Do you need a referral for osteopathy?

An osteopath should ask about your symptoms, daily activities, previous injuries, medicines, and medical conditions before examining movement and function. Treatment may include hands-on techniques, advice, and exercises. The first assessment is also a chance to decide whether osteopathy is appropriate or whether another clinician should investigate the problem.

Call the practice and ask whether it accepts self-referrals, what qualifications the practitioner holds, and what information to bring. If you are using a health plan, ask whether a referral or pre-authorisation is required before the visit. Tell the practitioner about osteoporosis, recent surgery, serious illness, unexplained weight change, fever, or neurological symptoms so the assessment can be planned safely.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden weakness, new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, severe pain after trauma, or fever with severe back or neck pain. Do not delay medical evaluation while arranging manual treatment when these warning signs are present.

Ask whether osteopathy matches the suspected problem, what treatment will be used, how discomfort will be handled, what home advice is expected, and when you should seek a different assessment.