FAQs

 

Osteopaths are statutorily regulated health professionals forming an integral part of primary care teams.

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) was established under the Osteopaths Act 1993 to regulate, promote and develope the osteopathic profession in the UK, maintaining a Statutory Register of those entitled to practise osteopathy.

Only practitioners meeting the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover are requirements.

It is an offence for anyone to describe themselves as an osteopath and practise as such, unless registered with the GOsC. The public can, therefore, be confident in visiting an osteopath that they will experience safe and competent treatment from a practitioner who adheres to a strict Code of Conduct.
 

When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination.

You will normally be asked to remove some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.

The osteopath may need additional investigations such as X-ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed with you. Osteopathy is patient centred, which means the treatment is geared to you as an individual.
  There is no set rule to the number of treatments that will be necessary as this is dependent on a variety of factors unique to each patient; including the type of medical complaint, whether it is chronic or acute, etc. I will always discuss your course of treatment with you on your initial visit.
Typically between two and six treatment sessions are needed, though this varies according to the severity of the problem.

It is important to point out that patients benefit from having a regular treatment of around one every four to six weeks, similar to making sure our car is regularly maintained. It is more important to maintain our bodies as we cannot replace these or buy a new one when it wears out. By ensuring that you are functioning to the best of your ability, you can prevent unnecessary pain and suffering instead of waiting to be cured.