Osteopathy
Osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists are collectively known as ‘manual therapists’ and work as primary healthcare practitioners alongside doctors and dentists.
Although similar, each practice stems from independent philosophies and their treatment differs accordingly.
Currently no practitioner without a full degree qualification in their field is able to work under the name of Osteopath, Chiropractor or Chartered Physiotherapist, which are all protected by law.
Unfortunately this is not the case in the equine industry, whereby practitioners with no or relatively few qualifications such as the ‘back man’ are calling themselves equine osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists alike.
Each practitioner should have a membership number from their governing body i.e. GOsC or ACPAT and should be suitably registered and fully insured.