What do osteopaths help treat?

Osteopaths can help patients with a variety of conditions

such as:

Many osteopaths help treat patients throughout their pregnancies

to help relieve the symptoms induced by altered posture and

weightbearing and many also help treat babies suffering

discomfort as a result of a difficult or long drawn out birth.

Giving a list of conditions that osteopaths help treat can

sometimes give a false picture. Osteopaths treat people, not conditions and osteopaths are able to help in many ways when a person's function is affected by their structure, however that manifests.

Is osteopathy regulated?

The osteopathic profession, in the UK is governed by The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Since 2000, the title "osteopath" has been protected by law. This means that it is a criminal offence to describe oneself as an osteopath unless registered with the GOsC.

Only practitioners meeting the GOsC's high standards of competence and safety are eligible to join the register, and they must also provide evidence of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover.

For further information regarding the GOsC, please click here

What should patients expect from a visit to an osteopath?

The osteopath will spend time at the initial visit taking a detailed case history. This will involve asking questions about the patient's current symptoms, and also about their general medical history. The patient will usually be asked to undress to their underwear in order for the osteopath to carry out a thorough examination. This will allow a diagnosis and treatment plan to be devised tailored to their needs.

Treatment can include a range of stretching, mobilizing and manipulative techniques designed to help restore normal function and to facilitate the body's own healing process. The osteopath will explain what will be involved in any treatment.

Does treatment hurt?

Osteopathic treatment is not usually painful, although the nature of some conditions is such that some discomfort may be induced. Many techniques are extremely gentle. In devising a treatment plan, the osteopath will take into account the nature of the symptoms and also the patient's concerns. The osteopath will not perform a technique unless the patient is happy for him/her to proceed.

Some patients are anxious about the "cracking" of joints. These are known as "High Velocity Thrust" (HVT) techniques and are an effective way of mobilizing a joint that is not moving very well. Again, the osteopath will only proceed with such a technique when it is appropriate to do so and with the patient's permission.

Does a patient need to be referred by their GP?

It is not necessary for a patient to be referred by their GP as appointments can be made direct with an osteopath.  However, the patient may like to see their GP in the first instance if they have concerns. If the osteopath feels it is necessary for a patient to see his/her GP then they will advise them as such and, with the patient's permission, may also contact the GP themselves to let them have details of examination findings or to request further information.