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Can anyone call themselves an Osteopath
?
No. In order to use the legally protected title of "Osteopath"
a person must have completed an approved course lasting a minimum of four years and be registered with the General Osteopathic
Council (GOsC). To retain membership of the GOsC, and therefore of the title of Osteopath, a person must complete specified
training each and every year.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is an established recognised system of diagnosis
and treatment, which lays its main emphasis on the structural and functional integrity of the body. It is distinctive by the
fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability which we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the
body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.
[Description by General Osteopathic Council, 28th October 1998]
What kinds of problems can osteopathy help with?
Whilst back
pain is the most common problem seen, osteopathy can help with a wide varied of problems including changes to posture in pregnancy,
babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems caused by driving or work strain, children
with glue ear, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries among many others.
What can I expect when I visit an osteopath?
When you visit an osteopath for
the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to remove
some of your clothing and to perform a simple series of movements. The osteopath will then use a highly developed sense of
touch, called palpation, to identify any points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body.
The osteopath may
need additional investigations such as x-ray or blood tests. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan
to be developed for you.
How
much do treatments cost?
The first Treatments takes 1 hour and costs £42. Subsequent treatments take
30 minutes and cost £34. We accept most credit & debit cards, cash and cheques. Many health insurance schemes pay for your treatment with Jackie including BUPA & AXA PPP. Insurance companies who
pay for your treatments at the end of the course of treatment are charged an administration fee, typically £3 per
treatment.
How many treatments will I
need?
Osteopathy
is patient centred, which means treatment is geared to you as an individual. Your osteopath should be able to give you an
indication after your first visit. For some acute pain one or two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions
may need ongoing maintenance. An average is 3 sessions.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
A formal referral from your GP is not necessary, the majority
of osteopathic patients self-refer.
How does osteopathy work?
Osteopaths
work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques. These may include soft tissue techniques, rhythmic passive
joint mobilisation or the high velocity thrust techniques designed to improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint.
Gentle release techniques are widely used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients. This allows the body to
return to efficient normal function.
How can I
be sure I am in safe hands when visiting an osteopath?
A Registered Osteopath has demonstrated to the General Osteopathic
Council via a detailed application process that they are a safe and competent practitioner, that they have adequate malpractice
insurance and have agreed to abide by a Code of Practice.
Can I have osteopathic treatment on the NHS?
Most people consult an osteopath privately. Telephone
local practices to find out about fees in your area. An increasing number of osteopaths work with GP practices so that it
may be possible for your doctor to refer you to an osteopath on the NHS.
Can I have osteopathy on my private medical insurance?
Many private health insurance schemes
give benefit for osteopathic treatment. Some companies will reimburse the total fee or pay a percentage of the costs. Contact
the helpline of your insurance company who will explain the actual benefits and methods of claim for your individual policy.
Jackie Salter is registered many health insurance providers including BUPA and AXA PPP.
What is the status of osteopathy in the UK?
The 1993 report from the British
Medical Association "Complementary Medicine – New Approaches to Good Practice" recognised osteopathy as a
discrete clinical discipline'.
Osteopathy is the first complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory
regulation (Osteopaths Act 1993).
More on statutory regulation. This legislation came into force on 9th May 2000 requiring
all osteopaths to be registered with the GosC.
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