Tommi Sliiden

Performing Arts Medicine Osteopathy Massage Pilates

Work

Tommi originally trained at the Royal Swedish Ballet School and worked professionally within dance and music theatre for over 20 years before retraining at the British School of Osteopathy and later becoming one of the first to hold a M.Sc in Performing Arts Medicine from University College London.

His clients encompass all areas within the Arts: West End theatre and large scale musicals; UK touring companies, national dance and opera companies, orchestras, film and TV, as well as freelance performers and musicians.

He have been working as guest lecturer and teacher at UCL, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and at Guilford School of Acting and have presented at various symposiums and training days: BAPAM-The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine; ASPAH-The Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare, in Sydney; and at ISPS 2017-International Symposium on Performance Science, in Reykjavik.

Registered with:

General Osteopathic Council, GOsC

Fully insured through:

Institute of Osteopathy

Member of:

The British Osteopathic Association, BOA
The British Association of Performing Arts Medicine, BAPAM
The British Voice Association, BVA
One Dance UK
Osteopathic Performing Arts Care Association, OPACA

Performing Arts Medicine

My aim is to promote Performing Arts Medicine, which focuses on the specific demands placed on the individuals (performer or non performer) within all areas of Performing Arts.

Diagnosis

My approach is to combine my 20 years experience as a performer with my medical knowledge to identify the nature of the problem, not just tissue damage, but also the possible cause, contributing factors and the impact to the patient as well as colleagues, management and the work or show.

Treatment

Maintain a very hands on approach, combining common osteopathic techniques such as joint manipulations, various soft tissue techniques (massage, stretching etc.), acupuncture, ultrasound, cupping or taping as appropriate and if necessary, help in referring to other specialists.

Management

Acknowledging that a speedy recovery and quick return to work or ability to practice is often the main priority.

Whilst patient focused, also considering the potential impact to the patient’s colleagues, the management and quality of the show or work.

Promote a better awareness of related areas and possible contributing factors, for both the performers themselves or their work environments.

Encourage the performer to take more responsibility for their own health, fitness and safety; to recognise early warning signs, identify potential risk factors and address these in an appropriate way.

Educate about common first aid procedures and simple self help techniques.