Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine established by A.T. Still in the late 19th century. It has developed into a system of clinical practice as per the following:

• Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and treatment.
• It considers the importance of the musculoskeletal system to overall health.
• It respects the interconnections within the body and takes into account the person’s experiences and lifestyle.
• Treatment is gentle, safe and non invasive.
• The aim of treatment is to alleviate pain and distress, to restore normal function and to prevent recurrence.
• Osteopaths are regulated by law as primary health care practitioners.

In the UK, patients visiting an osteopath have the same rights as any patient visiting a doctor or dentist. The General Osteopathic Council regulates and develops the profession, maintaining a Statutory Register of those entitled to practice. Only practitioners meeting the academic criteria and the high standards of safety and competency are allowed to register. In addition, professional indemnity insurance cover is required for registration.