A comparative critique of osteopathy and physiotherapy with particular regard to the key issues of ‘osteopathy, private practice and the NHS

Julia Sokhi

Summary: In carrying out this comparative critique, I propose to explore the key issues of ‘osteopathy, private practice and the NHS’ in order to identify common ground and differences between my previous health care profession of physiotherapy with that of my current position of a soon to be qualified osteopath. This comparative critique will initially compare the history of osteopathy, together with that of physiotherapy, and demonstrate how both professions developed and evolved. Furthermore it will demonstrate how the professions have differed in their relationship with the orthodox medical establishment, and how politics and culture have influenced their professional growth. Current issues of regulation and evidence based practice which concern both osteopathy and physiotherapy and are relevant to the aforementioned key issues will also be critically evaluated. Data from a number of different published sources will be sought out and used as the platform for the critique.