Osteopaths will take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle which in turn will help them make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your issue and formulate a treatment plan with you that will achieve the best outcome.

Your osteopath will also need to undertake a physical examination which they will explain to you beforehand. This will often comprise of you undertaking some movements and for the osteopath to examine areas to feel for any tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints to identify problems.

Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, for example, pain in your lower arm may be linked to the nerves in your neck, so they may need to examine your whole body.

You may find that your osteopath may undertake other examinations, such as blood pressure or nerve checks, or even refer you for other tests such as x-rays, MRIs or blood tests. Occasionally they may diagnose an issue that they are unable to treat and may refer you to your GP or another appropriate health professional.

As with any health consultation, they will record this confidential information to form part of your health record and store it in accordance with legal requirements for medical data.

Osteopathic treatment often involves manual therapy – a range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility – together with exercises and helpful advice designed to help you relieve or manage your pain, keep active and maintain the best of health.

Before an osteopath starts any treatment, they will explain what is involved so you can agree and consent to your course of treatment.

Osteopathic treatment is usually a very gentle process. There may be times when you experience discomfort during or experience some mild soreness after treatment. This will normally go away within 48 hours. Your osteopath will let you know if they think that any of the techniques they recommend are likely to be uncomfortable.

If you experience serious or unusual symptoms after treatment you should contact your osteopath straight away for advice.

Osteopaths often work with or refer you to other healthcare professionals as needed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care and treatment.

Osteopathic treatment often involves manual therapy – a range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, stretching muscles and improving mobility – together with exercises and helpful advice designed to help you relieve or manage your pain, keep active and maintain the best of health.

Before an osteopath starts any treatment, they will explain what is involved so you can agree and consent to your course of treatment.

Osteopaths are regulated by law and recognised as an allied health profession by NHS England. This gives them a similar status to dentists or physiotherapists and guarantees an equivalent high level of care.

Before an osteopath can obtain registration, they must attain specialist degree-level training, either a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) or integrated Masters (MOst.), plus complete over 1000 hours of clinical placements (direct patient contact time).

To maintain their registration with GOsC, which is renewed annually, osteopaths must meet mandatory continuous professional development (CPD): keeping skills and knowledge up-to-date and maintaining high standards of professional development.

By law, an osteopath must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practise in the UK.

Most patients visit an osteopath in a private clinic, which you can do without a referral from your GP. Most private practice osteopaths will have appointments available within three days. Consultation fees vary depending on the osteopath and the treatment required, so do enquire when booking your consultation. Many osteopaths also work with private health insurance companies. Ask your health insurance provider or your osteopath for more information.

In addition to private clinics, osteopaths are increasingly working alongside GPs and other healthcare professionals to provide osteopathic services through the NHS. Access to osteopaths through the NHS does, however, vary according to where you live.

The iO is the professional membership organisation for osteopaths. We represent over two-thirds of registered osteopaths in the UK. Our members operate in line with the iO Patient Charter, the values and purpose of which demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest quality service and care to their patients.

To find a registered osteopath in your area who is also an iO Member use our Find an Osteopath directory or contact us.