Osteopathy FAQs

There can be quite a lot of overlap between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic, but the approaches and techniques used can differ.

Physiotherapy often includes rehabilitation and exercise-based management alongside hands-on treatment. Chiropractic commonly includes hands-on treatment and may use spinal manipulation. Osteopaths also use hands-on techniques, but treatment is tailored to the individual and may involve looking at how different areas of the body are moving and functioning together.

An osteopath is a registered healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses and treats problems affecting the muscles, joints and related tissues.

Osteopaths use a range of hands-on techniques, which may include movement, stretching, massage and joint mobilisation or manipulation. Treatment may also include advice about exercise, activity and self-management.

Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council and are recognised as Allied Health Professionals in England.

Osteopaths treat people of all ages, including babies, children, people during pregnancy, and older adults.

My youngest patient was five days old, and my oldest is approaching her hundredth birthday.

Osteopathy can help with a range of musculoskeletal problems, including:

• Back pain and sciatica

• Neck pain and some types of headache

• Shoulder, hip and knee pain

• Osteoarthritis and joint stiffness

• Sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)

• Muscle tension and general aches and pains

• Fibromyalgia

• Muscle and joint pain associated with work, driving or pregnancy

Whether osteopathy is appropriate for you will depend on your individual symptoms, medical history and assessment.

NHS information on osteopathy notes its use for a range of muscle and joint problems, and reports some evidence that osteopathy may be effective for certain types of neck, shoulder and lower-limb pain, and some types of headache.

Research has found positive patient-reported outcomes following osteopathic care.

In a UK study involving 1,721 patients receiving osteopathic care:

• 89% reported some improvement after one week

• 93% reported some improvement after six weeks

• 74% reported being much improved or completely recovered after six weeks

The study also found high levels of patient satisfaction and positive experiences of osteopathic care.

Results vary between individuals, and whether osteopathy is appropriate for you will depend on your symptoms and individual assessment.

Source: Fawkes C, Carnes D. Patient reported outcomes in a large cohort of patients receiving osteopathic care in the United Kingdom. PLOS ONE, 2021.

Osteopathy is generally considered a low-risk form of treatment.

Some people experience mild soreness or discomfort after treatment, particularly during the first 24 to 48 hours. Not everyone experiences this.

Serious adverse events are rare. Before treatment, I will take a full medical history and assess you to make sure that the techniques I use are appropriate for you. I will also explain any relevant risks and ask for your consent before treatment.

The number of appointments you may need varies from person to person.

Some people notice a change after their first appointment, while others may need several appointments.

In my own practice, patients have averaged around three appointments each. Some people only need one appointment, while others choose to see me for longer, particularly if they have more than one issue or their needs change over time.

I will never book you in for a block of appointments. At each session, I will review how you have been since your previous treatment and, where appropriate, reassess you. We can then decide together whether another appointment would be useful and, if so, when.

Some osteopaths are trained to treat animals, particularly horses and dogs.

I am not trained as an animal osteopath, but if you are looking for one, the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) can help you find an appropriately qualified practitioner.