Commonly Asked Questions

Yes. Osteopathy is a regulated healthcare profession in the UK. 

All practising osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which was established by Parliament to protect patient safety and maintain professional standards. 

Registered osteopaths are required to: 

• Meet strict professional and ethical standards 

• Complete ongoing professional development 

• Maintain professional insurance 

• Keep their clinical knowledge and skills up to date.

You can check whether an osteopath is registered on the GOsC register. 

No. The title “Osteopath” is protected by law in the UK, and only practitioners registered with the General Osteopathic Council may legally use the title. 

Osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors are all highly trained and regulated healthcare professionals who treat musculoskeletal conditions. 

There is often overlap between the professions, including hands-on treatment, rehabilitation, exercise advice and education. However, each profession has its own philosophy and treatment approach. 

The most important factor is finding a practitioner who listens carefully, explains things clearly and helps you feel comfortable and supported in your care. 

Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle and specialised approach used by fully qualified and Registered Osteopaths who have completed additional postgraduate training. 

Cranial Osteopathy is a specialised area of osteopathic practice that requires extensive additional postgraduate training beyond an osteopath’s general qualification. It uses a gentle, refined hands-on approach to assess and support the body’s natural balance, mobility and ability to adapt to strain and tension. Although the treatment is subtle, many patients find it deeply relaxing and beneficial for a wide range of issues including stress-related tension, headaches, jaw tension, pregnancy-related discomfort, unsettled babies, and persistent or complex musculoskeletal problems. Cranial Osteopathy is always unique to the individual and can be suitable for people of all ages, from newborn babies to older adults. 

Cranial Osteopathy and Craniosacral therapy are both gentle, non-invasive approaches that focus on holistic healing. Understanding the nuances between these two approaches can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and wellness. Craniosacral Therapy emerged from Osteopathy. However, practitioners of Cranial Osteopathy and Craniosacral therapy undergo significantly different training and regulation. 

Cranial Osteopaths are fully qualified, regulated and Registered Osteopaths who have completed additional, specialised postgraduate training in the Cranial field. Craniosacral Therapists may come from a variety of training backgrounds and are not regulated in the UK. 

Both approach’s are working to the same aim - to support the body’s natural ability to heal and self-regulate through gentle, hands-on treatment, with a focus on improving balance, reducing tension and promoting overall wellbeing. 

Osteopaths are highly trained, primary healthcare professionals who complete a minimum of four years of degree-level training, including extensive study in: 

• Anatomy 

• Physiology 

• Biomechanics 

• neurology 

• Pathology 

• Clinical diagnosis 

Training also includes hundreds of hours of clinical practice treating patients supervised by highly experienced Osteopathic tutors. 

Many osteopaths continue postgraduate training in specialist areas such as: 

• Sports injuries 

• Pregnancy care 

• Paediatrics 

• Cranial osteopathy