Only physiotherapists or those with a medical diploma can be manual therapists, but anyone can call themselves osteopaths.
As opposed to the manual therapist, the osteopath attacks the areas in pain with manipulative grips, without detailed anamnesis or assessing prior medical records and having a treatment plan. Manual therapy treatment always starts with taking a detailed anamnesis which is followed by inspection, palpation, active-passive movement examination and segmental examination, all of which helps in setting up a treatment plan. It is followed by treating blocked segments, loosening and stretching soft tissues and teaching stabilizing exercises.
