Introduction to Osteopathy

The body has the natural ability to heal and maintain itself and by helping this process an osteopath can promote restoration of normal function. The principle of osteopathy is that the wellbeing of an individual relies on the way that bones, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and internal structures work with each other.

An osteopath will take the time to understand their patient and their unique combination of symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. This helps to diagnose the causes of the pain or lack of function (rather than just addressing the site of the condition) and from that to formulate a treatment plan that will achieve the best outcome.

Osteopaths can work alongside other health professionals, such as GPs, nurses and midwives as well as alternative medical practitioners. Osteopathy can work well to complement other medical interventions including surgery and prescribed medication.

The National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that GPs can safely refer patients to an osteopath for treatment. Osteopathy is available on the NHS in some areas of the UK, as it is recognised by the NHS as an Allied Health Profession. (See here for more information on AHPs.)

Safety and Regulations

Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). In the UK is is against the law to practise as an Osteopath unless you are qualified and registered with the GOsC. The minimum qualification for an Osteopath is completion of a four or five year degree, which includes at least 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice. Many osteopaths qualify with a masters degree. They must then continue to update and expand their knowledge by logging a minimum of 30 hours per year of continuing professional development. The GOsC can remove an osteopath from the register if they fail to maintain a strict code of professional practice. You can check whether an osteopath is registered by visiting the GOsC website. (www.osteopathy.org.uk)

Osteopathy is very safe. It is estimated that between 1 in 50,000 and 1 in 100,000 patients will suffer a reaction to osteopathic treatment that is serious enough to require further medical treatment or does not resolve within 48 hours.

Conditions treated by osteopaths

Although Osteopaths are well known for treating back pain, Osteopathy can help relieve the symptoms of a wide range of conditions, including sports and other musculo-skeletal injuries, arthritis, neuromuscular conditions, some digestive conditions, headaches and sleep problems.