ALESSIO SAVONA grew up in Sicily then trained as an osteopath in London, before seeking a new challenge by taking a job in Hong Kong in 2010. Since then, he has co-founded the Hong Kong Osteopathic Association and won several Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Osteopath. He talks to us about his life, the benefits of osteopathy for all ages, and how he is now also treating animals. (Plus, we review a treatment session!)
What is osteopathy, and what conditions do you treat?
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment based on medical sciences for a wide range of health conditions. It works on the principle that the body is a connected unit and therefore that the wellbeing of an individual is dependent on the skeleton, muscles, connective tissues and internal organs working smoothly together. Osteopathic treatments aim to restore balance to the body as a whole, where possible without drugs or surgery, and facilitate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
I treat any neuro-musculo-skeletal condition – from back and neck pain, to headaches, tingling sensations, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries… the list goes on! I also treat babies with colic, reflux, difficulty feeding, torticollis and unsettled behaviour.
You also do animal osteopathy; how is it different from working with humans?
Having been exposed to Hong Kong’s horse racing culture, I rediscovered my childhood passion for horses; in 2018, I decided to train in animal osteopathy.
I specialise in horses but I also treat dogs. Animals are great! They have no preconceptions, and no idea about what’s about to happen; they just take you at face value.
These days I’m pioneering animal osteopathy around Asia and teaching with the London College of Animal Osteopathy at masterclasses around the world.
You’ve just returned from a year in the Middle East. What were you doing there?
After 14 years in HK, I needed a change. I’d been interested in the Middle East for a while, and the idea of starting over again. Having received job offers in all major cities, I chose Doha. It’s been an interesting year! I enjoyed experiencing the new culture and way of life, but in the back of my mind I was missing what I call “Home Kong”. I got lots of inspiration in the Middle East for taking my business in HK to the next level.
What’s the best thing about getting back to Hong Kong?
It’s a unique place where you can experience the buzz of one of the most exciting cities in the world yet still be a short ride from pristine nature. I love that I can hike mountains and go to the beach on the same day as attending an art event. I love how fine dining and dai pai dongs coexist on the same street.
We hear you’re something of a dancer!
When I first arrived in HK, I knew no one, so I had to build a social life from scratch. My friend back home suggested salsa dancing. What began as a way to meet people, soon turned into a huge passion. I’ve since attended festivals around the world, learnt from famous instructors and now teach beginner salsa classes in Sheung Wan.
What other things do you like doing outside of work?
I’m a fitness fanatic, a coffee snob and a foodie. I’m always on the lookout for new dining experiences (though the best Italian restaurant is in my kitchen!). My absolute favourite thing to do, though, is to travel on a motorcycle. I own two vintage BMWs and I’m addicted to the feeling of freedom I get while riding a beautiful mountain road.
EL’s Kate Woodbury visits Alessio
I’ve been struggling with ‘tech neck’ pain and discomfort in my left arm, which physio wasn’t resolving. So, when I had the opportunity for a session with Alessio, I was eager to see how osteopathy might help.
My session started with a thorough medical history; Alessio is empathetic and kind, which instantly put me at ease. Since I’m a newbie to the field, he explained how osteopathy treats the root cause, not just the symptom, and that treatment would promote my body’s holistic self-healing.
After a physical examination, Alessio diagnosed my upper body was misaligned and then set to work. He used a mixture of stretching and massaging, and I could quickly feel my shoulder and arm loosening up. However, my ‘wow’ moment came from the spinal manipulation and a couple of loud ‘clicks’ that provided instant relief. Finishing up, Alessio demonstrated a deep stretch to help rebalance my neck after a day’s work.
In the following weeks, I noticed a real difference in my arm’s mobility and less tech-neck discomfort.
The London Medical Clinic | 2537 6898
Central Wellness | 6801 7513
OsteoAS Animal Osteopathy | osteoas.com
This article on Alessio Savona, an osteopath in Hong Kong, and the benefits of osteopathy for humans and animals first appeared in Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now.
