About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. When the body is balanced and efficient, just like a well tuned engine, it will function with the minimum of wear and tear, leaving more energy for living.

Good Health in Good Hands: UK osteopathy today

Good Health in Good Hands is a profile of osteopathic practice in the UK today.  It aims to provide you with key information about osteopathy, including:

• how quickly patients are able to access an osteopath;
• where and how widely osteopathic services are available;
• the average cost of treatment;
• what patients can expect of treatment.

This illustrated review was published by the General Osteopathic Council in January 2008 to coincide with Advancing Osteopathy 2008, a series of events to mark ten years of statutory recognition for osteopaths. 

Osteopathy has seen rapid and wide-ranging development in the UK over the past decade and Good Health in Good Hands offers a simple, but comprehensive overview of current standards of practice, education and training, to which osteopaths are firmly committed.  Equally important, to osteopaths and patients alike, are the steady growth of post-graduate education and research activity, and the enhancement of cross-border healthcare regulation.

You can order printed copies of Good Health in Good Hands at £2.50 + 60p postage per copy, by telephoning 020 7357 6655 x242, emailing the Osteopathic Information Service or downloading an order form, which you can post back to us with your payment.

What do osteopaths treat?

Osteopaths treat a variety of common conditions including changes to posture in pregnancy; babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries.

For further information see Fact sheets.

Is osteopathy regulated?

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is one of 13 organisations in the UK known as health and social care regulators. Each organisation oversees the health and social care professions by regulating individual professionals.

The Statutory Register of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) opened on 9 May 1998. The title "osteopath" became protected by law from 9 May 2000 when the transitional registration period ended. As a result it is a criminal offence, liable to prosecution, to describe oneself as an osteopath in the UK unless registered with the 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.

What qualifications do osteopaths have?

Osteopaths undertake four to five-year honours degree programmes underpinned by thorough clinical training.