Osteopathy

Is a gentle, safe and non-invasive hands on system of healthcare that has been practised for over a century. Osteopathy recognises that the body has its own self-regulating, self-healing mechanism that is constantly acting to maintain our bodies’ health and wellness. Our body’s are always compensating for our anomalies, lifestyles, and ways of living in the world, and sometimes things breakdown and we experience pain. At Osteopathy Letchworth, our osteopaths will assess your individual situation, and act to help your body return to self-healing by identifying and removing the obstacles to health.

Osteopaths

Osteopaths are healthcare professionals that are trained to use their hands considerately, and with care, to treat a patients’ symptoms. Osteopaths recognise that each individual, their particular lifestyle and that their presenting condition is unique. They keep this in mind when assessing, treating, and providing postural, work, home and exercise advice. There are many types of osteopathic techniques that are taught during training and the osteopath may use one or two, or a combination of them in order to help a person’s condition. All are non-invasive and designed to improve the function of our body and help restore health and wellness.

Osteopathic Regulation

In 1993, legislation was passed by parliament to award Osteopathy statutory regulation under the Osteopaths Act 1993. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) was established to govern the professional education, training, conduct, and continuing professional development of all Osteopaths in the UK. Anybody calling themselves an Osteopath must be registered with GOsC. All osteopaths working at Osteopathy Letchworth are registered with the GOsC.

Osteopathic Training

Osteopathic training is four years full time and 5 years part time. The Schools and Colleges of Osteopathy are regulated by the governing body the GOsC to ensure a high standard of graduates. All modern courses are either Bachelors or Masters level, and since 2011 a Professional Doctorate is available to study at The University College of Osteopathy (previously known as The British School of Osteopathy).