About Osteopathy: Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.
To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
Who and what do osteopaths treat?
Osteopaths’ patients include the young, older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and sports people. Patients seek treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including back pain, repetitive strain injury, changes to posture in pregnancy, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries.
Is osteopathy regulated? The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is one of 13 organisations in the UK known as health and social care regulators. Each organisation oversees the health and social care professions by regulating individual professionals.
The Statutory Register of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) opened on 9 May 1998. The title "osteopath" became protected by law from 9 May 2000 when the transitional registration period ended. As a result it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as an osteopath in the UK unless registered with the GOsC.
The GOsC regulates, promotes and develops the profession of osteopathy, maintaining a Statutory Register of those entitled to practise osteopathy. Only practitioners meeting the high standards of safety and competency are eligible to join this register. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover is also a requirement.
The GOsC works with the public and osteopathic profession to promote patient safety by registering qualified professionals and set, maintain and develop standards of osteopathic practice and conduct.
The GOsC maintains the Regisster of osteopaths, the complete directory of all osteopaths allowed to practise in the UK.
What qualifications do osteopaths have? Osteopaths undertake four to five-year honours degree programmes underpinned by thorough clinical training. The General Osteopathic Council is responsible for ensuring that the accredited schools and colleges maintain their standards of osteopathic education by regular inspections.A degree course includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and biomechanics, plus at least 1,000 hours of clinical training.
How much will it cost? Today the vast majority of patients who visit osteopaths self refer and pay for treatment, however support continues to grow as GPs and commissioning authorities recognise the benefits of providing osteopathy to patients.
Fees do vary depending on the location of practice and experience of the individual osteopath. Generally prices can range from £25 to £50 for a 30 to 40 minute session.
It may be possible to claim against your private health insurance for the course of the treatment. You will need to check with your insurance company to confirm the available level of cover and whether you require a GP or specialist referral.
How can I find an osteopath in my area? To find an osteopath in your area, visit the General Osteopathic Council’s website: www.osteopathy.org.uk . Use the Find an Osteopath link.
