Osteopathy FAQs

We have set out below short answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Osteopathy.

How are Osteopaths regulated?

Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOC). It is a criminal offence for a person to describe themselves as an osteopath if they are not properly registered. The GOC hears all patient complaints and has wide powers to strike-off osteopaths and recommend criminal proceedings if required. Who visits Osteopath in the UK?

We estimate that in UK alone more than 24,000 patients consult osteopaths on a typical day or more than 7,000,000 consultations a year. In terms of patient numbers, we estimate that about 1,750,000 individuals are treated by Osteopaths each year.

Do Osteopaths have any formal training?

All Osteopaths complete a four year degree course. In the UK there are eight tertiary institutions providing osteopathic education and which award degrees recognised by the General Osteopathic Council.

Can you see an Osteopath through the NHS?

Osteopathy within the NHS is available on an extremely limited basis. GPs are permitted to refer patients to osteopaths as statutory regulated professionals and the British Medical Association (BMA) provides guidance to GPs on referrals to osteopaths. Approximately 26% of patients seen by osteopaths are referred by GPs but the majority of patients seen by osteopaths are self-referred. Almost all private health funds recognize the benefits of osteopathy but the annual budget for treatment will depend on your policy.

What if I visit to an osteopath with a condition that would be better addressed by a doctor?

Osteopaths have extensive training in anatomy which is very similar to that of a medical doctor and they are trained to identify conditions that either may respond better to medical help or which would make osteopathic treatment inappropriate or unsafe. If an osteopath determines that a medical diagnosis or treatment is required they will make the appropriate referral either to a GP or a specialist. Osteopaths work closely with a number of specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons and can typically recommend a appropriate local specialist.

The content of this page is informed by feedback from clinics in Middlesex and also osteopathic practitioners in Manchester. Further input was received from a practitioner in Chiswick and osteopaths in the Fulham area. Finally a contribution was made by practices in Cambridge