Osteopathy is a holistic system of diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions including (but not exclusively limited to) those causing musculoskeletal morbidity. The Institute of Osteopathy is the professional membership organisation for osteopaths in the UK. Representing approximately 70% of osteopaths registered to practice in the UK, the Institute of Osteopathy endeavours to support its members and promote the profession through research, lobbying and communication. The iO works closely with the National Council of Osteopathic Research (NCOR) to gather data to support the efficacy of osteopathy.
To qualify, an osteopath must study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine and includes more than 1,000 hours of training in osteopathic techniques. By law, osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). This gives an osteopath similar status to that of a doctor or dentist and guarantees the patient equivalently high levels of care. It is an offence for anyone to call themselves an osteopath if they are not registered. The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.
