FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

(extracts from the General Osteopathic Council website).

On this page we aim to provide answers to your questions about the regulation of osteopathy, standards of training and practice, how to find an osteopath, what to expect when you see an osteopath and what to do if you have concerns about an osteopath or your treatment.

To help us do this, we list below some of the questions we are most frequently asked, along with the answers.

What can I expect on my first visit to an osteopath?

At the first consultation, the osteopath will compile a full case history of your symptoms, as well as asking for information about your lifestyle and diet.  The osteopath may also observe you making some simple movements to help them make a diagnosis.  You will usually be asked to remove some clothing near the area of the body to be examined.

Osteopaths are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly-developed sense of touch, known as palpation, to determine conditions and identify the body’s points of weakness or excessive strain.  Osteopathy is a ‘package’ of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise.

The osteopath will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment plan, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat your condition effectively.  If the osteopath thinks that your condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, you will be advised about how to seek further care.  Osteopaths are skilled in diagnostic techniques and trained to identify when a patient needs to be referred to a GP.

How long do osteopathic appointments usually last?

In general, the first treatment lasts about 45-60 minutes, and subsequent treatments around 45 minutes.  Your first appointment is usually slightly longer to allow for a full case history to be taken.

Can I see an osteopath through the NHS?

Currently, access to osteopathy on the NHS is limited, but services are becoming more widespread as commissioning authorities recognise the benefits of providing osteopathy to patients.  To find out if NHS treatment is available in your area, speak to your GP and/or contact:

1. If you are in England – your local primary care trust.

2. If you are in Scotland – your local health board.

3. If you are in Wales – your local health authority.

4. If you are in Northern Ireland – your local health and social service board/group.

There is more information on who to contact in your region on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk.

Can I claim on my private medical insurance?

Many private health insurance policies provide cover for osteopathic treatment.  It may be possible to claim for a course of treatment but you should check in advance with your insurance company before seeking osteopathic treatment, in order to confirm the available level of cover and whether you will need to have a referral from your GP or a specialist.

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a primary care profession, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, and the effects of these conditions on patients’ general health.

Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery.  Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness.

Osteopaths’ patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient’s full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances.  This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.

What do osteopaths treat?

Osteopathy focuses on the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal and other related disorders without the use of drugs or surgery.  Commonly treated conditions include back and neck pain, postural problems, sporting injuries, muscle and joint deterioration, restricted mobility and occupational ill-health.

Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath?

Most patients ‘self refer’ to an osteopath for treatment.  Although referral by a GP is not necessary, patients are encouraged to keep both their GP and osteopath fully informed, so that their medical records are current and complete and the patient receives the best possible care from both healthcare practitioners.

Do you treat babies?

Absolutely! In fact we love treating babies. We often find they respond to treatment very quickly so may only need a couple of treatments. We use gentle cranial techniques. We are happy to treat babies whilst they feed. You are welcome to stay after your appointment to feed your baby if necessary, we can even make you a drink.

I’m pregnant, can I have osteopathic treatment?

Yes! We see lots of pregnant people. Your Osteopath will take a full case history and adapt their treatment to ensure you are comfortable throughout.

I’ve got a new baby, can I bring them with me to the appointment?

Absolutely. We are a family practice and will do our best to treat you whilst accommodating your baby’s needs.

Do GPs refer their patients to osteopaths?

Yes.  GPs refer patients to osteopaths where they believe this intervention would be beneficial.  Referral guidelines are provided by the General Medical Council.

How do I know if an osteopath is registered?

All osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council.  You can use the Register to check whether your health professional is currently registered

Can anyone call themself an osteopath?

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.

Can I find out how long an osteopath has been registered?

The date an osteopath was first registered with the General Osteopathic Council can be seen in the ‘Practitioner Details’ on the Register.

What training do osteopaths have?

Undergraduate students follow a four or five-year degree course combining academic and clinical work. Qualification generally takes the form of a bachelor’s degree in osteopathy – a BSc(Hons), BOst or BOstMed – or 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.

Who sets the standards of training and practice for osteopaths?

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.

What is revalidation?

Revalidation is the process by which osteopaths will have to demonstrate to us that they are up to date and fit to practise, and meet the relevant professional standards.

We are in the process of developing our revalidation scheme, which we plan to introduce in 2014.

All healthcare regulators are required by the Government to develop a scheme for revalidating their registrants. For further information see our Revalidation page.

What should I do if I have concerns about the osteopath or the treatment I have received?

We take all feedback seriously. We want to know if you’re not happy with the treatment received. Please do get in touch. You can do this in a number of ways; by using our contact form by clicking here, by leaving a message with our reception team (01580 212293), or by writing to our Practice Manager, Nicola at the following address The Moat Practice, 12a Station Road, Robertsbridge, TN32 5DA. We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint in the first instance and following this, aim to get back to you withn 7 days with our response.

If you have concerns about the competence or the professional conduct of your osteopath, and you have been unable to resolve the issue satisfactorily with the osteopath, or their employer, the General Osteopathic Council will advise on the next steps to take under a formal complaints procedure.