History of Osteopathy - Regulated

Osteopathy is not a new treatment - it is about as old as modern medicine. It started in the 1870s in the United States and arrived in Great Britain about 70 years ago. The first school in Britain, The British School of Osteopathy, was founded in 1917 in London.

In 1993, under the Osteopaths Act, Osteopathy became the first complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory recognition. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has been set up and opened its statutory register of Osteopaths in May 1998.

The GOsC is now responsible for regulating the osteopathic profession in the UK and also for promoting and developing Osteopathy. It has been given powers by Parliament to set standards of education and conduct and to maintain a register of those entitled to practice Osteopathy.

  

Entry to the register has only been achievable by obtaining a qualification in Osteopathy recognised by the GOsC (and satisfying the registrar as to good health & character). It is illegal to call yourself an Osteopath if you are not on the register.

A searchable listing of registered Osteopaths is available on the GOsC's web site: www.osteopathy.org.uk

At all times Registered Osteopaths must follow high standards of professional conduct and behaviour. They complete a minimum of 30 hours Continuing Professional Development each year.

 

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