Osteopaths use hands-on techniques such as touch, manipulation, stretching and massage to treat injuries, improve movement and relieve pain, and many people see one for back, neck or joint problems. Most osteopaths work privately, although some offer NHS services in some areas. By law, every osteopath practising in the UK must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
Get urgent help if...
The NHS advises you to call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain and:
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus
- changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself
- changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm
- chest pain
- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have back pain and you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell, or it is severe pain that starts suddenly or is getting worse quickly.
What an osteopath does
The NHS describes osteopathy as using massaging and stretching to treat injuries, improve movement and relieve pain. The General Osteopathic Council says osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints and relieve muscle tension.
The GOsC lists back, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, sports injuries and pain linked to arthritis among the problems people see osteopaths for. For back pain that is not getting better after a few weeks, the NHS lists manual therapy, where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back, as one possible treatment.
Is osteopathy safe for me?
The NHS says osteopathy may not be safe for you if:
- you are taking blood thinning medicines or are at increased risk of bleeding or stroke
- you have bones or joints that are very weak or seriously damaged
- you have a condition that affects your nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy
Tell the osteopath about any medical conditions, medicines or other treatments you have. The GOsC says that, as with any treatment, there can be risks, for example feeling sore after some manual techniques. Your osteopath should explain the benefits and risks so you can decide together on the right approach.
The NHS also advises asking a GP about symptoms that do not go away or keep coming back, rather than only talking to a therapist.
NHS or private
The GOsC says most osteopaths work in the private sector, but some offer services through the NHS. In some areas, doctors can refer patients to an osteopath for NHS-funded treatment. Ask your GP surgery whether this is available where you live.
Osteopathy is not one of the complementary therapies the NHS lists as treatments it may offer. For back and joint pain, the usual NHS route is physiotherapy. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without seeing a GP first.
If you go private, ask about fees, how many sessions the osteopath expects you to need, and the cancellation policy before treatment starts.
What happens at your first appointment
The GOsC says a first appointment usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Your osteopath will:
- listen and ask questions about your problem, your general health, any other medical care you are having and any medicines you take
- examine you, which may mean removing some clothing. You should be given privacy to undress, and a gown or towel. Tell the osteopath if you are uncomfortable with this
- explain what they have found, the treatment options, and the benefits and risks of the treatment they recommend
- ask your permission to treat you (consent) before they begin
You can bring a friend or relative to be with you throughout your treatment. Your osteopath may also give you self-help advice and exercises.
The GOsC says some soreness in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment is normal, and your progress should be reviewed at each visit. You are encouraged to keep your GP informed about your treatment.
How to check an osteopath is registered
The title "osteopath" is protected by law under the Osteopaths Act 1993. It is a criminal offence for anyone to claim to be any kind of osteopath unless they are registered with the GOsC. Other protected titles include osteopathic practitioner and osteopathic physician.
You can check an osteopath using the GOsC register search, by name, postcode or town. If you have a concern about an osteopath, you can raise it with the GOsC through its raising a concern process.
Find a practitioner
Our physiotherapy and musculoskeletal guide lists osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists by city.
Sources: NHS: Herbal medicines and complementary therapies | NHS: Back pain | GOsC: What is osteopathy? | GOsC: Is osteopathy safe? | GOsC: What to expect at your appointment | GOsC: NHS vs private treatment | GOsC: Protecting the title osteopath | GOsC: Register search.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice call NHS 111.