What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is an established, recognised and regulated system of diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal problems. It lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. Osteopathy is distinct in that its approach recognises much of the pain and disability that we suffer stems from abnormalities in the functioning of the body’s framework - as well as, but not exclusively, damage caused by disease and injury.

Osteopaths use many of the diagnostic procedures used in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis - such undertaking a thorough neurological, cardiovascular or respiratory examination when appropriate.

Osteopathy’s main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint together with the manual methods of treatment applied to suit the needs of the individual patient, which includes manipulation, stretching and massage.. Close attention is applied to the effects of the patient’s lifestyle, taking into account stress, posture and occupation, to name but a few.

Osteopathy is a regulated healthcare profession; all osteopaths a required by law to be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, who oversee safety and clinical standards of osteopathic practice. This requires all osteopaths to undertake continuous professional development training and revalidation in order to practice.

It is a long established profession; the first training college for osteopaths, the British School of Osteopathy (now the University College of Osteopaths) first opened in London in 1915. Osteopaths have been regulated since 1938, initially by the General Council and Register of Osteopaths and since 1997, when all osteopaths were required to have state registration, by the General Osteopathic Council.