What can I expect on my first visit to an osteopath? At   the   first   consultation,   the   osteopath   will   compile   a   full   case history   of   your   symptoms,   as   well   as   asking   for   information about   your   lifestyle   and   diet.   The   osteopath   may   also   observe you   making   some   simple   movements   to   help   them   make   a diagnosis.   You   will   usually   be   asked   to   remove   some   clothing near the area of the body to be examined. Osteopaths   are   trained   to   examine   areas   of   the   body   using   a highly-developed    sense    of    touch,    known    as    palpation,    to determine    conditions    and    identify    the    body's    points    of weakness   or   excessive   strain.   Osteopathy   is   a   'package'   of care     that     includes     skilled     mobilising     and     manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise. The    osteopath    will    discuss    with    you    the    most    appropriate treatment    plan,    estimating    the    likely    number    of    sessions needed     to     treat     your     condition     effectively.     If     the     the osteopath   thinks   that   your   condition   is   unlikely   to   respond   to osteopathic   treatment,   you   will   be   advised   about   how   to   seek further   care.   Osteopaths   are   skilled   in   diagnostic   techniques and   trained   to   identify   when   a   patient   needs   to   be   referred   to a GP. How long do osteopathic appointments usually last? In    general,    the    first    treatment    lasts    45-60    minutes,    and subsequent     treatments     usually     30     minutes.     Your     first appointment   is   usually   slightly   longer   to   allow   for   a   full   case history to be taken. How much does treatment cost? Initial consultation and treatment: £50.00 Follow-up appointments: £45.00 Although   between   45   &   60   minutes   is   usually   allocated   for   an initial      consultation      and      30      minutes      for      subsequent treatments,   fees   are   per   appointment   which   may   take   more or less time than this. What is osteopathy? Osteopathy    is    a    primary    care    profession,    focusing    on    the diagnosis,     treatment,     prevention     and     rehabilitation     of musculoskeletal      disorders,      and      the      effects      of      these conditions on patient's general health. Using     many     of     the     diagnostic     procedures     applied     in conventional   medical   assessment,   osteopaths   seek   to   restore the   optimal   functioning   of   the   body,   where   possible   without the    use    of    drugs    or    surgery.    Osteopathy    is    based    on    the principle     that     the     body     has     the     ability     to     heal,     and osteopathic        care        focuses        on        strengthening        the musculoskeletal   systems   to   treat   existing   conditions   and   to prevent illness. Osteopaths'    patient-centred    approach    to    health    and    well- being   means   they   consider   symptoms   in   the   context   of   the patient's    full    medical    history,    as    well    as    their    lifestyle    and personal circumstances. This   holistic   approach   ensures   that   all   treatment   is   tailored   to the individual patient. What do osteopaths treat? Osteopathy      focuses      on      the      diagnosis,      management, treatment    and    prevention    of    musculoskeletal    and    other related    disorders    without    the    use    of    drugs    or    surgery. Commonly   treated   conditions   include   back   and   neck   pain, postural     problems,     sporting     injuries,     muscle     and     joint deterioration, restricted mobility and occupational ill-health. Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath? Most    patients    'self    refer'    to    an    osteopath    for    treatment. Although    referral    by    a    GP    is    not    necessary,    patients    are encouraged    to    keep    both    their    GP    and    osteopath    fully informed,    so    that    their    medical    records    are    current    and complete   and   the   patient   receives   the   best   possible   care   from both healthcare practitioners. Do GPs refer their patients to osteopaths? Yes.   GPs   refer   patients   to   osteopaths   where   they   believe   this intervention    would    be    beneficial.    Referral    guidelines    are provided   by   the   General   Medical   Council   and   British   Medical Association. How do I know if an osteopath is registered? All     osteopaths     must     be     registered     with     the     General Osteopathic    Council.    You    can    use    their    on-line    Register    to check if your health professional is currently registered. Can anyone call themselves an osteopath? The    title    'osteopath'    is    protected    by    law,    and    only    those included   on   the   UK   Statutory   Register   are   entitled   to   practise as   osteopaths.   Unregistered   practice   is   a   criminal   offence   in the UK. What training do osteopaths have? Undergraduate    students    follow    a    four    or    five-year    degree course   combining   academic   and   clinical   work.   Qualification generally   takes   the   form   of   a   bachelor’s   degree   in   osteopathy –   a   BSc(Hons),   BOst   or   BOstMed   –   or   a   masters   degree   in osteopathy   (MOst).   Many   osteopaths   continue   their   studies after graduating. Osteopaths   are   required   to   update   their   training   throughout their    working    lives.    It    is    mandatory    for    a    practitioner    to complete     at     least     30     hours     of     Continuing     Professional Development per year. Who    sets    the    standards    of    training    and    practice    for osteopaths? The    standards    of    osteopathic    training    and    practice    are maintained     and     developed     by     the     General     Osteopathic Council      (GOsC),      the      profession’s      statutory      regulator established under the Osteopaths Act 1993.