Combines joint manipulation, physical therapy and postural re-education to treat spinal, joint, gross motor and other difficulties. Works on bones, muscles and connective tissues.
Regulated by the General Osteopathic Council, tel: 0207 357 9955, www.osteopathy.org.uk. Find an Osteopath facility on the website. General Medical Council guidance allows GPs to make referrals to osteopaths, though whether this is available in your area depends on the local NHS commissioning authority. Most osteopathic services are currently private.
There is not currently a very large amount of strong research evidence.
Specifically for children
British School of Osteopathy, tel: 020 7089 5360, www.bso.ac.uk. Runs clinics in London, including one for children, for its students to have supervised practice.
Osteopathic Centre For Children, tel: 020 7490 5510 (London) and 0161 277 9911 (Manchester), www.occ.uk.com. Treatment for children up to 18 years, with a wide range of conditions including cerebral palsy. Free service, donations.
Duncan B et al. Parental perceptions of the therapeutic effect from osteopathic manipulation or acupuncture in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Clinical Pediatrics 2004 May;43(4):349-53.
Pringle M and Tyreman S, Study of 500 patients attending an osteopathic practice. British Journal Of General Practice 1993, vol.43 no.366, pages 15-28.
