One of the most common questions we get asked is “what is the difference between an osteopath and a physiotherapist?” In this blog, we set out to answer this common question.
What are the similarities between an osteopath and a physiotherapist?
To begin with let’s point out the similarities between an osteopath and a physiotherapist.
They are both recognised by NHS England as allied health professionals and are regulated by law either by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They are both manual therapists who are able to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal complaints. Both osteopaths and physiotherapists offer treatment and prescribe exercises to help with recovery.
What are the differences between an osteopath and a physiotherapist?
One of the main differences between an osteopath and a physiotherapist is the study it takes to qualify as their respected profession. Osteopathy degrees tend to be a minimum of 4 years, whilst physiotherapy degrees tend to be over 3 years. Both Osteopaths and physiotherapists have to complete a minimum of clinical contact hours. Within a physiotherapy degree, this is predominantly within an NHS setting, allowing physiotherapists to specialise in different medical departments, e.g. respiratory physiotherapy, or neurological physiotherapy. Whilst an osteopathy degree has a mixture of private and NHS clinical contact hours. For example, during my studies at Swansea University, I was based at the Swansea University Health and Wellbeing Academy as well as the NHS Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board. This allowed me to gain experience in treating people of all ages and backgrounds.
Once qualified the majority of physiotherapists continue to work within the NHS. Whilst access to osteopathy through the NHS is currently limited, certainly within the Billericay area. The benefits of osteopaths working in private practice are:
- booking an appointment is fast and easy, with flexible appointment options which do not require a referral from a GP.
- Patients can be seen, assessed, and begin treatment, if needed, in your first appointment.
- Practitioners will give you confidence in your diagnosis and treatment, helping you to get better fast!
- Your osteopath keeps to appointment times, keeping excellent time management and, if follow-up sessions are necessary, they can be scheduled promptly with the same practitioner, with a treatment plan that is most effective for you.
Osteopath or Physiotherapist – who should get to treat you?
In short, we say to our patients to find an osteopath or physiotherapist that you trust. By giving you confidence in them as a practitioner, in their diagnosis and in their treatment. If you say yes to these, they are the right osteopath or physiotherapist for you!
At Body Beliefs, we pride ourselves on “exceeding expectations“, as evidenced by the glowing 5-star reviews from our satisfied patients on platforms such as Google Reviews and Facebook. To schedule an appointment, please book online or call 01277 676 676.
