Are you getting the massage?

CONTINUING our series of Beginners’ Guides to complementary therapies, the General Osteopathic Council answers frequently asked questions on osteopathy

What is osteopathy?
OSTEOPATHY is a hands-on primary care profession, restoring the optimal functioning of the body and aiding its ability to heal without the use of drugs or surgery.

Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths detect damaged parts of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. Treatment is based on soft tissue massage, mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet, exercise and lifestyle.

What do osteopaths treat?
A wide range of musculo-skeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, headaches and sports and work-related injuries respond especially well to osteopathic treatment. Commonly treated conditions also include whiplash, changes to posture in pregnancy, babies with colic or sleeplessness, asthma and arthritic pain.

Is osteopathy regulated?
Under the Osteopaths Act 1993, osteopathy was accorded statutory recognition and the title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law. As a result, it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as an osteopath unless registered with the General Osteopathic Council (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.

From May this year, all registered osteopaths must also comply with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements to maintain registration status. You can obtain details of an osteopath’s registration by calling the GOsC on 020 7357 6655.

How qualified are osteopaths?
Osteopathic training is demanding and lengthy, and a recognised qualification is only available from osteopathic educational institutions accredited by the GOsC.

Trainee osteopaths study anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics and clinical methods during a four or five-year honours degree programme. Such wide-ranging medical training gives osteopaths the skills to diagnose conditions when osteopathic treatment is not advisable, and the patient should be referred to a GP for further investigation.

Visiting an osteopath
On your first visit, and before examination begins, the osteopath will discuss your medical history in detail. You will then normally be asked to remove some of your clothing so a series of simple movements can be performed.

The osteopath will then apply a highly developed sense of touch to identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. Further investigations may include an x-ray or blood test. This will allow a full diagnosis of the problem and will enable the osteopath to tailor a treatment plan to your needs.

Your osteopath should make you feel at ease and tell you what is happening throughout your consultation. You should ask questions if you have any concerns. If further medical treatment is needed, the osteopath may contact your doctor, with your permission.

How much will it cost?
You do not need a referral from a GP to see an osteopath. The majority of osteopaths work in private practice, so you may choose to approach a practitioner directly and pay for treatment. Fees range from £25 to £50 and above for a single session, depending upon the location of the practice and experience of the osteopath. Typically, between two and six treatment sessions are needed, though this varies according to the severity of the problem.

An increasing number of osteopaths work alongside GPs, so it may be possible for your doctor to refer you to an osteopath on the NHS. Your local NHS Patient Advisory & Liaison Service (PALS) will be able to provide further information on osteopathy’s availability on the NHS in your area.
It may also be possible to claim for a course of osteopathy if you have private health insurance policy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm the available level of cover and to find out whether you require a referral from a GP or specialist. All insurance companies have help lines to explain your benefits and methods of claiming.



How can I find an osteopath in my area?
To find a registered osteopath near you, see Thomsons and Yellow Pages directories. Alternatively, contact the GOsC directly at: Osteopathy House, 176 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 3LU. Call 020 7357 6655, email: info@osteopathy.org.uk, or visit the website: www.osteopathy.org.uk.