Thrive Family Osteopathy – Edinburgh

Gentle osteopathic care for babies, children, adults and older patients

Supporting movement, comfort and wellbeing through all stages of life, with specialist care for pregnancy, postnatal recovery and paediatric patients

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GOsC Registered Osteopath
Women's Health Specialist
Paediatric Osteopathy
Mummy MOT® Certified

Welcome

Eleanor Leyden Dunbar - Registered Osteopath
General Osteopathic Council - Registered Osteopath

Hello, I'm Eleanor Leyden Dunbar, a qualified osteopath based in Edinburgh. I offer calm, personalised osteopathic care, taking time to listen, assess thoroughly, and tailor treatment to each individual.

I work with adults, babies and children, and I also enjoy supporting older patients who may benefit from more regular, ongoing osteopathic care to maintain mobility and manage persistent aches and pains. I have a particular interest in supporting women through pregnancy and postnatal care. I am certified in Mummy MOT assessments and Restore C-Section Scar Therapy.

I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy (CPO), following an additional year of specialist postgraduate training, allowing me to work confidently and gently with babies and children using gentle and appropriate techniques such as cranial osteopathy.

Appointments available at Albany Street Clinic on Mondays, with home visits for newborns and Mummy MOT appointments available on request.

Postnatal Specialist

Qualified Mummy MOT practitioner and Restore C-Section Scar therapist for comprehensive postnatal recovery

Paediatric Expertise

Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy (CPO) from the Osteopathic Centre for Children

Care Across Ages

Supporting patients from infancy through to older age with gentle, adaptable osteopathic care

My Approach

I practise osteopathy with a calm, gentle, and holistic approach, recognising that no two bodies — or lives — are the same. Each appointment begins with time to listen and understand your concerns, medical history, and goals for treatment.

I work collaboratively with my patients, explaining findings clearly and adapting treatment techniques to suit each individual. Whether you are seeking support during pregnancy, recovery after birth, help for your child, or ongoing care later in life, my focus is always on supporting the body's natural ability to move, adapt, and heal.

Why Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a safe, hands-on form of healthcare that looks at the whole body — not just a single symptom. It focuses on how bones, muscles, joints and soft tissues work together and how these systems can influence overall comfort, movement and wellbeing. Osteopaths are regulated healthcare professionals, trained to assess, diagnose and manage a wide range of physical concerns.

At Thrive Family Osteopathy – Edinburgh, I take time to understand your history, lifestyle and individual needs so that treatment can be tailored specifically to you. Osteopathy combines gentle manual techniques with advice on posture, movement and self-care, helping your body find balance and move more comfortably.

What Makes Osteopathy Different

Osteopathy isn't just about reducing symptoms — it's about understanding why a problem may have developed. An osteopathic assessment considers how your body moves as a whole and looks for patterns of tension or restricted movement that may contribute to discomfort.

Your treatment plan is personalised and may include:

  • Hands-on manual therapy to ease tension and improve mobility
  • Gentle mobilisation of joints
  • Soft tissue techniques to reduce muscular tightness
  • Practical advice on posture and movement
  • Simple exercises or stretches for home

You are involved in every step of your care, and all treatment is adapted to be comfortable and appropriate for you.

Safe, Person-Centred Care

Osteopathy is appropriate for adults, children and older adults. You do not need a referral from a GP to book an appointment, although osteopaths will refer on when further medical support is needed. All UK osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which ensures rigorous professional standards and ongoing development.

By considering both the immediate concern and the wider context of your body and lifestyle, osteopathy can help you move more comfortably and support long-term physical wellbeing.

Want to Know More?

If you're unsure whether osteopathy could help you or your family, please feel free to get in touch — I'm always happy to answer your questions and talk through how osteopathy may support your needs.

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Services

Comprehensive osteopathic care for all stages of life

Osteopathy for Adults

Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach that aims to improve movement, reduce discomfort, and support the body's ability to function well. I work with adults of all ages experiencing a wide range of musculoskeletal concerns, as well as those looking for ongoing support to maintain comfort and mobility.

I particularly enjoy working with older patients who may benefit from more regular osteopathic care. Treatment is adapted carefully, with a focus on maintaining mobility, managing persistent aches and pains, improving confidence in movement, and supporting overall quality of life.

Each treatment is tailored to you, taking into account your medical history, lifestyle, and individual goals. My approach is gentle, considered, and responsive to changing needs over time.

Pregnancy Osteopathy

Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body, which can sometimes lead to discomfort or strain. Osteopathy during pregnancy is gentle and supportive, helping to ease common aches and pains while accommodating the changing body safely and comfortably.

Treatment is always adapted to each stage of pregnancy.

Postnatal Osteopathy

The postnatal period can place new demands on the body. Osteopathic treatment can support recovery after birth, helping with postural changes, muscle tension, and general physical wellbeing as you adjust to caring for a newborn.

Mummy MOT®

Mummy MOT Certified Logo

I am a qualified Mummy MOT practitioner, offering a specialist postnatal assessment designed to support recovery after pregnancy and birth.

A Mummy MOT includes:

  • Postural assessment
  • Core and pelvic floor screening
  • Breathing assessment
  • Individual advice and treatment

Appointments are tailored to your needs and recovery stage. Home visits for Mummy MOT appointments may be available on request.

Restore C-Section Scar Therapy

Restore C-Section Scar Specialist Logo

As a Restore C-Section Scar therapist, I offer gentle scar assessment and treatment following caesarean birth. Scar therapy aims to support comfort, movement, and awareness around the scar area as part of postnatal recovery.

Treatment is always respectful, gradual, and adapted to your stage of healing.

The Restore Scar Therapy Approach:

  • Focused scar massage techniques
  • Gentle fascial release
  • Techniques to improve tissue mobility
  • Education and guided self-care practices

Paediatric Osteopathy (Babies & Children)

I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy (CPO), following an additional year of specialist postgraduate training at the Osteopathic Centre for Children.

This in-depth training has equipped me to assess and treat babies, children, and adolescents safely and appropriately, using gentle, age-specific techniques. Time is taken to understand each child's development, medical history, and individual needs, and to explain findings clearly to parents or carers.

Parents often seek osteopathic support for concerns about:

  • Feeding difficulties
  • Digestive discomfort or unsettled behaviour
  • Tension or stiffness in the neck or body
  • Head shape asymmetry
  • A preference for turning the head to one side

Treatment is always adapted carefully, with a calm and reassuring approach. Home visits for newborns may be available on request.

Not sure which service is right for you?

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Commonly Treated Conditions

Osteopathy can be helpful for many different types of discomfort and movement-related issues

  • Back pain of various kinds
  • Neck and shoulder discomfort
  • Sciatica or disc-related symptoms
  • Arthritic or rheumatic pain
  • Hip and knee osteoarthritis
  • Generalised joint aches and stiffness
  • Headaches linked to neck tension
  • Support in migraine prevention
  • Frozen shoulder and related discomfort
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Muscle tension and minor soft tissue concerns

This isn't an exhaustive list — many people find osteopathy beneficial for other recurrent or persistent aches that affect everyday life.

Why Choose Our Practice?

Personalized Care

Individual treatment plans designed specifically for your condition and goals

Flexible Scheduling

Convenient appointment times to fit your busy Edinburgh lifestyle

Central Location

Easily accessible practice in the heart of Edinburgh

Clear Communication

Thorough explanations of your condition and treatment options

What Patients Say

Trusted care with proven results

"We needed a trusted and experienced pediatric osteopath for our young baby and we are just so happy to have found Eleanor, she's really good! Our little boy had stiffness in his neck since birth and didn't want to turn his head to the right at all, he also had stiffness in his jaw, slept with his mouth open and had some colic too, but after a few sessions with Eleanor he's a different baby! It is lovely to see his progress and how happy and content he is now, we are so very grateful! Highly recommend!"

Lilia M.

"I had a mummy MOT and follow up appointments to work on pelvic floor recovery with Eleanor, both of which were excellent. Eleanor was super knowledgeable and gave me all the tools I needed to work through things, which made a massive difference to how I was feeling and recovering post-birth."

Hannah C.

"Eleanor is simply incredible and a true expert. She's supported me during pregnancy with managing pelvic pain and post pregnancy with Mummy MOT. She's done amazing cranial osteo work with my newborn son to release neck tension due to a tongue tie and give him more range of movement - she's made a huge difference. I really enjoy our sessions and always value her input and practical advice - hugely recommend her."

Louise K.

"I've been suffering from lower back pain for years, but Eleanor found the root cause very quickly. She not only relieved the pain but also gave me exercises to help me get stronger. By the second visit I was feeling much better. After just 5 sessions I am feeling so much stronger and able to move without pain. Waking up without back or glute pain is amazing! Eleanor is very polite, professional and excellent at her job. I would highly recommend Eleanor to anyone."

Sam K.

"Absolutely amazing! I had no information on a Mummy MOT before seeing Eleanor and now I feel more confident in my postpartum recovery whilst having regular visits with Eleanor. Would recommend to anyone who has had a baby at any stage."

Hannah K.

"Eleanor was recommended to me by a friend. I am so glad I went and saw her. Suffering from lower back ache and sciatic pain on left side of my leg. She treated that and neck and overall my whole body. I feel so much better and will still continue to see her. I would definitely recommend Eleanor."

Hama

"I've recently been seeing Eleanor and she's been fantastic, very understanding and listens well. She has done wonders with the neck and back pain I've recently been experiencing. Thank you so so much."

Devenia B.

What to Expect

Treatment Approach

I take a calm, holistic approach, recognising that each person's body and circumstances are unique. I aim to work collaboratively with you, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout your care.

There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach — treatment is always adapted to you.

First Appointment

Your appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and daily activities. This helps me understand how your body is functioning and how your symptoms are affecting you.

A physical examination will then follow. This involves observing your posture and movement, and assessing specific areas of concern. You may be asked to undress to your underwear or wear loose, comfortable clothing so I can examine and treat the affected area appropriately. If you would prefer not to undress, please let me know — we can always adapt.

Following the assessment, I will explain my findings and discuss a treatment plan with you. In most cases, and with your consent, treatment will take place during this first appointment. You may also be given advice or simple exercises to support your recovery between sessions.

Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. These sessions focus on reviewing progress, continuing treatment, and adjusting your care plan as needed.

Booking Appointments

Appointments can be booked online or via WhatsApp

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on how the body moves and functions as a whole. It uses hands-on techniques alongside clinical assessment to support comfort, movement, and overall wellbeing.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You do not need a referral to see an osteopath.

Is osteopathic treatment painful?

Treatment is usually gentle and adapted to your comfort. I will always explain what I am doing and adjust techniques as needed.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies from person to person. Some people benefit from just a few sessions, while others choose ongoing care. We will discuss this together and review as we go.

Is osteopathy suitable during pregnancy?

Yes. Osteopathy can be safely adapted during pregnancy, with techniques modified to suit each stage.

Do you offer home visits?

Home visits for newborns and Mummy MOT appointments may be available on request. Please get in touch to discuss availability.

Have more questions?

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Get In Touch

Ready to start your journey to better health? Contact us today

Practice Location

Albany Street Clinic, Edinburgh

Monday appointments available

Home visits for newborns and Mummy MOT appointments available on request

Book an Appointment

Call or email to schedule

+44 7773 769939

Get In Touch

Send me a message via email

eleanor@thrivefamilyosteopathy.co.uk

Hours

Mondays at Albany Street

Other times by arrangement

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