Osteopathy is one of only two complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) that are regulated under UK law. The other is chiropractic.

This regulation works in much the same way as regulation for medical doctors.

Regulation

Under the terms of the Osteopaths Act 1993, only people registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) can practise osteopathy and call themselves osteopaths.

The GOsC will only accept registration from practitioners who have a qualification in osteopathy that is recognised by the GOsC and who comply with their standards of practice.

If you use an osteopath and they do not adhere to this standard of practice, you can complain to the GOsC. It has a duty to investigate the complaint.

The GOsC has a register of osteopaths, which you can use to find one in your local area.

Regulation aims to protect patient safety, but it does not mean there is scientific evidence that a treatment is effective.

Safety

Osteopathy is generally regarded as a safe treatment, although you may experience minor side effects such as:

• mild to moderate soreness or pain in the treatment area
• headache
• fatigue

These effects usually develop within a few hours of a session and typically get better on their own within a day or two.

Serious complications that have been linked to therapies involving spinal manipulation – including osteopathy – include tearing of an artery wall leading to a stroke, which can result in permanent disability or even death. These events usually occurred after spinal manipulation involving the neck.

These more serious complications of spinal manipulation are rare. Estimates of the rates of serious complications range widely, from one in several thousand to one in several million.

Special cautions

Osteopathy is not recommended where there is an increased risk of damage to the spine or other bones, ligaments, joints or nerves.

Therefore, people with certain health conditions may not be able to have osteopathy. These conditions include:

• osteoporosis
• fractures
• acute inflammatory conditions
• blood clotting disorders such as haemophilia
• cancer 

Osteopathy is also not recommended if you are taking blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin.