What does an osteopath do?
An osteopath is a healthcare professional, regulated by law, who uses hands-on techniques such as massage, stretching and moving your joints, usually alongside advice and exercise. People commonly see osteopaths for everyday back pain, neck pain and joint pain. Osteopaths are not medical doctors, and every osteopath in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
Most people see an osteopath privately and refer themselves, without a GP. The NHS lists osteopathy with complementary therapies and says it may not be safe for everyone, so read the safety note on this page before you go.
- Regulated by
- The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Osteopath is a title protected by law.
- Training
- A degree accredited by the GOsC, usually 3 to 4 years full time, or longer part time.
- First appointment
- About 45 minutes to an hour. Follow-ups are often around 30 minutes.
- Typical cost
- About £65 for a first appointment and £55 for a follow-up (UK average, 2024).
- On the NHS
- Mostly private. You do not need a GP referral.
What an osteopath does
Osteopaths use hands-on techniques such as massage, stretching and moving joints to help with pain and stiffness and improve movement, usually alongside advice and exercise.
An osteopath looks at how your problem affects the way you move, and explains what they think is going on before any treatment. They will usually give you advice and exercises to carry on with at home.
For low back pain, NICE guidance names treatments rather than professions. It recommends exercise, and hands-on treatment only as part of a package that includes exercise.
What people see osteopaths for
These are problems people commonly see osteopaths for. We only list conditions the Advertising Standards Authority accepts osteopaths can mention, so this list is shorter than some clinic websites. It is not a promise that treatment will work for you.
- Everyday back pain and lumbago, for example from posture or long hours sitting
- Neck pain from everyday causes, such as posture
- Joint pain, including hip and knee pain from osteoarthritis, alongside exercise and other treatment
- Shoulder and elbow pain that comes with a back or neck problem
- Sciatica
- Headache that comes from the neck
- Minor sports injuries
- Muscle spasms, cramp and general aches and pains
If your pain started after an accident, a fall or a knock, or you are not sure it is safe to wait, check where to go first. Read physio, GP, NHS 111 or A&E.
What a first appointment is like
The General Osteopathic Council describes a first appointment like this. It generally lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
Questions
The osteopath asks about your problem, your general health and any medicines you take.
Examination
They examine you and may ask you to do some simple movements. You may need to remove or adjust some clothing: you should get privacy to undress and a gown or towel, and you can bring a friend or relative with you.
What they found
They explain what they think is going on, the benefits and risks of treatment and roughly how many sessions you may need. If they find signs of something they cannot treat, they will advise you to see your GP or another professional.
Your consent
They always ask your permission before treating you. Follow-up sessions often last around 30 minutes.
Before you go
The NHS says:
Chiropractic or osteopathy may not be safe for you if:
- you're taking blood thinning medicines or are at increased risk of bleeding or stroke
- you have bones or joints that are very weak or seriously damaged
- you have a condition affecting your nerves, like peripheral neuropathy
Tell the osteopath about any health conditions and medicines before treatment. The NHS also says to ask a GP for advice about symptoms that do not go away or keep coming back, and not just to talk to a therapist.
The NHS lists osteopathy and chiropractic with complementary therapies. In its words, “Herbal medicines and complementary therapies are not tested in the same way as standard medicines to see how well they work.”
Training and regulation
Osteopaths train on a degree course accredited by the General Osteopathic Council. Most courses take 3 to 4 years full time, and some can be studied part time over 4 and a half to 6 years.
Every osteopath in the UK must be registered with the GOsC, and it is against the law for anyone who is not registered to call themselves an osteopath. Osteopaths renew their registration every year.
You can check any osteopath yourself on the General Osteopathic Council register.
What an osteopath costs
- First appointment
- £65 UK average, 2024
- Follow-up
- £55 UK average, 2024
The General Osteopathic Council quotes the Institute of Osteopathy Membership Census 2024: osteopaths tend to charge around £65 for a first appointment and around £55 for follow-up sessions. That is a UK average, and prices vary by area and clinic.
Some osteopathy schools run teaching clinics with reduced rates. Agree the cost and the likely number of sessions at the start: an osteopath should never pressure you into more treatment than you need.
How Limberly checks osteopaths
Every osteopath on Limberly must be on the General Osteopathic Council register. The GOsC register is not built for automatic checks, so before an osteopath's profile goes live, one of our team searches the register by hand for their name and registration number and confirms they are registered.
Osteopaths renew every year on the anniversary of their first registration. We record each osteopath's renewal date and check the register again when it comes round. A register check confirms registration. It does not measure how good a practitioner is.
Physio, osteopath or chiropractor?
All three are regulated by law and overlap for many back, neck and joint problems. They differ in approach, in how the NHS treats them and in how you get to see one.
Warning signs by body area
Our body-area guides list the NHS self-care and the warning signs for each area. They are written about physiotherapy, and the warning signs apply whoever you plan to see.
Questions people ask about osteopaths
What does an osteopath do?
Osteopaths use hands-on techniques such as massage, stretching and moving your joints, usually alongside advice and exercise. At a first appointment they ask about your health, examine you, explain what they think is going on and ask for your consent before treating you.
Is an osteopath a doctor?
No. Osteopaths are regulated healthcare professionals, not medical doctors. They train on a degree course accredited by the General Osteopathic Council and must be registered with it to practise. For symptoms that do not go away or keep coming back, the NHS says to ask a GP for advice.
Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath?
No. The General Osteopathic Council says most patients refer themselves and a GP referral is not necessary, although it encourages you to keep your GP informed about your treatment.
Can I see an osteopath on the NHS?
Most people pay privately. The NHS lists osteopathy with complementary therapies, and osteopathy is not among the complementary therapies the NHS says it may offer. For back, neck or joint pain on the NHS, many areas let you refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy.
How much does an osteopath cost?
The General Osteopathic Council quotes a UK average of around £65 for a first appointment and around £55 for a follow-up, from the Institute of Osteopathy Membership Census 2024. Prices vary by area and clinic, and some osteopathy schools run teaching clinics with reduced rates.
Should I see an osteopath or a physio for back pain?
Both commonly see people with back pain, and so do chiropractors. NICE guidance for low back pain recommends exercise, and hands-on treatment only as part of a package that includes exercise. Many people choose on access, cost and the kind of appointment they want. Compare physios, osteopaths and chiropractors.
Is osteopathy safe?
The NHS says osteopathy may not be safe for you if you take blood thinning medicines or are at increased risk of bleeding or stroke, have bones or joints that are very weak or seriously damaged, or have a condition affecting your nerves, like peripheral neuropathy. Tell the osteopath about any health conditions and medicines.
How do I check an osteopath is registered?
Search the General Osteopathic Council register by name, town, postcode or registration number. Osteopaths renew every year, so check the entry shows they are registered now.
What should I wear to see an osteopath?
Something comfortable. You may be asked to remove or adjust some clothing so the osteopath can examine you. You should get privacy to undress and a gown or towel, and you can bring a friend or relative to stay with you throughout.
Are you an osteopath?
Registered osteopaths can list their practice on Limberly. Tell us about your practice and your GOsC registration, and we check the register before your profile goes live.
Sources
- NHS: Herbal medicines and complementary therapies page reviewed
- GOsC: What to expect at your appointment
- GOsC: Accredited training courses
- GOsC: Renewing your registration
- GOsC: Search the register
- NICE NG59: Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s
- NHS: Get NHS help for back or joint problems page reviewed
- CAP: Health: Osteopathy
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. A GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor can assess your own situation.