FAQs

What training do osteopaths receive?

Undergraduate students follow a four or five-year degree course combining academic and clinical work. The course covers a wide range of subjects including anatomy, physiology, pathology, differential diagnosis, orthopaedic and neurological evaluation. In the UK every student must acquire two years of clinical experience before qualifying. Qualification generally takes the form of a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy – a BSc(Hons), BOst or BOstMed – or more recently a masters degree in osteopathy (MOst). Many osteopaths continue their studies after graduating.
Osteopaths are required to update their training throughout their working lives. They must complete at least 30 hours of continuing professional development per year.

Is osteopathy regulated?

The title 'osteopath' is protected by law, and only those included on the register are entitled to practise as osteopaths. Unregistered practice is a criminal offence in the UK. The standards of osteopathic training and practice are maintained and developed by the General Osteopathic Council, the profession’s statutory regulator established under the Osteopaths Act 1993.

Does my insurance cover me for osteopathy?

Your private medical insurance may cover your osteopathic treatment, however please contact both your osteopath and your insurer before undertaking a course of treatment as different insurers have different policies regarding cover.

I have osteoarthritis, could osteopathy help me?

Having osteoarthritis does not necessarily mean you need to be experiencing pain. In fact osteoarthritis is a common x-ray finding in non-symptomatic people. This is because a large proportion of the pain during osteoarthritis is due to the chronic contraction of muscles surrounding the joint. These muscles contract in an attempt to stabilise a joint that has become loose. The contraction of these muscles leads to the formation of painful trigger points within the muscles. These trigger points can be treated using osteopathic techniques as well as needling. Osteopathic techniques may also help to drain some of the fluid that accumulates in the degenerative joint the presence of which can also lead to pain and restriction.