Osteopathy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about osteopathy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can my child have osteopathy?
- How much does osteopathy cost?
- Can sportspeople benefit from osteopathy treatment?
Can my child have osteopathy?
Yes, children can have osteopathy but there is little evidence to suggest that it will be helpful.
Explanation
Children of any age can be treated with osteopathy. Osteopaths believe that treatment should begin before your child is five, as many of the problems that babies and children have are caused before, during and immediately after birth. They also believe that osteopathy can help to prevent problems with growth and development. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support these claims.
Osteopaths claim osteopathy is useful for several health problems that can occur during childhood including:
- ear infections
- sinus and dental problems
- headaches
- asthma
- behavioural problems
- learning difficulties
- sports injuries
Even though children often have osteopathy and there is anecdotal evidence to suggest it works, there is little scientific evidence to prove that it's effective.
If you decide for your child to have osteopathy, your osteopath will examine any problems that are related to your child's growth. The osteopath can offer your child advice on his or her posture and give exercises that may help to prevent the problems getting worse in later life.
Further information
- General Osteopathic Council
0207 357 6655
www.osteopathy.org.uk - British Osteopathic Association
01582 488455
www.osteopathy.org
Sources
- Ernst E, Canter PH. A systematic review of systematic reviews of spinal manipulation. J R Soc Med 2006; 99:192-96
- Osteopathy: babies and children. General Osteopathic Council. www.osteopathy.org.uk, accessed 2 February 2009
- Children and teenagers. British Osteopathic Association. www.osteopathy.org, accessed 2 February 2009
How much does osteopathy cost?
There is no fixed price for osteopathy treatment and the cost varies across the UK. Typically a 30 minute treatment session can cost between £35 and £50.
Explanation
The cost of osteopathy treatment will depend on the number of sessions you have. The location of the practice will also affect the cost.
Most people have a course of two to six treatment sessions, but this depends on the severity of the problem. At your first appointment, your osteopath should give you an idea of the number of treatment sessions you will need.
Speak to your GP if you're considering having osteopathy.
Further information
- General Osteopathic Council
0207 357 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
Can sportspeople benefit from osteopathy treatment?
Some people use osteopathy to improve their sporting performance and care for common sports injuries. However, even though osteopathy is often used by sportspeople, there is insufficient evidence to show that it's effective.
Explanation
Injuries are common in sport. According to the British Osteopathic Association, many people develop injuries as a result of using equipment incorrectly and not warming up before or cooling down after exercise. Repetitive movements in sport can lead to overuse injuries.
According to the General Osteopathic Council osteopathy is used for several sporting complaints including:
- lower back pain
- muscle and ligament damage
- knee pain
- shoulder, elbow and wrist injury
- foot and ankle complaints
- reduced joint flexibility
It's important to remember that although osteopathy is accepted by many conventional medical practitioners, there is still little scientific evidence to show its effectiveness in treating sporting complaints.
There have been several studies that suggest osteopathy provides short-term relief from lower back pain.
Osteopaths use a range of techniques to improve joint mobility and restore structural balance. Osteopaths believe that this helps to improve movement of the joints and enhance sporting performance. Osteopaths also treat people who don't have injuries but want to keep supple and improve muscle tone to reduce their risk of injury.
Further information
- General Osteopathic Council
0207 357 6655
www.osteopathy.org.uk - British Osteopathic Association
01582 488455
www.osteopathy.org
Sources
- Good health in good hands: UK osteopathy today. General Osteopathic Council. www.osteopathy.org.uk, 2008
- Sports injuries. British Osteopathic Association. www.osteopathy.org, www.osteopathy.org, accessed 3 February 2009
- Osteopathy: sports. General Osteopathic Council. www.osteopathy.org.uk, accessed 3 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.ukwww.dh.gov.uk, 2000
Related topics
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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