Osteopaths are:
1.] Safe and Trusted
Training to be an osteopath usually takes 4-5 years of studying which includes over 1000 hours of hands-on clinical experience. This is required to register with the General Osteopathic Council and be allowed to use the title ‘osteopath’ under UK law.
2.] Working with the whole person, not just the body
Osteopaths are trained to understand the biological, psychological and social barriers to health of their patients and how this affects them. It is integral to the osteopathic philosophy that people are not just a sum of their parts. Osteopaths work ‘globally’ to fully understand their patients and their journey back to health.
3.] Experienced
Osteopaths work with people of all ages, occupations and disabilities. From elite athletes to children and people with chronic pain, osteopaths encounter all walks of life.
4.] Diverse In Knowledge
Although an osteopath’s primary scope of practice is the musculoskeletal system, they also study other systems of the body in depth.
5.] Healers through touch
Osteopaths are unique in that they use human touch as their primary intervention. Very few professions are fortunate enough to be able treat therapeutically through this modality. Palpation (the act of examination and treatment via touch) is integral to the osteopath, and an ever growing skill to them.
6.] Advocates
Osteopaths are not reductionists by nature, and endeavour to provide fulfilling care for each and every patient. Osteopathic philosophy encompasses holism, recognising that each person is different and their care and requirements should reflect that.
7.] Adaptable
Once an osteopath is qualified, they are required to complete at least 30hrs of Continuous professional development (CPD), meaning that further learning is an integral part of their career so they stay up-to date with medical research and continuously develop their skill set.
8.] Diagnosticians
Osteopaths are capable of diagnosing a range of conditions, and know when to refer the patient to their GP. Osteopaths are trained to carry out medical examinations to detect problems that aren’t primary to the musculoskeletal system.
9.] Recognised Primary Health Practitioners
Osteopath and osteopathy are protected titles under UK law since 1993. We are Allied Health Professionals and work alongside GP’s, Physiotherapists, and other first lines of care.
10.] Diverse in skill set
Osteopaths are taught to use numerous techniques to help alleviate pain and restore function of the body. Osteopaths are often found using spinal manipulation, massage, stretching, taping, acupuncture and more. They take choice from their ‘toolbox’ to help each person’s requirements.
Andy Johnson
www.osteorevive.com
Earls Court Osteopath SW5