A comparison of contemporary osteopathic practice in Germany and in the United Kingdom

Jenny Borst                                                                            Supervisor: Martin Collins

Abstract: The hypothesis which was supported by results was that German and British osteopathy differ philosophically and practically. 195 German Diplom Osteopathie osteopaths were surveyed with a version of the General Osteopathic Council Snapshot Survey questionnaire. 77 complete replies were compared to recent data from the General Osteopathic Council. 

German osteopaths were likelier to be females working alone and have fewer years of practitioner experience. German practitioners work longer days and treat slightly more patients. Diagnoses and treatment techniques differ between countries. German osteopaths tend to diagnose visceral and cranio-sacral disturbances while British osteopaths diagnose soft-tissue injury. Cranio-sacral, visceral and functional techniques are utilised more in Germany with less high velocity thrust usage recorded. Soft-tissue stretching, joint articulation and high velocity thrusts are used by British osteopaths. More German osteopathic treatment has higher levels of personal health insurance funding while British patients most often fund themselves.

Keywords: osteopathy AND Germany; osteopathic medicine; complementary therapy; clinical practice;