Course (Skeffington – Porto)
2013 to 2014 – Advanced Course in Classical Osteopathy (JWCCO – Portugal)
2011 to 2012 – Postgraduate Course in Classical Osteopathy – JWCCO (Maidstone – England)
2009 to 2010 – Neuro-Osteotherapy Course (I.A.P.N.O.R. – Italy)
2007 to 2009 – Osteopathy Course (I.T.S. – Lusiad University of Lisbon)

  • Conferences

2019 – 1st Congress on Autoimmune Diseases (VegaFarma – Cascais) – “Osteopathy, a Biological Science”
2019 – 1st International Congress on Classical Osteopathy (APOC – Torres Vedras) – “Case Study”
2018 – Rotary Club (Torres Vedras) – “Osteopathy”
2015 – 1st Meeting on Integrative Medicine: Integrated Pediatrics (Porto) – “Classical Osteopathy: Pediatric Approach.”
2010 – 2nd Orthopedics Conference (Centro Hospitalar de Entre o Douro e Vouga – Porto) – “Complementary Therapies – Osteopathy: Therapy vs. Integrative Therapy”

Mensagem do Director

Apesar de sermos uma instituição muito jovem, nem por isso nos devemos esquecer de que o que aqui fazemos é muito antigo, vem de muito longe e vai para muito longe: começou naquele dia perdido nos tempos em que pela primeira vez um ser humano percebeu que por detrás da biomecânica existia uma fisiologia imanente perante a equação da estrutura versos função e era obrigatório passar à geração seguinte a experiência e o saber que «o labor, o trabalho e a ação», como diria Hannah Arendt, lhe tinham proporcionado. Nesse dia longínquo, há dezenas de anos, esse ser humano deu início a uma das atividades mais belas e mais nobres da Humanidade: o ensino da Osteopatia.

 

É com o compromisso e o dever para com os nossos antecessores e alunos, que assumimos o ensino da Medicina Osteopática segundo os seus primórdios Princípios, com intuito na evolução e progresso do conhecimento.

 

Bem hajam ao IPOC.

 

O Diretor,
Marco Silvestre