Osteopathy is a well established form of healthcare in the UK, but it’s often misunderstood. Whether it’s confusion over qualifications or the scope of what osteopaths can treat, myths can easily cloud people’s perception. So let’s set the record straight. Here are 10 Osteopathy Myths in the UK and the truth behind each one.
1. Osteopaths aren’t real healthcare professionals
Osteopaths in the UK are fully qualified and regulated healthcare professionals. They are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), a statutory body set up under the Osteopaths Act 1993, and are one of the Allied Health Professions. Osteopaths are trained to assess, diagnose and treat patients independently. To practise, an osteopath must complete a GOsC Recognised Qualification – usually an MOst or BOst degree, which takes 3.5 to 4 years on a full-time basis (longer if studying part-time), including at least 1000 hours of clinical training.
2. Osteopathy is just for back pain
While osteopaths are well known for helping people with back pain, their scope is much broader. They treat a range of musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Hip and knee problems
- Headaches (of musculoskeletal origin)
- Arthritis-related pain
- Sports injuries
- Postural imbalances
- Repetitive strain injuries
Despite the myth, osteopaths take a whole-body approach, often addressing areas that may be contributing to symptoms elsewhere. In fact, osteopaths treat the person not the condition, and seek to influence overall health via the musculoskeletal and associated neurological and circulatory systems.
3. Osteopathy is the same as chiropractic
Although they both use manual therapy and can treat musculoskeletal conditions, osteopathy and chiropractic care are distinct professions. The main differences include:
- Training focus: Chiropractors often focus more on spinal alignment and the nervous system, whereas osteopaths look at how the entire body functions together including joints, muscles, circulation and posture.
- Treatment style: Chiropractors often use spinal manipulation as a core technique, while osteopaths use a wider variety of methods such as soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, balancing techniques and lifestyle advice (including exercise).
4. Osteopathy isn’t evidence-based
Modern osteopathy is increasingly informed by evidence and continues to evolve with new research. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends manual therapy – including osteopathy – as part of a treatment plan for conditions such as chronic lower back pain.
Osteopaths also undergo training in evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning.
5. Osteopathy can cure any disease
Ethical osteopaths do not claim to cure illnesses like cancer or mental illnesses. Their role is to support the body’s natural function and reduce strain or tension that may be contributing to symptoms or secondary issues.
For example, osteopaths may help ease musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy, reduce tension headaches or support recovery after injury – but will refer a patient to a GP if the condition is outside of their scope.
