London School of Osteopathy

29/07/2025

𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻

Whether you're finishing your A-levels or thinking about retraining as a mature student, the London School of Osteopathy is now accepting applications for our MOst Osteopathy course through Clearing.

You can apply now through our Clearing partner, ARU. Just follow this link to start your application:
https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/clearing

At the LSO, we offer:
* Full-time study for A-level school leavers
* A supportive learning environment for mature students
* Flexible part-time options for those already working in healthcare or related fields

If you're interested in studying part-time, visit our website to complete the application form or get in touch with us at admissions@lso.ac.uk.

Join a community that’s passionate about helping others through osteopathy. Apply today and begin your journey this September.

https://youtube.com/shorts/o7vfE6lfoNU?feature=share

Whether you're finishing your A-levels or thinking about retraining as a mature student, the London School of Osteopathy is now accepting applications for ou...

29/07/2025

Building careers, transforming lives.

The London School of Osteopathy has been welcoming students from the UK and beyond for over 70 years.

At LSO, we offer a flexible and supportive environment so you can shape your education around your life. Our osteopathy degree's offer:

✅ Flexible part-time weekend training
✅ The option to study alongside full-time students with part-time weekday pathways
✅ Small, friendly class sizes
✅ Hands-on training in clinic right from the start
✅ Up to £400 Learning Resource Bursary each year

So what are you waiting for? If you're considering your options, our courses could be the perfect fit:
👉 Change careers and build a future in healthcare
👉 Study while balancing work, family, or other commitments
👉 Gain real clinical skills in a supportive, inclusive environment

📌 Applications now open for September 2025 - take the next step today. Visit lso.ac.uk

24/07/2025

Feeling like your current course isn't giving you what you need? You deserve a program that truly supports your goals.

Many of our students started their osteopathy journey at other institutions but found they were missing the hands-on clinical training, focused content, and personalised support they needed to succeed.

At LSO, we specialise in osteopathy. Our students benefit from:
✅ Early, real-world clinical experience
✅ Small class sizes and personalised mentoring
✅ Practical skills that prepare you for life as a registered osteopath

If you’re ready for a course that offers more - more support, more practice, and more confidence - discover what makes LSO different.

📌 Applications now open for Sept 2025 intake. Visit our website to learn more: lso.ac.uk

22/07/2025

Meet Jenny Davy - one of our inspiring LSO alumni.

Jenny joined the London School of Osteopathy after a longstanding back injury from her career in dance led her to discover the power of osteopathic care. That life changing experience sparked a new passion and a new career.

Since graduating from LSO, Jenny has built a successful practice in Shoreham and worked in a variety of roles.

Jenny’s story reminds us that sometimes, setbacks can set us on the path to something even greater.

👉 If you've studied with us we'd love to hear about your journey since graduating and all you've achieved.

Get in touch to share your story at info@lso.ac.uk and help inspire the next generation.

16/07/2025

Want to join a university that’s all about learning, not nightlife?

LSO offers small class sizes, personalised mentoring, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your academic goals.

Here, you’ll be empowered to focus on what truly matters - your education and future success.

Join a university where your education comes first. Explore our courses today: https://lso.ac.uk/study-at-lso/

15/07/2025

𝟏𝟎 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝

Osteopathy is a well established form of healthcare in the UK, but it’s often misunderstood. Whether it’s confusion over qualifications or the scope of what osteopaths can treat, myths can easily cloud people’s perception. So let’s set the record straight. Here are 10 Osteopathy Myths in the UK and the truth behind each one.

𝟏. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬

Osteopaths in the UK are fully qualified and regulated healthcare professionals. They are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), a statutory body set up under the Osteopaths Act 1993, and are one of the Allied Health Professions. Osteopaths are trained to assess, diagnose and treat patients independently. To practise, an osteopath must complete a GOsC Recognised Qualification – usually an MOst or BOst degree, which takes 3.5 to 4 years on a full-time basis (longer if studying part-time), including at least 1000 hours of clinical training.

𝟐. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧

While osteopaths are well known for helping people with back pain, their scope is much broader. They treat a range of musculoskeletal issues, including:

- Neck and shoulder pain
- Hip and knee problems
- Headaches (of musculoskeletal origin)
- Arthritis-related pain
- Sports injuries
- Postural imbalances
- Repetitive strain injuries

Despite the myth, osteopaths take a whole-body approach, often addressing areas that may be contributing to symptoms elsewhere. Infact osteopaths treat the person not the condition, and seek to influence overall health via the musculoskeletal and associated neurological and circulatory systems.

𝟑. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜

Although they both use manual therapy and can treat musculoskeletal conditions, osteopathy and chiropractic care are distinct professions. The main differences include:

Training focus: Chiropractors often focus more on spinal alignment and the nervous system, whereas osteopaths look at how the entire body functions together including joints, muscles, circulation and posture.
Treatment style: Chiropractors often use spinal manipulation as a core technique, while osteopaths use a wider variety of methods such as soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, balancing techniques and lifestyle advice (including exercise).

𝟒. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝

Modern osteopathy is increasingly informed by evidence and continues to evolve with new research. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends manual therapy – including osteopathy – as part of a treatment plan for conditions such as chronic lower back pain.

Osteopaths also undergo training in evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning.

𝟓. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

Ethical osteopaths do not claim to cure illnesses like cancer or mental illnesses. Their role is to support the body’s natural function and reduce strain or tension that may be contributing to symptoms or secondary issues.

For example, osteopaths may help ease musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy, reduce tension headaches or support recovery after injury – but will refer a patient to a GP if the condition is outside of their scope.

𝟔. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬

The “crack” (the technical term being a “high velocity thrust” technique), is just one of the many tools an osteopath may use – but contrary to the myth, some osteopaths choose to not use it at all.

Osteopathy encompasses a wide range of techniques, including:

- Soft tissue massage
- Joint mobilisation
- Stretching
- Muscle energy techniques
- Gentle balancing, fascial or listening techniques
- Postural and breathing correction
- Exercise and rehabilitation plans

An osteopath’s treatment is always tailored to the individual and their comfort level.

𝟕. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬

Osteopathy is considered a very safe form of treatment, especially when performed by a registered osteopath.

Like all medical interventions, there are small risks with manual therapy (such as soreness or mild bruising), but serious complications are extremely rare. Osteopaths are trained to take a full medical history, screen for red flags and modify or avoid treatment when risks are present.

𝟖. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐆𝐏 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡

You do not need a GP referral to see an osteopath. Osteopaths are primary healthcare professionals, which means a patient can go and see an osteopath without another healthcare practitioner being involved.

𝟗. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Many health insurance providers do cover osteopathic treatment. You need to check their process, as they may need to pre-authorise, and may require a GP appointment first.

𝟏𝟎. 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬

Osteopaths are trained to treat people of all ages. Some osteopaths have additional training in paediatric or cranial osteopathy, which uses very gentle techniques suitable for newborn babies and infants.

Osteopaths can also help with:

- Pregnancy-related pain
- Infant feeding and sleep issues
- Postural development in children
- Age-related mobility issues in older adults

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐒𝐎

Osteopathy is a versatile and patient-centred healthcare profession. Now you know the truth behind these 10 osteopathy myths, why not discover how you can become job ready on graduation with our hands-on, practical course that translates directly into your new osteopathic career. To find out more, discover our college or find out about our various flexible osteopathy study pathways to suit you.

Find out more at https://lso.ac.uk

14/07/2025

Looking for meaningful work?

Osteopathy combines science, care, and hands-on practice - and LSO prepares you to make a difference from day one.

Whether you’re looking for a career change, expanding your healthcare skills, or just getting started - LSO can help you turn passion into purpose.

Swipe through to see how you can build a rewarding career in osteopathy.

📌 Applications now open for September 2025 intake. Visit our website to apply today: lso.ac.uk

11/07/2025

Our Open Events and online information sessions are the perfect opportunity to find out more about how you can become a registered osteopath.

If you would like to arrange an in-person visit to our college, please email info@lso.ac.uk - we look forward to seeing you there!

Upcoming Open Events:
Tuesday 15th July at 3pm - In person
Tuesday 5th August at 12 noon - Online
Tuesday 26th August at 3pm - In person

Register your place at LSO next open day and explore your future options.
https://lso.ac.uk/open-events-2/

09/07/2025

Thinking of a career in healthcare but balancing work, family, or other commitments?

At LSO, our flexible MOst and BOst degrees are designed for people like you. Whether you're a busy parent, a part-time worker, or looking for a career change, our flexible study pathways are designed for those looking to train as osteopaths without putting life on hold.

✅ Study full-time or part-time
✅ Weekend and weekday options
✅ Hands-on, practical learning from day one

Start your journey today. Reach out to us to learn more about how you can take the next steps towards your career in osteopathy!

04/07/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐧 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡?

If you’re considering a career in healthcare – and a role where you can make a huge difference in the health and wellbeing of your patients – osteopathy could be the perfect path.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲?

Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to addressing a wide range of health issues. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses solely on treating symptoms in isolation, osteopathy considers the body as a unified system, addressing the root causes of illness to promote overall well-being.

Osteopathy is a hands-on, patient-focused profession built on the principles of holistic health. This means that trained osteopaths look at the body as a whole, including their lifestyle, habits and overall physical health.

As a growing field, and one that’s recognised as an Allied Health Profession (AHP) by the NHS, osteopathy is an immensely satisfying, rewarding and stable career.

If you’re ready to find out more, read on to learn about some of the most important skills needed to become a successful osteopath.

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

These two skills are necessary in almost all professions, but in healthcare it’s particularly important to be able to communicate as clearly and compassionately as possible. You’ll work closely with people from a huge range of backgrounds, often at vulnerable moments in their lives. Being able to listen with empathy, understand their concerns, and explain treatment plans clearly is so important.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠

Another skill that’s hugely important in the field of osteopathy is problem solving.

As an osteopath, at times you will be working as a ‘pain detective’. You’ll need to analyse symptoms, identify patterns, and determine the root causes of pain or dysfunction – which often lie far from where the patient is experiencing discomfort.

That’s why osteopathy training is more than anatomy and physiology; it’s about developing your problem solving skills, and ability to think critically and holistically.

At the London School of Osteopathy (LSO), our study pathways are designed to challenge and refine your diagnostic skills, giving you the confidence to make sound clinical judgments.

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Starting with study skills, you will begin your learning journey being informed about the process of learning. Techniques to self-audit, including reflective practice, ensure that you accelerate your progress, and can take control of your professional development. This ultimately leads to your goal of becoming an autonomous practitioner.

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲

Osteopathy is a hands-on profession. Through an osteopathy degree, you’ll need the coordination and dexterity to perform physical manipulations and techniques safely and effectively. The role can sometimes be physically demanding. You’ll be standing, moving, and using your hands for a lot of the day.

With hundreds of hours of practical training built into both the BOst and MOst degree pathways, LSO ensures that you build the dexterity, control, and precision needed to treat patients with confidence.

𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞

If you don’t have a background in human biology before you start your osteopathy degree, don’t worry. Once you finish your degree, you’ll be leaving with a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, clinical pathology, differential diagnosis, psychosocial and nutritional factors, and research studies alongside your osteopathic training.

Understanding how the body works as a whole forms the backbone of osteopathic practice, so your degree will give you an extensive range of necessary medical knowledge.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲

Are you intrigued about becoming an osteopath?

An Osteopathy degree takes between 3.5 and 4 years to complete on a full-time basis. However, you can also study with the London School of Osteopathy on a flexible and part-time basis, which will take 5 years to complete.

Whether you’re changing careers, or just starting out, we welcome students from all walks of life. With hands-on learning and patient interaction, our college offers the ideal environment for you to grow both personally and professionally. If you want to find out more about becoming an osteopath, or want to speak to our team about what our degrees entail, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

https://lso.ac.uk

28/06/2025

Thinking about a career in osteopathy? Our latest blog outlines the key skills you’ll need to succeed in this dynamic and patient-focused profession. From communication and problem-solving to practical ability, we explain what it takes to train and work as an osteopath.

If you're considering applying or want to learn more, we’re holding an in-person Open Event at 3pm on Tuesday 15 July at the London School of Osteopathy in Bermondsey. It’s a great opportunity to tour the school and get your questions answered.

All are welcome but spaces are limited. Please register by emailing admissions@lso.ac.uk. In the meantime, read the blog here: https://lso.ac.uk/what-skills-are-needed-to-become-an-osteopath/