Osteopathy
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
This factsheet is for people who are planning to have osteopathy, or who would like information about it.
Osteopathy is a manual therapy mainly used for treating problems associated with bones, joints and the back. It focuses on the structure and function of the body.
Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So it's important that you follow your osteopath's advice.
- About osteopathy
- Where can I find an osteopath?
- About the procedure
- Is osteopathy effective?
- What are the risks?
- Questions and answers
- Related topics
- Further information
- Sources
About osteopathy
Osteopathy is used to diagnose, treat and prevent joint, muscle and ligament (musculoskeletal) conditions and the effects of these on a person's general health. Osteopaths believe that strengthening the musculoskeletal system helps your body to heal itself and prevent illness.
Osteopaths claim that osteopathy is holistic and doesn't just treat the symptoms of a condition. It takes into account your medical history, lifestyle and personal circumstances.
Many health problems are thought to be caused by poor posture and misalignment of muscles and joints. Osteopaths suggest that if the structure of your body is improved, the function of your body will also improve, problems will be alleviated and you will return to good health.
Osteopathy is used as a complementary treatment (one given alongside conventional treatments). It's used for several health conditions including:
- low back pain
- neck pain
- arthritis
- sports injuries
- restricted mobility
- occupational ill health
There are a range of conventional treatments for the health conditions listed. Ask your GP for advice.
There are other specialised types of osteopathy including the following.
- Cranial osteopathy is a gentle manipulative technique that focuses on your skull (cranium). Therapists claim to be able to feel a subtle, rhythmical shape change in your body tissues called the cranial rhythm. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under and gives them an insight into the overall condition of the body.
- Craniosacral therapy is similar to cranial osteopathy and includes psychological therapy.
Where can I find an osteopath?
All osteopaths are registered and regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). You can search the website or phone the organisation to find an osteopath in your area.
All GOsC-registered osteopaths must carry out at least 30 hours of learning activities each year as part of a continuing professional development programme to ensure they maintain high standards of practice.
About the procedure
In your first consultation your osteopath will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle and diet. He or she will also examine you. Osteopaths are trained to examine areas of the body using various hands-on techniques.
You may be asked to carry out movements, such as to sit, stand or walk. Some osteopaths also use X-rays and other conventional medical tests, such as blood tests, to help them make a diagnosis.
Treatment is usually carried out while you lie down in various positions. Osteopathy treatment will involve a variety of mostly gentle, manual techniques. These include massage to relax stiff muscles, stretching to help your joints become more mobile, and manipulation. Manipulation is a technique where your osteopath will use his or her hands to make short, rapid forceful movements called high-velocity thrusts to your joints. You may hear a clicking similar to knuckles being stretched, which is normal. This is the sound of gas bubbles in the fluid of your joints. Your osteopath might also give you advice on diet and exercise.
Your initial consultation with an osteopath will last about 45 minutes. If you have any further consultations, they will be shorter - usually around 30 minutes. The number of treatments you will need and how often you will need them depends on your condition. At your first treatment session, your osteopath should give you an idea of the length of treatment required.
Your osteopath might refer you to your GP if they don't think osteopathy is suitable for you.
Is osteopathy effective?
Some studies show that spinal manipulation and mobilisation techniques (carried out by osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and doctors) provide short-term relief for lower back pain. The Department of Health's report, 'The Musculoskeletal Services Framework for England' refers to osteopathy as a treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions (conditions that affect the muscles, bones and joints).
Whether osteopathy is useful for other conditions, such as migraine or tension headache is unclear - the evidence is limited. The research is often conflicting and while symptoms of some illnesses improve, the best evidence generally fails to prove that osteopathy cures illnesses. Although there is anecdotal evidence and osteopathy is accepted by many conventional medical practitioners, there is little scientific evidence to prove that it's effective. More research is needed.
What are the risks?
Side-effects are the unwanted, but mostly mild and temporary effects of a successful treatment. This can include discomfort or mild pain at the point of manipulation or tiredness, but this should disappear within a couple of days after treatment.
Complications are when problems occur during or after the treatment. A technique called spinal manipulation has been linked with severe complications, such as damage to an artery and stroke - particularly when used on the upper spine (the neck).
Osteopaths are trained to check the suitability of treatment and for other risk factors.
Related topics
Further information
- General Osteopathic Council
020 7357 6655
www.osteopathy.org.uk
Sources
- Good health in good hands: UK osteopathy today. General Osteopathic Council. www.osteopathy.org.uk, 2008
- Osteopathy: An introduction to osteopathy and the GOsC. General Osteopathic Council. www.osteopathy.org.uk, accessed 2 February 2009
- Williams NH, Hendry M, Lewis R et al. Psychological response in spinal manipulation (PRISM): a systematic review of psychological outcomes in randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2007; 15(4):271-83
- Degenhardt BF, Darmani NA, Johnson JC, et al. Role of osteopathic manipulative treatment in altering pain biomarkers: a pilot study. J Am Osteopath Assoc 2007; 107(9):387-400
- Complementary medicine: information pack for primary care groups. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, 2000
- Vernon H, Humphreys K, Hagino C. Chronic mechanical neck pain in adults treated by manual therapy: a systematic review of change scores in randomized clinical trials. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2007; 30(3):215-27
- General information on cranial osteopathy. The Sutherland Society. www.cranial.org.uk, accessed 2 February 2009
- Frequently asked questions. The Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK. www.craniosacral.co.uk, accessed 2 February 2009
- The Musculoskeletal Services Framework. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, 2006
- Ernst E, Canter PH. A systematic review of systematic reviews of spinal manipulation. J R Soc Med 2006; 99:192-6
- Osteopathy (manipulation therapy). Cancer Research UK. www.cancerresearchuk.org, accessed 2 February 2009
- Ernst E. Adverse effects of spinal manipulation: a systematic review. J R Soc Med 2007; 100:330-8
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009
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