Osteopathy and NLP

Introducing and Unpacking NLP

Ok, I hear you: “Seriously, Em… another course? And why would an Osteopath do NLP? What even is NLP?”

Firstly, I am an eternal student. Once you begin studying the human body, you sign up for a lifetime of learning, exploration, and understanding one of the most remarkable creations ever.

I am constantly in awe of human design—the incredible way we move, how things just work, even when perhaps we aren’t being the best stewards of our bodies.

This curiosity led me to NLP. I asked myself, 'What more can I learn to help my patients achieve their health goals?' What does excellent stewardship even mean, and how can one achieve it? Enter NLP.

NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a scientific system designed to create results. It’s an attitude of curiosity and a commitment to fostering lasting change through elegant language and effective communication.

Breaking it down further

Neuro – how your brain and body take in and process information from the world around you. This is always active, and the data you receive shapes your reality. Your mind constantly filters information from your five senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch.

Linguistic – the language and non-verbal systems through which our experiences are coded, ordered, and given meaning. This includes pictures, sounds, feelings, tastes, smells, and words—especially self-talk, which is ever-present. The language we use, both out loud and in our heads, reflects how we think, label, and experience life. Language doesn’t just describe your reality; it creates it.

Programming – how your thoughts, language, senses, and behaviours come together to form your personal model of the world. Your internal structure guides your actions and shapes your results. When you shift your words, you shift your entire experience.

So, NLP is essentially the study of excellence—not perfection!

It explores what happens in someone’s mind when they achieve success and how these patterns can be modelled and taught to others to create lasting change.

But what would an Osteopath do with NLP?

First off, my communication game is now on a whole new level.

I can understand precisely how the patient I’m working with sees the world, step into their perspective, and gently guide them towards the changes they wish to make, often working through the unconscious mind.

This can help with behaviours that no longer serve us, like anxiety before public speaking, which may trigger tight shoulders, neck tension, or even headaches, or simply making healthier choices, like ditching that extra sweet treat and giving a health journey a rocket boost. NLP has your back.

Here’s some feedback I’m delighted to share from a patient who worked with me on reducing their intake of a particular chocolate:

“I’ve had a very interesting response so far. I went to the supermarket straight after our session and was immediately confronted by tubs of chocolates, etc, I felt a bit ‘assaulted’ by them (I know that sounds strange), but not repulsed; just neutral. I could also see out of the corner of my eye a bank of chocolate. I didn’t feel sick, but actually like I wanted to avoid looking at them!”

This review is shared with the patient’s consent, with all personal details removed.

NLP also helps reframe negative beliefs patients may hold about their physical body.

A common one I hear is, “I will never get better.” My heart always broke hearing this. Now, using NLP, we can safely challenge and replace that belief with a more empowering thought process.

Armed with NLP strategies, patients can feel more in control of their health, with a genuine sense of empowerment and responsibility for their well-being, a value central to KOPI (Kibworth Osteopaths & Pilates).

At KOPI, my goal is to consistently provide excellent care and help you become your best self. NLP is another tool we can now use together to support your journey.

Keep an eye on my social media for more information, and feel free to reach out via NLP chat!

Wishing you a happy, healthy day,

Emily Coombes
Kibworth Osteopaths and Pilates