All osteopaths are expected to have a complaints procedure in place in their practice to address patient concerns. If you have concerns about the competence or the professional conduct of your osteopath, and you have been unable to resolve the issue satisfactorily with the osteopath, or their employer, the General Osteopathic Council will advise on [...]
Undergraduate students follow a four or five-year degree course combining academic and clinical work. 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 throughout their working lives. It [...]
All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council. You can use the on-line Register at www.osteopathy.org.uk to check if your health professional is currently registered.
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.
Commonly treated conditions include Back and neck pain, Postural problems Sporting injuries Muscle and joint deterioration Restricted mobility Occupational ill-health Fibromyagia & chronic fatigue Headaches and Migraines Sciatica Arthritis
In general, the first treatment lasts about 45 minutes, and subsequent treatments around half an hour. Your first appointment is usually slightly 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 [...]
Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patient’s 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 [...]
