Osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor? The differences

An osteopath is a regulated healthcare professional who assesses how your muscles, joints and nerves are working and helps with problems such as back, neck and joint pain, using hands-on techniques, exercise and advice. At my clinic that means a 45-minute appointment: your story, an examination, an explanation, treatment if it’s appropriate and you agree, and a plan. I can’t promise results, and I’ll tell you if I think you need to be seen elsewhere instead.

• Osteopaths are regulated by law by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). You can check any osteopath on the GOsC register. I’m registered, no. 11480.
• Chiropractors are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
• Physiotherapists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

“Physiotherapist” and “osteopath” are protected titles in the UK, as is “chiropractor”. Always check the register.

All three assess how you move, may use hands-on techniques, and give exercise and self-management advice. Many people see more than one over the years, and all three work in NHS and private settings.

• Osteopathy is a hands-on profession, using techniques such as soft-tissue work, stretching, joint articulation and manipulation, alongside exercise and advice. In my clinic, appointments are 45 minutes and include a rehab plan.
• Physiotherapy covers a wide range of settings (including hospital, neurological and respiratory care as well as musculoskeletal problems) and often leans on exercise-based rehabilitation.
• Chiropractic focuses on the spine and joints and often uses manipulation.

These are generalisations: the way a practitioner works varies more than the title does.

Ask: Are they on the register? Do they explain what they think is going on and what the options are? Do they ask for your consent and respect a “no”? Are fees clear? Do they say when you need further investigation or a referral? A good practitioner of any of the three will.

Your first appointment is 45 minutes for £60: your story, an examination, an explanation, treatment if appropriate and you agree, and a plan with exercise videos. A free 15-minute consultation in person, and a free 15-minute telehealth call, are available first. Pay as you go. Book online · 01256 578137

Most people feel fine afterwards. Some notice soreness, tiredness or a headache for a day or two. Serious complications are rare. I’ll explain the risks and benefits before I treat you and ask for your consent.

According to the National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR), in a study of osteopathy patients 10 to 20% reported an increase in pain or symptoms in the days after treatment, most commonly after a first appointment, and most muscle soreness, aching and headache after treatment had settled within 24 hours. NCOR’s best estimate is that a serious patient incident (a reaction needing urgent hospital care or causing long-term harm) happens about once in every 36,079 osteopathic treatments, and that these are not all linked to spinal manipulation. NCOR also notes that the evidence suggests patient incidents do occur in manual therapy, including osteopathy, but they are very rare. Please don’t stop or change any medicine without medical advice. Source: NCOR, Risk and Patient Incidents.

It depends on you and your problem. I’ll give you an honest idea at your first visit and won’t book more than you need. If things haven’t moved after a few appointments, we’ll review together, which may mean imaging or another opinion.

No. Some insurers ask for one before they pay (I’m recognised by AXA Health, Aviva, WPA, Vitality, Allianz, Medicash and Cigna, and some insurers can be billed directly).

As on the conditions page: call 999 or go to A&E for pain with numbness or weakness in both legs, bladder or bowel changes, loss of feeling around your genitals, chest pain, or pain after a serious accident. For anything else that worries you, call me on 01256 578137 and I’ll talk it through. I will tell you if I think you need urgent medical care.