About Oesteopathy
About osteopathy
From the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
This page provides an overview of what osteopathy is, what osteopathic treatment involves and the regulation of osteopathy. There are currently 5,341 osteopaths (as at 1 March 2019) on the UK Statutory Register of Osteopaths.
What osteopathy is
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.
To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body’s own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.
Regulation of osteopathy
Further information
For details of osteopathic standards of practice see the Standards section. Use the Register to find a local osteopath. You can also download our information leaflets What to expect from your osteopath and Standards of osteopathic care.