Paul Manley treatment for back and neck pain, Musicians RSI, 8-10 Boston Place, Marylebone, London NW1 6QH

Back pain often means more than just giving you a pain in the back. It can create difficulties with walking, sitting, bending and lifting and can even lead to depression and breathing difficulties. It can also be the cause of pain in the buttocks, groin and legs, sciatica is a good example.
Over 2.8 million adults in the UK of all ages suffer from long term back pain, enduring months and years of discomfort.

Acute pain arises suddenly and is most often due to muscle strain. Usually the spine is pulled out of line and mobility is severely restricted.

The muscles governing the movement in the painful area may have been in a hypertense state for years and have just had their 'last straw' placed on them. A nerve can be 'pinched' but more usually they become compressed due to swelling and/or muscle compression around the nerve roots. Usually there is an area of primary trauma with a secondary spread of pain, aching and stiffness which radiates outwards, upwards and downwards, thereby compounding the problem.

A case which illustrates a typical history is one of a young man in his late thirties who had been suffering from a persistent pain in his mid-ribcage on the right for many years. He worked at a computer for long hours every day. He had scans and had been to many doctors, massagists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors in search of an answer to his pain.
I found hypertonus in the muscles in the area of pain. His overall structure was slightly asymmetrical. He also suffered from an intermittent pain in his left front ribcage. Both this and the mid-back pain in his perception seemed to be aggravated by his digestive problems.
I gave him treatment to all the afflicted areas including the stomach and the pain disappeared. Some follow up sessions have maintained this marked improvement.

Conclusion: many long term problems can be resolved quite quickly given the right diagnosis and treatment.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

This is pain on the top of the shoulders. The Trapezius muscle is very tight and will ache and give tension all the way up the neck and down into the upper ribcage. Trapezius frequently contributes to headaches when they are tense (hypertonic).
Case: A late middle aged man consulted me for headaches. He had been suffering since he was a teenager with debilitating pain. He had been having treatment from an Osteopath for many years. I found that the upper fibres of his Trapezius were very tense and fibrotic. He also had a mis-alignment of his Atlas vertebrae and of C-5-6. I treated these areas giving vertebral manipulation and specialized muscle technique. His improvement was immediate and in the following weeks exhibited little or no symptoms. Now, three years later he has maintained this improvement.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

It has been my experience that non-surgical Shoulder joint problems such as frozen shoulder, glenoid capsulitis, rotator cuff injury and Biceps tendinitis syndromes are very common and are extremely amenable to a mobilization approach. They range from the acute, sudden swelling of a bursa/joint to long standing cases of frozen shoulder.
Predisposing factors: Muscle 'tethering' by the Pectoralis minor, Subscapularis, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus and the Teres group. The deep fibres of Biceps are usually involved as well. These tight muscles effectively 'hold' the head of the Humerus too far forwards in the socket and at the same time 'tether' the Humerus such that it cannot be lifted to its full potential range.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

A few weeks ago a young lady came to see me with an acute neck strain. She could hardly move her neck in any direction. She was an actress playing a part in a musical where her character was an evil old lady with a crooked posture. This had induced her problem. After one treatment she was relieved of the pain and following the second session two days later she was completely out of pain and her normal range of mobility was restored.
Long term neck stiffness is often due to a mal-positioning of the vertebrae accompanied by some degree of joint rigidity. The neck muscles are especially prone to hypertonus and as such need to be softened, stretched and mobilized.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

I have suffered from headaches many times during my long life. This means that I have had the opportunity to observe the physical and physiological factors which create them.
All too often a headache is on one side only as the image shows. They are due to a number of factors most often overlooked by those who are ignorant of the tension patterns which cause them. You do not have to put up with pills, poor diagnosis and inadequate treatments.

There are several common causes of headaches. Here are some of the most prevalent:
Tension headaches: These are by far the most common type of headache and typically result from muscle tension and vertebral displacement. They often cause a mild-to-severe pain that feels like a toothache one side of the head. Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the diagram.
Migraines: Migraine headaches are more severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the diagram cna occur both sides of head simultaneously.
Sinus headaches: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause pain in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes. Sinus headaches are often accompanied by nasal congestion and discharge. Areas 4 and 6 in the diagram.
Medication overuse headaches: Frequent or excessive use of pain-relieving medications, such as over-the-counter analgesics or prescription drugs, can lead to medication overuse headaches. These headaches often occur when the effects of the medication wear off. They are felt generally in the head often along with nausea.
Dehydration: Lack of proper hydration can cause headaches. It is important to drink enough water throughout the day to maintain hydration levels.
Eye strain: Prolonged or intense use of digital devices, reading, or working in poor lighting conditions can strain the eyes and lead to headaches. Area 6 in the diagram.
Jaw tension: These are normally felt in the temple and over the eyes. Areas 2, 3 and 5 in the diagram.
Lack of sleep: Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can contribute to headaches. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can help alleviate this cause.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger headaches in accordance with their pre-existing tension patterns.
Certain foods and drinks: Certain foods and beverages, such as aged cheese, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners and low blood sugar are known to trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.
Raised intracranial pressure (ICP). The pressure of the cerebro-spinal fluid within the cranium can vary. It can be a sign of something seriously pathological if prolonged. Space occupying tumors will raise the ICP. When raised it generally induces vomiting, drowsiness to the level of coma, head throbbing pain and various other symptoms. A neurologist and MRI can usually exclude dangerous pathologies.
Head trauma Trauma to the cranium can result in impaction of the joints between the cranial bones. This can result in many symptoms which can be focal and complex at the same time. Proper cranial therapy can loosen these sites of impaction and give great relief to the sufferer.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

Often the pain that we associate with hip joint problems is not due to hip joint degeneration. Patients often arrive for a consultation having been informed by their doctor that they have a 'hip problem'. All too often the patients hip joints are quite healthy and yet they are suffering from pain and immobility around the hip and groin, sometimes affecting the knee area also.
In my experience such 'soft tissue' patterns which restrict movement are reversible, but if left without the proper physical therapy can lead to hip degeneration after many years. thus, such symptoms arising in the soft tissues are often precursors for hip problems later on and are best treated right from the beginning of this potentially pathological process. Specialized hip techniques which stretch, tone and deeply massage the affected structures will prevent the majority from progressive worsening.
Even when X-rays reveal pathology such as a loss of joint space in the hip, the condition can be helped greatly and reversed such that the space will increase and joint fluid essential for the health of the hip will return to a degree whereby the patient remains comfortable and fully functional for many years to come.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

Pregnancy is often marred by pain occurring in the muscles which join the leg to the pelvis e.g. Rectus femoris. Sciatica can occur if there is compression in the lower back, muscle tension in the Piriformis muscle and sometimes pressure from the baby laying on the Sciatic nerve.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

Problems involving the wrist and hand are increasingly common. They are often due to a fall or fracture and also due to repetitive strain syndromes. Sometimes they involve an arthritic pathology. Mostly they are amenable to mobilization of the joints and stretching of the tendons and muscles of the wrist and hand. I have special expertise in this area having treated many classical musicians for example.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

What is RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury?

Looking at the incredible array of muscles in the forearm I still marvel at the complexity which enables us to perform so many functions with our hands.
I had a case a month ago of a young guitarist who could no longer use his left little finger properly. I attended to the muscles and tendons which control that finger and improvement followed immediately. With computer workers I will examine their workstation set up and habits especially of mouse usage. This approach combined with my specialized techniques all to often bring about a rapid improvement.
RSI is a general term used to describe a primary cause of a condition involving muscles and tendons. It can also indicate an aggravating factor of a pre-existing condition. It refers to the repeated use of particular muscle groups as causative and/or aggravating factors. Read more.... Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

A late middle aged tennis coach who weighed 20 stone (280 pounds) consulted me for his severely swollen semi-arthritic right knee. He was scheduled for a knee replacement. I got to work and increased the mobility, the swelling and inflammation reduced and he found after several sessions that he was feeling much better. He is now back at work playing comfortably. There are many diagnoses which are gross and generalized, non-specific regarding knee joint problems. I find that they miss the point with most knee problems. Doctors like drugs and knives to cure a lot of conditions where conservative methods such as mine will often prevent and reverse such problems.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

Much misunderstood, the foot is of course the foundation for all that rests upon it. The foot is a composite of many bones and tendons most of which arise from the calf and front of the shin. Mostly what happens is a collapse of the arch. This due to the design that you were born with and due to shoes which do not support the heel properly. People with a lordosis (forward arching of the low back) will have increased inner rotation of the knees and a consequent dropping of the foot arch. There is a long list of conditions that affect the feet, too many to list here.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

These conditions are usually described as above but are usually due to the attachment of the tendons where they meet the elbow. They will radiate pain all around one side or the other. This common condition does not involve inflammation or swelling of the elbow joint and is amenable to mobilization techniques combined with softening of the attachments. Pain can also extend along the forearm.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

The abdomen is frequently under a lot of pressure (intra-abdominal pressure). This can be the result of sluggish digestion or vice-versa. Many digestive and bowel problems can be significantly relieved using techniques which can reduce such pressure, abdominal massage being one of them. The intestines can become blocked and kinked, they can have areas which produce colic and discomfort. The abdomen holds a lot of emotional tension which can feed back and affect the behavior of the individual, ranging from increased anxiety to altered mental states if the 'Biome' is affected by bacterial overgrowth.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

We can all experience nerve related symptoms. Ranging from pins and needles, numbness and partial paralysis of muscles and limbs. Most of these common symptoms can be relieved by the correct diagnosis and treatment. The more serious central nervous system conditions are more problematic but can still be greatly helped especially with their secondary symptoms such as weakness, loss of co-ordination and worse. The most common nerve related symptom is pins and needles in the hand. This may be due to a number factors and is often mis-diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

Orthopedics is the study of the bones, joints and muscles which enable us to move around. In medicine it is a specialization whose diagnostic framework can pre-determine whether a condition needs an operation or not. It is a vast realm of knowledge and must be taken into account each time a patient visits me.
Please enquire from Paul describing the details of your condition and he will advise the best course of action for you.

Thank you for reading this far. I hope that you now have a fuller picture of what I can do for people.
If you know of anyone that I can help, please let them know, I depend on personal recommendations.

Thank you,
Paul Manley

Treatment methods

Include deep massage and stretching of muscles and fascia. Paul also uses Trigger point therapy and Myo-fascial release in order to stretch and soften tense, hypertonic muscles coupled with joint mobilisation through very precise, passive techniques.
This reduces muscle spasm, increases mobility and creates a healthier state in which damaged tissues can heal and adapt more efficiently.

His methods are individually tailored to take into account the many differences between each persons’ condition and sensitivities.

I was born in London in 1953 and have lived there for most of my life apart from a few years in the USA in the late 60’s where my father practised as an Osteopath in Los Angeles. I first lived for two months in the then segregated Davenport, Iowa, then in Mexican dominated Downtown Los Angeles for 18 months then in Beverly hills for the remainder. Thus, I lived in a wide variety of cultures and sub-cultures and had to try to fit in with all of them, the last being the easiest. When I was seventeen we returned to England to avoid the possibility of me being drafted to go to the Vietnam war.

The first time saw a full skeleton was when I was 3 years old. My Father was studying Naturopathy and Osteopathy in London. He practised his techniques on me throughout my childhood and into my adulthood. He would take me around to various practitioners in order to learn their techniques and perspectives in England and especially when I was a teenager in the USA. From these people not only did Dad learn a great deal but I also got an education. He once took me to a 92 year old Osteopath called Pearl Rittenhouse who had a grip like a lobster, incisive and precise. The most irritating one was a Chiropractor in Pasadena who insisted on testing pain points by poking my spine with a ball point pen and asking which point hurt the most! ALL of them was the answer, but I bluffed in the knowledge that the sooner we were out of there the sooner Dad would buy me my reward root beer afterwards.

Upon my return to England in 1970 I was now a true misfit. Imbued with the transcendent culture of the late 60’s I sought like minds but found few if any. Surrounded by skinheads and football fanatics I did my best to adapt yet again. I longed through many recurrent dreams to find my California again. I was dissolute and started doing jobs after school and weekends determined to raise enough cash to at least visit my lost home. So I mopped floors in a Kilburn supermarket, washed dishes, worked in a lab at Northwick Park Hospital and turned 17, 18 and 19.

I did return twice and also did a round Britain tour in a rusty 1958 Morris Post Office van that I had turned into a camper van.

I met my Wife to be when I was 19 (1972) and we have been together ever since, she is a very famous textile artist and is thoroughly Portuguese.

We were married and I began to realise that after 3 months working at Heinz factory would be a lifetime of tedium, okay for a few weeks but not sufficient for the brain that I was about to take charge of.
So in an unusual move for me (stubborn) I asked my Dad for advice. He simply replied “Why don’t you do what I do?”. I thought about it for a few moments and agreed. My interests apart from ignoring school were in the neurophysiology of perception. So given that I would be studying the Central Nervous System on my course I was enthused enough to proceed with Dads suggestion. Thereupon I enrolled in a Diploma course at the London College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy who let me in with open arms. However, I was not yet mature enough to succeed there. They had recently suffered a revolt and half the tutors and a lot of the 3rd and 4th year students had left in order to establish a more technique and skills based course at the European School of Osteopathy in Maidstone (ESO). I had decided that I was not ready educationally to jump in at the deep end again and so enrolled in further education. My grades were high enough to be acceptable to the ESO and thus I began a new start with a brain that now had an intense curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

I graduated from the ESO in 1980 following the completion of a four year full-time course. The course covered the complete anatomy of everything human, Neurology, Pathology, Orthopedics, General medicine, Radiology, Differential diagnostics and most importantly the study of Form and Function. The ‘Puppet and Strings’ as I call it. My thesis was bravely entitled ‘An Osteopathic approach to cortical pathophysiology’. During my time in practice I have treated thousands of individuals and have given over 50,000 treatments. I use a myriad of traditional techniques, strictly hands-on and work with all limbs and joints. I have developed many specialised techniques (Myo-articulation) especially for Repetitive Strain Syndromes. I also use my own ‘Structural Cranial’ techniques for relieving intracranial pressure and impacted cranial joints.

I speak adequate Portuguese, bits of French, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Japanese and Farsi. They may be just a few words but they are the important ones.

1980: Began practice at 35a Welbeck Street, London, W1.
1981: I was Technical Advisor to the ‘Vogue book of exercise’
1981: I taught ‘The Anatomy and Physiology of movement’ for dance teachers.
1986: As a result of five years of research into the hydrodynamics of intracranial physiology, I had an article published in the Journal of Alternative Medicine This was based on research into breathing patterns and their effects on intracranial pressure patterns.
1993-1995: Another article: Cranial osteopathy and the Pediatric Craniopathies was published by Bastyr University, Journal of Naturopathic Medicine ( Oregon ), and The New Zealand Journal of Osteopathy and by Temple University ( Philadelphia), Frontier Perspectives.
1989-1995: I gave seminars in New York, Philadelphia and Connecticut on 'An Osteopathic approach to intracranial physiology'. I was asked to join a clinic in Philadelphia and Danbury, Connecticut as an ‘expert’ diagnostician. These were short stints, I could not leave my London practice for too long.
2000: Around 2500 seasoned Osteopaths decided to leave the Osteopathic profession disgruntled with the new regime. Thus, I and many others joined the Association of Osteomyologists and various other organisations.
2005: I created my clinic website replete with interactive anatomy illustrations: www.paulmanley.org
2007: I was invited to give a lecture to Post-graduate Voice teachers at the Royal Academy of Music. I turned this lecture into webpages and can be viewed here: voice

Article published in the Journal of Natural Medicine on respiratory waves and their influence on the pressure waves of the Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF).

Measurement of cranial expansion and contraction using strain gauge monitoring. Static method and fluid driven.

Article published in three different journals globally on Infantile Craniopathies and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Brain stem control of activation levels and the effect on the central and peripheral nervous system resting potential.

The effect of posture on the tensility of the spinal cord and meninges.

I had the pleasure of discovering pre-capillary sphincters in the higher mammalian cerebral cortex. This topic was much debated across the world as to whether these micro-sphincters existed in the higher mammalian brain. Yes they do.

I devised the concept of 'functional columns' in the human cerebral cortex based on micro-electrical fields and the average densities of the nerve endings and capillaries.

I also developed the concept of a 'Pineal diaphragm'. This acts as valve and sensor which has an influence of the balance of CSF pressures between the central and peripheral CSF circulatory divisions.

Article on the importance of the Pineal gland in governing our circadian cycles.

Doppler evaluation of vascular stenosis and study of trans-cranial doppler simulators and machinery.

The importance of the fast fourier transform in interpreting doppler signals.

Non-invasive chelation therapy for clearing out the arteries.

Lectures and seminars on intra-cranial physiology in New York, Philadelphia and Connecticut.
The effects of intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure on intracranial pressure and blood pressure.

The effect of breathing deeply 10 times on blood pressure. Systolic drops by 10mm and diastolic by 5mm.

The neuro-physiology of behavioural conditioning, genetics and state of the Mother whilst pregnant (stress).

Cloningers studies of 'biological conditioning' dividing the topics into three typologies as determinants of behavioural tendencies.

The Cerebral architectonics of the human cerebral cortex as posited by Luria.

The 'Four components' of the intracranial physiology'. A 30,000 word treatise.

Over time I have found myself specialising in Musicians problems, but general practice dealing with low backs, necks, shoulders and legs is my everyday love. Many musicians suffer debilitating conditions which will affect their lives as performers. As a fellow musician since I was 13 I have every sympathy for them and have taken a very special interest in Repetitive Strain Syndromes not only in musicians but also in the general public.

The correlation between what one is habitually doing with their body and the resultant pain patterns has become very clear over my years of studying and questioning patients. Many have found relief through what I deem to be simple, common sense observations. Patients will often present with fairly typical and predictable pain patterns. The noting of these patterns has inspired the creation of the ‘Pain Maps’ used in my online diagnostic projects.

If a patient comes to me who has exhausted all other avenues I will try to research their condition.
As an example a young Turkish Laboratory worker came to see me on the recommendation of her Mother who had seen me some 30 years earlier because I had researched the medications she was taking and brought about a ‘cure’ for her skin condition. Her daughter had been working in a lab in Didcot UK where she was accidentally exposed to a deadly gas. She had consulted a lot of doctors who scratched their heads in puzzlement. She was suffering from fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of co-ordination and dizziness rather like Multiple Sclerosis. I researched specifically and soon found the answer buried in the metabolic pathways of action of this toxin. I prescribed a particular amino acid and gave her some treatment to her cranium and neck and bingo! Her condition improved back to normal in around two weeks.

There are so many cases which stick in my mind. There was a young man who emailed me from Brazil. He had suffered from cerebral palsy which had contractured his limbs to the degree that it was now very difficult and painful to walk. He had been a beggar on the streets of Rio and had been befriended by a man who gave him a career in real estate. Now he was travelling to Italy to do a deal having stopped over in London to see me. I gave him the first treatment and upon his return for a second he told me with great joy that he had never walked so well in all his life. I gave him another and he messaged me from Italy some weeks later to thank me, he still felt the marked improvement. What I did with him was simple for me, obvious and very much worth it for him.

A glass of ice cold water is a miracle in the middle of the Sahara desert, the same refreshment is normal in Mac Donalds. Miracles can be little more than a rarity in an otherwise barren landscape shrouded in medical mystery.

I have treated Hollywood stars, MPs, nurses, GP’s, CEO’s, cleaners, programmers, athletes, writers, composers and of course many world famous musicians. Occasionally I have had the pleasure of helping torture victims.

More recently I have been using my programming skills to create a series of online diagnostic projects: workplacewellness.london, painmapper.co.uk. and musiciansclinic.co.uk

There are many who get benefit from what I do and the way that I do it who have also exhausted all other options. But for the many who know me, I am their first port of call, for others, a refuge in the wilderness of medical double-speak.

I am here if you need me

Paul Manley

In 2021 I was asked to teach some workshops for my professional organisation, I said yes immediately. Many patients had been imploring me to teach my knowledge and skills before I turned to dust. The workshops were great, I enjoyed them very much. The technique sections were most greatly appreciated by my fellow members. The list below summarises the subjects that I taught over the past three years.
Headache diagnosis and treatment
Upper limb: shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand diagnosis and treatment
Neck diagnosis and treatment
Dorsal spine and ribcage diagnosis and treatment
Low back diagnosis and treatment
Leg, knee, ankle and foot diagnosis and treatment
Neurological diagnosis and treatment
Orthopaedic diagnosis and treatment
Abdominal examination and abdominal technique
Chest diagnosis and treatment
MRI and X-ray interpretation
The four components of intracranial physiology, diagnosis and treatment

As a reward for my teaching and also rescuing the association website which included creating a 'search for practitioner' function I was awarded the Osteomyologist of the year 2023 honor. I am running workshops this year (2025) which are open to all professionals with qualifications in the physical therapy realm. Massage therapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Bodyworkers and anyone interested in furthering their knowledge and skills.

So, whether it is your low back, ankle, sciatica, strained neck, repetitive strain disorder, the knuckle on your left little finger or simply tired, tight muscles almost anywhere in your body, call Paul and make an appointment, or if you simply wish to discuss a problem please give him a call or text right now.

Fees

£150 for a one hour session (the first session is always one hour)
£120 for subsequent one hour sessions
£70 for 30 minute sessions

'Give your body a gift for life.'

The physiological basis for Enhanced Cranial technique.
The brain pulsates as we breath and with our heartbeat (watch the movie of this amazing new discovery). This makes the cerebro-spinal fluid flow and mix throughout our central nervous system. Thus when we increase our heart rate it 'clears' our head.

Research on the beneficial effects of massage.
Research collated from around the world.

Common wrist and finger joint problems
The most vulnerable joint in the body.

Do you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A commonly mis-diagnosed problem.

Euronews: Generation Z+
How those of us in "Generation Z+" are facing the challenge of digital ageism.

Musicians Clinic
Detailed information about conditions specific to musicians which can blight their lives. Help and advice.

Dangerous hairdressers !
Migraines and neck strain as caused by being shampooed in a backwash sink.

Trigger point therapy
De-mystifies trigger point therapy and explains when and how it helps with all sorts of problems from RSI to shin splints.

The Pain Mapper Suite
Pain Mapper provides simple illustrated reports and pain tracker diaries which will tell you much more of what you need to know about your particular pain.

Workplace Wellness
Workplace Wellness is a unique, cost-effective method of assessing your employees' musculo-skeletal health and productivity.

Please Call or Text Paul on
07925 616 753
Location: 8-10 Boston Place, Marylebone, London NW1 6QH
Next to Marylebone Station, Main line trains and Bakerloo line

Paul Manley Back Pain and RSI Clinic

Announcing a Masterclass covering treatment of the forearm, wrist and hands.

This masterclass is aimed at treating the typical syndromes that most often afflict musicians and computer workers alike.

What is RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury?

Treatment methods

Fees

'Give your body a gift for life.'