Ricardo Salvador

Specialist in Chronic Pain and Sports Rehabilitation in Lisbon

Osteopath and Physiotherapist | Integrated Approach to Pain and Movement

My clinical practice focuses on the management of persistent pain and musculoskeletal injuries through an integrated understanding of the body. I believe pain is rarely purely structural, and that recovery depends on the interaction between the nervous system, movement, and individual context.

Over the years, I have specialized in chronic pain, helping people living with low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and recurrent pain to better understand what is happening in their bodies and regain confidence in movement.

A significant part of my work involves demystifying pain — clearly explaining why it hurts, what imaging findings really mean, and how the body can adapt again. Understanding reduces fear. And reducing fear improves recovery.

I am an Osteopath, Physiotherapist, and CEO at OsteoSalvador, located in Belém, Lisbon, where I work with both the general population and athletes.

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Areas of Expertise

Chronic and Persistent Pain

Intervention focused on nervous system regulation, progressive loading, and functional recovery in cases of low back pain, neck pain, and recurrent musculoskeletal pain.

Sports Rehabilitation

Assessment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, with a strong focus on safe return to sport and prevention of recurrence.

Headcahes and Migranes

Specialized in the management of headaches and migraines, in collaboration with MIGRA – Portuguese Migraine Patient Association, integrating musculoskeletal and neurological factors.

Surf , Padel and Yoga.

Surf practitioner and physiotherapist collaborating with the Portuguese Surf Federation, working with athletes and understanding the specific demands of the sport.

In padel, beyond being a practitioner, I am part of a federated team, maintaining direct contact with competitive reality and the most frequent injuries associated with the sport.

I also maintain a regular yoga practice to strengthen the mind and keep the body balanced and functional.

Academic Background and Specialization

Core Education

Bachelor's Degree in Physiotherapy – ESTeSL (2015)
Diploma in Osteopathy – Escuela de Osteopatía de Madrid (2019) Madrid School of Osteopathy since 2019

Postgraduate and Advanced Training

Sports Rehabilitation
Advanced training in persistent pain and nervous system regulation
Therapeutic exercise and motor control
Ongoing education in musculoskeletal pain

Academic Activity

Lecturer in postgraduate programs within the sports field
Participation in continuing education for healthcare professionals

Clinical Philosophy

I view recovery as a progressive, individualized process grounded in understanding. My approach combines thorough assessment, manual therapy, and guided movement to develop sustainable medium- and long-term solutions.

The goal is not merely to relieve symptoms, but to restore autonomy, confidence, and the body's capacity to adapt.

TeamWork

At OsteoSalvador, we work in an integrated and consistent manner. The clinical approach I apply is shared across the team, ensuring continuity and alignment between osteopathy, physiotherapy, and exercise-based care.

We believe the strength of the clinic lies in the synergy between different competencies, united by a common vision of pain, movement, and recovery.

Ricardo Salvador