Whilst Chiropractors, Osteopaths, and Physiotherapists are all Musculoskeletal healthcare workers, there are some differences in training, philosophies, and treatment approaches. Training to become a Physiotherapist requires 3 years of university study which covers different aspects of patient care, including neurological, cardiovascular-respiratory, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Physiotherapists then select one of these areas to work in once graduated. Chiropractors and Osteopaths train for four years at university, but specialise purely in musculoskeletal health. The easiest way to explain the differences in treatment approaches is to imagine you have a problem with a joint, take the knee for example. Traditionally if you saw a Physiotherapist for a knee problem they would assess and treat the structures such as ligaments and muscles around the knee. They would do this through massage, stretching, and mobilisations. You would usually be prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises to help with your condition. Physiotherapists frequently use adjuncts to treatment such as laser therapy and ultrasound. Osteopaths are biomechanical in their approach to the body. They would likely provide treatment to the knee, but might also assess and treat your feet, hips, and pelvis if any stiffness or weakness in these areas is contributing to your knee problem. Osteopaths also treat using massage, mobilisations, stretching and exercise prescription, but frequently use joint manipulations in addition to this. Joint manipulations are quick movements applied to a stiff joint in order to improve joint motion. Chiropractors also use joint manipulations in their treatment, but for Chiropractors they are traditionally used to influence the ‘alignment’ (position) of a joint, rather than joint motion. Joint manipulations are generally used more intensely as a treatment technique by Chiropractors than by Osteopaths. Chiropractors traditionally would treat the part of the spine where the nerves to your knee come from. There is a lot of variation in treatment styles and approaches across the professions, and within the same profession. As such, treatment with any professional may significantly differ from the descriptions above.

As musculoskeletal health care practitioners they all learn to treat every body region, and as such you could see any of them for your problem.

Osteopathy is a safe, gentle form of hands-on treatment. There are some medical conditions which increase the risks of receiving manual therapy, which your Osteopath will screen you for in your health history and examination. If there are additional risks associated with any techniques then your Osteopath will talk these through with you before providing treatment, and alternative techniques can be used if you wish.

Osteopathy is generally considered to be a gentle form of treatment, which causes low levels of discomfort. Some techniques such as massage, dry needling, and trigger point therapy can cause some discomfort due to working on tight areas of soft tissue. If the treatment feels too painful then please inform your therapist so that they can make adjustments to increase your comfort. You may feel some stiffness or a little soreness following osteopathic treatment. This is normal and is a good response from your body. The symptoms will usually subside within 24 to 48 hours. Your practitioner will tell you what to expect following treatment and how best to manage any discomfort. Your osteopath may recommend using heat, ice or stretches to help if required

Osteopaths train for a minimum of four years to degree level, achieving either a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Integrated Masters (MOst). Osteopathy degrees cover a range of topics including Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Nutrition, and Biomechanics. Osteopathy students spend a long time learning examination and treatment techniques, and spend at least 1000 hours gaining clinical experience with patients prior to registration. Osteopaths are recognised by the NHS as Allied Health Professionals, and play a critical role in providing Musculoskeletal services to patients of all ages.

The Osteopathic profession is regulated by the General Osteopathic Council in the UK. This means that only people who are appropriately qualified can work as an Osteopath. It is a legal requirement for Osteopaths to be registered with the council in order to practice. In order to remain registered Osteopaths have to maintain a high standard of practice, and undertake regular continuing training. This training and regulation gives patients the same guarantees and protection as when they visit the dentist or doctor.

Osteopaths complete complex training, giving them the skills to treat all body regions from heads to toes! Osteopaths are holistic in their approach so will commonly address stiffness and tightness in multiple areas during your treatment.

The amount of sessions needed varies depending on your problem, your homecare, and response to treatment. Your condition may be significantly improved in one session and you may not need further visits. Or, you may need several treatments, especially in the case of long term / chronic conditions. An average patient requires 3-8 sessions. We pride ourselves on getting you back to health in as few treatments as possible.

You can self-refer yourself for osteopathic treatment if you are paying for it. You do not need to see your doctor first. Some insurance companies may require you to see a doctor prior to treatment. Osteopathy isn’t widely available on the NHS, and as such most patients come for treatment without being referred by their GP.