FAQs

Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients' general health. Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery.

Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness.

Osteopaths' patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.

Undergraduate students follow a four or five-year degree course combining academic work and at least 1000 hours of clinical training. Qualification generally takes the form of a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy – a BSc(Hons), BOst or BOstMed – or a masters degree in osteopathy (MOst). Many osteopaths continue their studies after graduating.

Osteopaths are required to update their training, skills and knowledge throughout their working lives, through our continuing professional development scheme.

The title 'osteopath' is protected by law, and only those included on the Register are entitled to practise as osteopaths.

Unregistered practice is a criminal offence in the UK.

Many private health insurance policies provide cover for osteopathic treatment. It may be possible to claim for a course of treatment but you should check in advance with your insurance company before seeking osteopathic treatment, in order to confirm the available level of cover and whether you will need to have a referral from your GP or a specialist.

Most patients 'self refer' to an osteopath for treatment. Although referral by a GP is not necessary, patients are encouraged to keep both their GP and osteopath fully informed, so that their medical records are current and complete and the patient receives the best possible care from both healthcare practitioners.

In general, the first treatment lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, and subsequent treatments around half an hour. Your first appointment is usually longer to allow for a full case history to be taken.

At the first consultation, the osteopath will compile a full case history of your symptoms, as well as asking for information about your lifestyle and diet. The osteopath may also observe you making some simple movements to help them make a diagnosis. You will usually be asked to remove some clothing near the area of the body to be examined.

Osteopaths are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly-developed sense of touch, known as palpation, to determine conditions and identify the body's points of weakness or excessive strain.

Osteopathy is a 'package' of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise. The osteopath will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment plan, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat your condition effectively. If the osteopath thinks that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised about how to seek further care.

Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.

Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders without the use of drugs or surgery. Commonly treated conditions include back and neck pain, postural problems, sporting injuries, muscle and joint deterioration, restricted mobility and occupational ill-health.

Osteopaths and chiropractors are actually quite similar in their approaches to treatment, with both offering a natural ‘hands-on’ approach to restoring normal function to the body. Both professions use a combination of spinal manipulation, joint mobilisation, stretching and massage to help their patients.

Typically chiropractors use shorter consultations and will tend to focus more on spinal manipulations, but this isn’t always the case. Physiotherapists tend to be less hands on, and focus more on using therapeutic machines (e.g. ultrasound), taping techniques and prescribing exercises.

Osteopathy is regarded as a safe treatment, with only minor side effects usually being experienced. If they do occur, these effects typically get better on their own within 24 to 48 hours. More serious reactions to treatment can happen, but these are regarded as very rare, with an estimated 1 in 36,000 or less chance of them happening.

Research has shown that about half of all manual therapy patients experience some mild to moderate short-lived reactions to their treatments. This is usually soreness or aching which disappears on its own after 24 hours.

My experience is that patients usually require around 3 to 4 treatments to successfully address their problems, and/or manage their symptoms. More serious, complicated or longstanding problems may take longer.