Did you know that both the chiropractic and osteopathic professions are regulated by law? And as part of that regulation, chiropractors and osteopaths in the UK are required to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) each year in order to remain at the forefront of the latest research, techniques and developments in their respective professions?
What is CPD — and why is it so important?
CPD is ongoing learning that every UK-registered chiropractor and osteopath must complete to stay up to date with current research, techniques, safety guidelines, and best clinical practice. Healthcare knowledge doesn’t stand still – new research emerges, improved treatment approaches develop, and safety recommendations evolve.
CPD ensures that practitioners don’t stay frozen in time. Instead, they continually refine their skills and keep their clinical thinking sharp, modern, and evidence-informed.
How CPD benefits patients
By committing to ongoing learning, practitioners ensure that their skills, knowledge, and clinical judgment stay fresh, evidence-informed, and aligned with best practice. This not only strengthens professional standards, and ensures practitioners remain competent throughout their careers, but also benefits patients in the following ways:
- You receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment – Your practitioner stays refreshed on the latest research, guidelines, and manual therapy approaches – not outdated techniques.
- Your practitioner’s skills stay sharp – Practical workshops, peer discussions, case reviews, and clinical audits all help improve hands-on skill, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical decision-making.
- You’re protected by strict professional standards – CPD includes reflection, planning, and evaluation — meaning practitioners must not only learn, but also show how it improves their practice.
- You can trust that your practitioner is accountable – CPD for chiropractors and osteopaths is monitored by national regulators: the General Chiropractic Council and the General Osteopathic Council. As such, patients can trust that their manual therapist isn’t just qualified — they’re legally obliged to stay competent and current.
CPD in action at ChiroLive 2025
One way in which chiropractors and osteopaths can meet their annual CPD requirements is through industry conferences such as the British Chiropractic Association’s Chiro Live 2025, which chiropractor and clinic director, Harry Kauntze attended last weekend.
The British Chiropractic Association represents the UK’s largest network of patient-centred chiropractors and delivered an outstanding event packed with opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate the profession.
Musculoskeletal workshops
Harry took part in a range of workshops covering all corners of musculoskeletal care, as well as a fascinating lecture by US Chiropractor William E. Morgan, who served as chiropractor to the White House for 12 years and is currently working with NASA.
Inspiring celebrity speakers
The highlight for Harry though was the inspiring keynote sessions from Joe Wicks and Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards. Joe Wicks brought his trademark energy offering practical tips on exercise and motivation, looking at how fitness and chiropractic both work to help people feel and move at their best. While Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards’ story was an inspiring reminder that determination and positivity can drive success in sport, in practice, and in life.
In-house, in person and online CPD
But it’s not only at industry conferences that CPD takes place. Our practitioners undertake online seminars and courses each year, as well as having in-house CPD sessions at the clinic during which they discuss interesting articles they’ve read and share their knowledge and expertise with one another.
CPD – ensuring you’re in safe hands
CPD is absolutely central to the professionalism, safety, and effectiveness of chiropractic and osteopathic care in the UK. It ensures that practitioners continually refresh and deepen their knowledge, integrate the latest research into their work, and reflect on how to deliver the best possible patient care. Thanks to regulation by the General Chiropractic Council and the General Osteopathic Council, patients can trust that their manual therapist isn’t just qualified — they’re legally obliged to stay competent and current. And that’s how regulation and CPD helps keep you in safe hands.
For more information on chiropractors and osteopaths, the training they undergo to become practitioners, what to expect when you visit one, and what they can help with, please visit our chiropractic and osteopathy pages.