London School of Osteopathy

21/01/2026

𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞

Cranial osteopathy is often described as one of the gentlest forms of osteopathic treatment, yet it is also one of the least understood. For patients, it can raise questions about how such light touch techniques work and what conditions they are actually suited to. For students and practitioners, it represents a specialist area that builds on core osteopathic principles while requiring additional training and clinical sensitivity.

This article explains what cranial osteopathy is and how it differs from other osteopathic approaches, as well as what current evidence suggests about its potential benefits and

limitations. It also explores what happens during a typical appointment, who this form of treatment may be appropriate for and how practitioners train to work safely within this specialism.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲?

Cranial osteopathy is a form of osteopathic treatment that primarily focuses on the head, neck and the immediate surrounding area of a patient. Alongside

The defining feature of cranial osteopathy is its gentle nature. Practitioners use light touch techniques around the head to assess movement, tension and balance within the body. Rather than forceful manipulation, cranial osteopathy aims to encourage subtle changes that may help reduce strain and improve overall function.

When assessing a cranial osteopathy patient, a practitioner may look for areas of restriction, asymmetry, altered tissue quality, or changes in what is often referred to as cranial rhythmic motion. This rhythm is described within osteopathic theory as a subtle movement felt throughout the body.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲?

People seek cranial osteopathy for a variety of reasons, most commonly to support comfort, mobility and overall wellbeing rather than to address acute injury. Reported benefits may include:

- Reduced muscle tension and pain, particularly around the head, neck, and shoulders
- Improved mobility in the neck and upper spine
- Support for relaxation and nervous system regulation
- Enhanced circulation
- Improved sleep quality, which has been cited in patient-reported outcomes
- Reduced jaw tension
- Support with stress-related symptoms

While these benefits are commonly described in clinical settings and patient feedback, responses to cranial osteopathy vary between individuals. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed, and cranial osteopathy is best understood as a supportive therapy that may be used alongside other healthcare approaches rather than as a standalone treatment for medical conditions.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭?

Cranial osteopathy is not used to diagnose or cure disease. Instead, it may be offered as a complementary approach to support people experiencing certain symptoms or functional concerns. These may include:

- Headaches and migraine-related discomfort
- Neck and upper back tension
- Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia
- Postural strain

In some cases, cranial osteopathy is used alongside conventional medical care, particularly when symptoms are persistent or multifactorial. Anyone considering treatment for a diagnosed medical condition should consult their GP or specialist first.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲?

Cranial osteopathy is widely regarded as a low-risk treatment when performed by a qualified osteopath. Most people experience little to no side effects. Some patients report mild, short-lived effects such as temporary soreness, fatigue, or emotional release following a session.

These responses are generally considered part of the body adapting to treatment and typically resolve within a day or two. Serious adverse effects are rare, though treatment may not be appropriate for everyone. A full medical history should always be taken before beginning care, this is usually done during the assessment stage of your appointment.

A fully trained osteopath will have the skills to reduce the risk of these side effects and will always ensure that any risks are communicated clearly during assessment.

𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?

Cranial osteopathy remains a subject of discussion within research and healthcare and there are multiple studies that demonstrate the benefit of the treatment. Some has reported positive outcomes associated with cranial osteopathic techniques, such as reductions in pain, changes in autonomic nervous system activity, and improvements in sleep quality. A review of several randomised and observational studies noted these outcomes.

If you’re an osteopath faced with a patient who is sceptical about cranial osteopathy, it can be helpful to explain that while some clinical studies and patient-reported outcomes are promising, the treatment should be viewed as a supportive option rather than a guaranteed solution. Individual response plays a significant role, and outcomes depend on the condition, practitioner skill, and broader health context.

Uncover the full facts on osteopathic treatment.
https://www.lso.ac.uk/does-osteopathy-work-the-facts-on-osteopathic-treatment/

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect from a cranial osteopathy appointment.

𝟏. 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
The osteopath asks about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and any relevant diagnoses.

𝟐. 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

An osteopath will observe posture and movement, then use gentle palpation to check for tension, restriction, or imbalance.
Getting comfortable for treatment
Patients usually remain fully clothed and lie on a treatment table in a relaxed position.

𝟑. 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The osteopath uses light, sustained contact, often around the head, spine, and pelvis, to encourage release of tension and improve mobility.

𝟒. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬

The session typically ends with brief advice on what to expect, how to follow up the treatment (perhaps with exercises or lifestyle adjustments), and whether further appointments might be helpful.
For a complete walkthrough on what to expect in an osteopathy appointment, check out our blog.

𝟓. 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬

One of the most well-known applications of cranial osteopathy is treatment for infants. This specialist area is widely practised. About 13% of patients treated by cranial osteopaths were under one year of age. For general osteopathy, this percentage is 4%.

Cranial osteopathy for infants differs from adult treatment in both technique and intent. Touch is extremely light, and sessions are usually shorter. Osteopaths may work with babies who have feeding difficulties, unsettled behaviour, or postural preferences, often following birth interventions such as assisted delivery.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡?

Supporters of cranial osteopathy suggest that birth can place physical strain on an infant’s body, particularly if a birth involved:

Long or very rapid labour: Extended contractions or a fast delivery may place sustained or sudden pressure on a baby’s body.

Instrument-assisted delivery: Births involving forceps or ventouse can introduce additional physical strain, particularly around the head and neck.

Caesarean birth: Although caesarean delivery avoids the pressure of the birth canal, babies may still experience physical restrictions related to in-utero positioning or the surgical delivery process.

Breech or transverse positioning: Unusual positioning in the womb can contribute to muscle tightness or postural asymmetry after birth.

Cranial osteopathy may be used to gently assess and address areas of tension that could be contributing to discomfort or functional challenges. As with adults, treatment is not claimed to cure medical conditions, and parents are advised to seek medical advice for any health concerns.

To support a healthy birth for both mother and child, you can also consider osteopathic treatment during pregnancy.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡?

Cranial osteopathy is a specialist area within osteopathy, meaning practitioners must first qualify as registered osteopaths before undertaking additional training.

A typical training pathway includes:

Completing an accredited osteopathy degree (https://www.lso.ac.uk/osteopathy-degree/) or an integrated master’s programme (which usually includes some basic training in cranial osteopathy)
Registering with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
Undertaking postgraduate training in cranial osteopathy through mentoring and/or recognised professional courses
Exact requirements can vary depending on prior qualifications and location, but ongoing professional development is essential. Learn more about how to start a career in osteopathy (https://www.lso.ac.uk/a-career-in-osteopathy/).

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲

We teach the next generation of elite osteopaths. If you are interested in a rewarding, hands-on, and holistic career, explore our courses and discover what we offer when you enrol in osteopathy training.

We offer both full-time and part-time study options (https://www.lso.ac.uk/flexiblestudy/), making it possible to train in osteopathy alongside existing work or commitments. Study at LSO (https://www.lso.ac.uk/study-at-lso/) and learn from experienced practitioners who combine clinical excellence with a deep understanding of osteopathic principles.

13/01/2026

Part-Time Self-Employed Osteopath – Bucks Osteopathy & Physio Wanted!
Covering Gerrards Cross & Beaconsfield Clinics – 20/30 minutes from Marylebone

Are you looking for a part-time osteopathy role in a friendly, busy, and professionally supportive practice?

At Bucks Osteopathy & Physio, you’ll join a large, multidisciplinary team of osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors, working with cutting-edge tools including digital gait analysis and Shockwave therapy.

Unlike many osteopathic roles that focus solely on general musculoskeletal conditions, this position offers the chance to treat a broader and more specialised caseload. You’ll gain hands-on experience managing conditions not commonly seen in osteopathic practice — including tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, hip bursitis using digital gait analysis and Shockwave therapy — as well as TMJ dysfunction through manual osteopathic techniques. We also have a strong focus on pregnancy-related care and cranial osteopathy for babies, with mentoring available in these areas.

Why join us?

Strong focus on learning, growth, and mentorship in a collaborative environment
Structured support and mentoring from the clinic owner and senior team, including case discussions, clinical observation, and one-to-one technique development
Regular in-house CPD with guest speakers such as orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals
Annual CPD allowance, plus informal training and social events (including free pizza and beer!)
Work alongside experienced physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths in a warm and welcoming team culture
Uniform included
Clinics located on vibrant high streets and both just a short walk from train stations
This role covers 2–4 days per week, including one Saturday per month.

Discover more about our team and what it’s like to work with us:
https://bucksosteopathy.com/about-us/join-our-team

Please send CV and covering letter to sarah@bucksosteopathy.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

12/01/2026

01/01/2026

Happy New Year Everyone

24/12/2025

Wishing all our students and staff a very happy Christmas.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the part each of you plays in the LSO community. We hope you enjoy a well-earned break, time with those close to you, and a chance to rest as well as play 🙂.

We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.

16/12/2025

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Well done to all our weekday students for powering through exam week. A big thank you also goes out to our examiners and staff for making it all run so smoothly.

Saturday’s Christmas get-together was a real highlight. It was so good to see so many of you celebrating together. Special thanks to Matthew for the playlist. It helped with the Christmas cheer. However, a special shout-out to our Fifth Years for their final-year photo and for ramping up the vibes (they were also the first year to arrive).

Today we wrapped up the term with a fantastic online Open Event. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success. The next event is in person on 31 January 2026. Email admissions@lso.ac.uk if you would like to attend.

If you’re not in clinic over the break, we’ll see you in 2026.
Enjoy the festive season!

11/12/2025

𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝

Osteopaths treat people at all stages of life, addressing a wide range of conditions from childhood through to later adulthood, including during pregnancy. If you or your partner is expecting a baby, you may be wondering how osteopathy could help you during this special time.

While pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time, it also brings significant physical changes that can lead to discomfort and a variety of health concerns. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy can help manage these issues by easing strain, improving mobility and supporting the body’s natural adaptations. This approach not only offers relief but may also help reduce the likelihood of symptoms progressing, promoting wellbeing throughout the pregnancy.

Here’s a closer look at osteopathy during pregnancy and how it can support you in alleviating various symptoms that often arise.

𝐈𝐬 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲?
Osteopathy for pregnancy is safe, providing that it’s carried out by a suitably trained osteopath. Not only is it safe, but the facts on osteopathic treatment shows that it’s beneficial to both the mother and the baby, providing a crucial part of healthcare during a pregnancy. Because pregnancy brings physiological and anatomical changes, such as shifting hormones, altered posture, increasing weight and load on joints and muscles, your body has to adapt.

Osteopathy offers gentle, patient-centred holistic treatment that respects these changes and supports you.

All our osteopathic treatments are completely drug free, providing a natural and holistic option for supporting comfort during pregnancy. This hands-on approach focuses on easing tension, improving mobility and encouraging relaxation, offering gentle support for both mother and baby without the need for medication.

It’s important to choose an osteopath who has experience with pregnant clients and understands the specific needs of this time. Osteopathy during pregnancy is a specialist area that benefits from refined skills and tailored techniques. Always inform your practitioner that you are pregnant (and how far along you are), so they can adapt your treatment appropriately and ensure the highest level of care.

If you have special medical conditions, complications, or are under obstetric care for particular issues, check with your midwife or obstetrician that osteopathic treatment is suitable for you and discuss how it fits with your overall care plan.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲?
During pregnancy, your body can present with a high number of common complaints. Alongside the usual treatments offered in a standard osteopathy appointment, osteopathy can also help manage concerns that are more specific to pregnancy, including:

Headaches: Treatment may ease tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back, which can contribute to headaches that arise from postural changes.
Nausea: Gentle osteopathic techniques can encourage relaxation and ease physical tension, which may indirectly support those experiencing pregnancy-related nausea. While it is not a treatment for nausea itself, creating better overall comfort and reducing stress can contribute to managing symptoms more effectively.
Heartburn: By improving the mobility of the diaphragm and surrounding structures, osteopathy may help ease the pressure on your stomach and lessen reflux symptoms.
Shortness of breath or changes in breathing patterns: Releasing tension around the ribs and diaphragm can support more comfortable breathing as your body adapts.
Sciatica or nerve pain: Improving pelvic alignment and reducing mechanical strain around the lower back and hips may help ease sciatic-type symptoms that develop due to postural changes during pregnancy.
Muscle tension: Techniques that improve mobility and balance can help reduce tightness in the back, neck, hips and shoulders as your posture shifts throughout pregnancy.


By addressing how your body’s structure and function are adapting to pregnancy, an osteopath can help you feel more comfortable in all these areas, making it easier to enjoy this special time.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲
As well as helping to ease common areas of discomfort, osteopathy during pregnancy can offer wider support for your overall wellbeing as your body adapts to the demands of each trimester and prepares for birth.

Even if you’re not dealing with any of the above, here are some of the key benefits you may notice from osteopathic treatment during pregnancy:

𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲
By helping minimise stress and discomfort during pregnancy, osteopathy may contribute to a smoother delivery experience. Enhancing flexibility of the abdomen and pelvis, and improving how your body is aligned and functioning, can ease the delivery process and make it more comfortable for you.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts, your pelvis adapts and your ligaments naturally loosen in preparation for delivery. These changes can influence posture and comfort, and in some cases affect the baby’s position. Gentle osteopathic techniques may help to support pelvic alignment and offer guidance on posture and movement, helping you feel more balanced throughout pregnancy.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
Pregnancy places extra load on joints and soft tissues that aren’t used to heavy loads. Osteopathic joint mobilisation and soft-tissue techniques can improve range of motion, release muscle tension and provide deep relaxation. The result is that you may move more freely, experience less discomfort and feel more at ease.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲?
Osteopathic care can be helpful at several stages of pregnancy, particularly before and after the birth of your baby.

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲
Pre-natal osteopathy refers to osteopathic care provided during the pregnancy itself. In this phase the osteopath works with you while you’re pregnant, adapting their techniques for your changing body, supporting posture, alignment, joint and muscle health, and overall comfort. They may also advise on positions for rest, movement, and preparing for birth (e.g., pelvic mobility, hip/torso alignment) as part of your antenatal care.

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲
Osteopathic care can also be valuable after your baby is born. Your body continues to adjust following delivery, from hormonal changes to the physical demands of feeding, carrying, lifting and caring for your newborn.

Post-natal osteopathy aims to support recovery by restoring balance, easing strain on joints and soft tissues and helping you return to comfortable, confident movement. Whether you are experiencing back or hip discomfort, or simply feel less mobile than before, treatment can offer meaningful support during the post-natal period.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲?
Specialist osteopathic care for pregnancy is developed after completing undergraduate osteopathy training and registering with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Many practitioners choose to undertake additional postgraduate training or certification in areas such as women’s health, antenatal and post-natal care and manual techniques tailored to the needs of pregnant clients.

This further training helps ensure that osteopaths working with pregnant people can deliver safe, high-quality and appropriately adapted care. If you are seeking treatment during pregnancy, you are welcome to ask your osteopath about their experience and any specialist qualifications they hold to help you feel confident in your choice.

If you’re interested in becoming an osteopath to help support pregnant people, the London School of Osteopathy offers both part-time or full-time study options. As you progress through your training, you will gain the clinical skills and experience required to pursue this type of osteopathy career.

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲
If providing this area of care appeals to you, your journey begins with a strong foundation in osteopathy. At the London School of Osteopathy, you will learn in a supportive, hands-on environment and develop the core clinical skills required for registration with the General Osteopathic Council. Once qualified, you can choose to expand your expertise with further training in antenatal and post-natal care as a professional specialism.

Explore what our school offers and discover the education and training available when you study at LSO. Take the first step toward your osteopathy career today.

https://lso.ac.uk

29/11/2025

𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲: 𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫

Animal osteopathy is a unique but increasingly popular strand of osteopathic treatment with many animal owners, from farmers to pet owners, seeking a holistic form of medical treatment to keep their animals healthy.

Of all forms of animal osteopathy, equine osteopathy remains the most popular, primarily because of the demand many horses face, and how susceptible they are to injury and ailments that can impact mobility.

Here’s a deep dive into this branch of osteopathy, and details to help you better understand the steps required to become one.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲?
In essence, equine osteopathy is the application of osteopathic principles and techniques you’ll see in a regular osteopathy appointment, but applied to horses – assessing, treating and supporting the entire musculoskeletal system (and beyond) to promote greater movement, better performance, and support improved health and wellbeing.

At its heart, equine osteopathy shares the same philosophy as human osteopathy. The body’s structure influences its function, and restrictions anywhere in the system can

have ripple effects. It takes a whole-body perspective rather than simply treating the symptom or the area of pain in isolation.

For someone considering a career in animal healthcare, equine osteopathy offers a unique blend: manual therapy, working with a magnificent animal species, combining science and hands-on care, and making a real difference to performance, comfort and longevity.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭?
An equine osteopath works with a range of horses, from elite racehorses and high-level competition horses to police/service animals, leisure riders and older horses needing ongoing support. The kinds of issues they support with include:

Performance problems: When a horse is under-performing, struggling with specific gaits (for example trotting or cantering), or showing resistance during training, it may be that underlying structural or functional issues are present. Equine osteopathy can help here.

Gait irregularities: Short strides, stiffness, tracking-up problems, or uneven movement can signal biomechanical restrictions or compensations that an osteopath can address.
Behavioural changes: Issues like bucking, rearing, bolting, or showing sensitivity to saddling or grooming may have musculoskeletal or structural roots rather than purely behavioural causes, which an osteopath can investigate.
Back and joint issues: General back pain, spinal or joint dysfunction, and arthritis can occur in horses just as they do in humans, especially if working hard or ageing. This means that treatment for these issues is very sought after
Rehabilitation support: After injuries such as ligament or tendon strains, osteopathic treatment can support recovery, restore mobility and help prevent re-injury.
General health maintenance: Preventative care is increasingly valued, especially for competition horses, working horses or older companions. Regular osteopathic assessments and treatments help maintain mobility, prevent issues before they become major, and support longevity.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?
Equine osteopathy applies the core principles of osteopathic practice to the horse. This means a whole-body assessment, looking at posture, alignment, soft tissues, joints, movement patterns and mechanical relationships. The osteopath might palpate the horse, assess range of motion, observe gait and function, then use appropriate manual techniques to fix the issue. Some techniques include:

Soft-tissue massage: Addresses muscle imbalances and spasms.
Joint articulation: Uses gentle, rhythmic movements to increase joint mobility.
Myofascial release: Frees up the connective tissue surrounding muscles.
Stretching: Lengthens muscles and joint capsules.
Cranial techniques: Focuses on the subtle motions of the head to address issues throughout the body.
Joint manipulation: Applies a quick, gentle movement to a restricted joint to restore its normal motion.

𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐯𝐬. 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜
Osteopathy and chiropractic care are two disciplines that are often mentioned together, but they differ significantly in focus, methods and philosophy.

Equine osteopathy focuses on the whole-body approach, addressing joints, muscles, ligaments and even organ systems, and believes that improving overall bodily function helps resolve local problems. Techniques include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and cranial release.

Equine chiropractic, in contrast, concentrates primarily on the spine and its effect on the nervous system. Techniques tend to be quicker, directed thrusts (“adjustments”) to restore mobility to specific spinal segments.

In practice:

With equine osteopathy you might spend time freeing soft tissue restrictions, assessing whole-body movement, working with the entire musculoskeletal network.
With equine chiropractic you might focus more narrowly on vertebral alignment, spinal mobility and quick adjustments.
If you’re drawn to a holistic animal-care role that blends manual therapy, movement-analysis and longer-term performance support, then equine osteopathy is likely the better fit.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡?
Becoming an equine osteopath typically follows a structured path. In the UK, one credible route is via human osteopathy training first, because the fundamentals of movement, structure, biomechanics and manual therapy are shared.

Here’s how it generally works:

Undergraduate degree in human osteopathy: To start this process, you need to follow the path to become an osteopath. You study anatomy, physiology, pathology, osteopathic theory, manual techniques, clinical practice and professional development.
Registration and practice: After graduation, you register with the relevant body (such as the General Osteopathic Council in the UK) and gain experience working with human patients.
Post-graduate specialism in equine osteopathy: After building core competencies, you can specialise in animal or equine osteopathy through additional training, mentoring or post-graduate programmes.
Practical experience with horses: Working under supervision, gaining hands-on experience with horses in different contexts (sport, leisure, rehabilitation) is vital.
Continued professional development: Keeping skills up to date, understanding equine biomechanics, training demands and animal-specific anatomy makes you competent and credible.
In short, the route is not a quick shortcut – you’ll need to build on foundational osteopathic expertise, then apply it in the equine arena. However, if you’re passionate about animals and committed to a hands-on, specialist manual-therapy career, the journey is purposeful and fulfilling.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲?
Salaries in equine osteopathy vary widely depending on location, experience, clientele, specialisation and reputation. Because this is a specialist niche, top specialists working with high-performance sport horses or service animals may command higher remuneration than general animal-care roles. Entry or moderate level roles might earn less while building their client base, network and reputation.

While exact UK national averages for equine osteopathy are harder to pin down, many sources suggest that with the right experience and client mix, earnings can surpass over £50,000 annually, and may even outperform the standard osteopathy salary.

There’s also potential to increase earning potential by combining equine work with human clinic work or diversifying your services. In other words, equine osteopathy compares well with other osteopathy careers and presents a worthwhile choice, particularly if you have a passion for animals and movement.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of improving the quality of life and performance of horses through manual therapy, you can start your journey by attending the London School of Osteopathy. At LSO, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, flexible study options (full-time or part-time), a welcoming community and hands-on training from day one.

Whether you’re a school leaver, mature student, career-changer or animal enthusiast, take a look at our admissions requirements, attend an open day, or talk to alumni and clinic tutors, to discover how you can balance study, life and your future career.

Learn more about studying at LSO and begin your pathway to this unique form of osteopathy.

15/11/2025

LSO Open Event - Calling The Curious

Discover how osteopathy helps people move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. If you’re interested in how the body works and enjoy working directly with people find out more about osteopathy at our Online Open Event on Thursday, 20 November 2025.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Thursday 20 November
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: Noon
𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: Free to attend
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫: admissions@lso.ac.uk

https://lso.ac.uk