The General Osteopathic Council of Great Britain (GOsC) defines Osteopathy as a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions that works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.

To an osteopath, for your body to work well, its structure must also work well. So osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body's own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

All osteopaths in the UK are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
Osteopaths are required to renew their registration each year and the GOsC provide registrants with an annual licence to practise. As part of this process they check that osteopaths have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and of good character, and have met mandatory continuing professional development requirements.