From Footballer to Functional Therapy Pioneer – Exclusive Interview With Petr Mach

Petr Mach is an osteopath and the founder of Functional Therapy, known for pioneering a holistic approach to movement, pain, and performance. A former professional footballer, his career was cut short by injury, which led him to spend over a decade developing an integrated method that combines osteopathy, Functional Patterns, fascia work, breath, and biomechanical retraining. Petr teaches health professionals to move beyond symptom-based treatment by understanding posture, movement, and core coordination as a cohesive system. His work emphasises pre-rehabilitation as the foundation for long-term outcomes. His personal mission is to help people live, move, and thrive with freedom and purpose.

Petr Mach, Functional Osteopath and Founder

Hi Petr, tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I'm Petr. Originally from the Czech Republic, I've been living in the UK for the past decade. The move was inspired by a Czech girl I met. We didn't know each other well, but I packed my car and came here. It turned out to be the best decision; we've been married for eight years and have a daughter, Olivia, who's just over three. She's our little bundle of joy and has taught me so much about being present in the moment.

My work is my passion. I used to play professional football at the highest level back home, but after three knee surgeries, that chapter closed. Since then, I've dedicated myself to helping people move better and live pain-free. My wife sometimes wishes I were home more, but I genuinely love what I do.

In my downtime, I enjoy reading about the human body and personal development. Morning meditations with red light have become a routine, and lately, I've taken up Sudoku to keep my mind engaged. Music is another love; I can listen to almost anything, depending on my mood. Sometimes, I joke that I sound like an 80-year-old man, but I embrace it!

What inspired you to start Functional Therapy Ltd, and what makes your approach unique?

The main motivation was to offer something different. Something people could understand, work with, and truly embrace. I wanted to help them uncover the real causes of their pain, which often go unnoticed.

Traditional approaches tend to focus solely on the site of pain. But more often than not, the root cause lies elsewhere in the body. Unless there is a direct injury, such as a broken bone from an accident, the issue usually stems from how the body functions as a whole.

At Functional Therapy, we adopt a holistic approach. We combine Osteopathy with the Functional Patterns methodology, focusing on identifying the real cause of the problem. These methods complement each other beautifully. Additionally, we incorporate breathing techniques and pay attention to tongue positioning, which I believe is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the practice. The tongue's position can influence body tension and even lead to developmental issues if not addressed.

In essence, we view the body from a different perspective, aiming to treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms.

How do you integrate different therapeutic techniques to support your clients' recovery?

There's no one-size-fits-all protocol. Every patient is unique, bringing their own story and challenges. For instance, two patients might present with lower back pain, but the underlying causes could be entirely different; one might have lifted something heavy, while the other might have done something seemingly insignificant.

We delve into their daily lifestyles, stress levels, sleep patterns, nutrition, and movement habits. By understanding these factors, we can tailor a personalised approach for each individual. Sometimes, simple lifestyle adjustments can alleviate pain. Once the pain subsides, we introduce exercises to change movement patterns and habits, enabling the body to adapt to almost any scenario.

What types of clients or conditions do you most commonly work with?

While we often see cases of lower back pain and joint issues, each patient's experience is distinct. Even if two individuals present with similar symptoms, the root causes and treatment plans can differ significantly.

However, the majority of injuries result from accumulated stress and the body's inability to cope. It's like the last straw that breaks the camel's back. Stress is often referred to as the silent killer, and as one of its many effects, it causes inflammation in the body. Symptoms may manifest as digestive issues, breathing or movement problems, or headaches, all of which are linked to how we move and handle life's challenges. People do not realise that as they think they can control everything. Unfortunately, we are less in charge of our own lives than we think. Our goal in Functional Therapy is to unwind the system, calm it down, and then work with it holistically.

Can you share a success story that highlights the impact of your work?

I've had the privilege of working with many incredible individuals, but two cases stand out. Both were young girls diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). They were told they'd never walk again. One was in a wheelchair, mimicking stroke symptoms, while the other suffered from PTSD-induced shutdowns.

Through our work together, both girls regained their mobility and were able to return to their desired activities. Witnessing their transformations was profoundly rewarding.

But success isn't always about dramatic recoveries. Sometimes, it's as simple as a patient deciding to quit smoking or give up sugary drinks. These choices, though seemingly small, can add decades to their lives. Our ultimate goal is to achieve longevity and an improved quality of life.

How do you stay current with new developments in physical and functional therapy?

While new approaches continually emerge, the human body remains the same. Our understanding, especially of the fascial system, is evolving. The fascial system controls almost every function in the body. For me, it is a living organism within our body. These discoveries are reshaping our perspective and, consequently, our treatment methods.

It's essential to find the root cause of any issue, regardless of the approach, be it Osteopathy, physiotherapy, or chiropractic care. Unfortunately, many treatment modalities treat everything, hoping that something will stick. I like the quote from the founder of Osteopathy, Dr A.T. Still, " To find health should be an object of the doctor. Anyone can find a disease." We need to seek what is functioning right and support it. There are numerous ways, but their effectiveness hinges on the practitioner's experience and their ability to connect with the patient. Sometimes, just being in the same room can initiate healing. It's about finding that synergy.

What is your long-term vision for Functional Therapy Ltd?

My long-term vision for Functional Therapy Ltd is expansive and deeply personal. It stems from my own experiences as a professional footballer, where I faced numerous injuries and underwent treatments that often felt fragmented. Despite being treated by some of the best physiotherapists in the Czech Republic, the focus was on the injured knee without considering the interconnectedness of my body. No one examined my hip or ankle, and this narrow approach led to recurring injuries and a sense of frustration.

In the UK, I've observed that many football training methods remain unchanged from two decades ago. There's a reluctance to evolve, even as players continue to suffer from preventable injuries throughout their careers. Post-retirement, many athletes face a harsh reality: their bodies are often "broken," a consequence of outdated training and rehabilitation practices.

I aspire to revolutionise this approach by integrating a holistic, multidisciplinary methodology into rehabilitation protocols. This would involve not just treating the injury but understanding the individual's entire lifestyle, movement patterns, and psychological state. By doing so, we can create personalised rehabilitation plans that support health and address the root causes of injuries rather than just the symptoms.

Beyond sports, I envision establishing a comprehensive clinic that offers holistic care, encompassing physical therapy, mental health support, nutritional guidance, and additional services. Our past experiences shape us, and by acknowledging and working through them, we can cultivate a healthier present and a more promising future. It's about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported in every aspect of their well-being.

Ultimately, my goal is to shift the paradigm from a reactive to a proactive approach in health and rehabilitation. By addressing the whole person physically, mentally, and emotionally, we can not only heal injuries but also empower individuals to lead longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Petr Mach