Finding a good osteopath can be a daunting task, but with a little research, you can be sure to find one that will meet your needs. An osteopath is an Allied Health Professional that focuses on the relationship between the structure of the body and the way it functions. A good osteopath will work with you to understand the root cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying issues, rather than treating the symptoms.

Here are some tips on how to find a good osteopath:

  1. Check for credentials: Make sure the osteopath you are considering is registered by law, an osteopath must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practise in the UK. Here are our GOsC registrations. Osteopaths are regulated by law and recognised as an allied health profession by NHS England. This gives them a similar status to dentists or physiotherapists and guarantees an equivalent high level of care. Before an osteopath can obtain registration, they must attain specialist degree-level training, either a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) or integrated Masters (MOst.), plus complete over 1000 hours of clinical placements (direct patient contact time). To maintain their registration with GOsC, which is renewed annually, osteopaths must meet mandatory continuous professional development (CPD): keeping skills and knowledge up-to-date and maintaining high standards of professional development.
  2. Look for experience: A good osteopath should have experience treating a variety of conditions, including the one you are seeking treatment for. Osteopaths commonly help with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, knees, hips, shoulders and much more!
  3. Get referrals: Ask your friends or family members if they know a good osteopath, a large proportion, over 40%, of our new patients hear about us through a recommendation from their friends or family. Even use local community Facebook pages. We are fortunate to receive many tags recommending us on Community pages including The Billericay Discussion Page when asking for a good osteopath.
  4. Look online: Many osteopaths have websites where you can find information about their qualifications, experience, and services. Hopefully, you’ve had a chance to read through our website, our services, what we treat, and some of our other blogs.
  5. Check for reviews: Read online reviews from other patients who have seen the osteopath you’re considering. These can provide valuable insight into the osteopath’s approach, communication, and results. As well as how satisfied patients are with their treatment. We are proud to have over a hundred reviews on our Google and Facebook Reviews.

It’s important to remember that finding a good osteopath is a process. You’ll be working closely with your osteopath, so it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable communicating with and who listens to your concerns. A good osteopath will take the time to understand your symptoms and answer any questions you may have. It’s okay to try different practitioners until you find one that you feel comfortable with and who can effectively address your needs. But hopefully if with a little research you will make the right choice for you.

To achieve our vision “to exceed expectations“, we at Body Beliefs stand by 12 ‘coat of arms’. The following five we think are integral to being a good osteopath:

  1. We will be honest & truthful. Honesty is the heart of our philosophy.
  2. We will listen. Two ears, one mouth. Allow the opportunity to speak & share experiences. Excellent Listener.
  3. We will always be clear – clarity = writing it down – being able to see it. Fantastic communicator.  
  4. We will always look to improve ourselves and our knowledge, being an active learner & teachable by reading books, attending courses and living life purposefully. Be Better!
  5. We will act with integrity. Do what you say you are going to do – if not inform in a timely manner. Being congruent in everything we do.

If you’ve read this blog and feel we would be a good osteopath for you, we would be happy to help! To schedule an appointment, please book online or call 01277 676 676.