Our Training
Osteopaths are highly trained individuals who have undergone four to five years of rigorous training. Osteopaths who have qualified since 1998 have attended accredited BSc (Hons) degree courses. Those qualified before this hold a diploma of osteopathy (D.0) and have been vetted to ensure that they are operating to highest standard.

Many people do not realize how highly qualified osteopaths are. We have a strong medical background and are taught by lecturers who train medical students.

Firstly we study physiology and anatomy then we go on to study neurophysiology and anatomy (the study of the brain and nervous system). We look closely at the ‘systems’ of the body, for example; the respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular systems. Initially we learn how the systems work under ideal circumstances. We then study disease processes and see what happens when things start to go wrong in the body.

By the time we qualify, we are equipped to recognise pain masquerading as joint or muscle pain, for example; mid back pain can derive from liver disease or pancreatic disease. Lower back pain may be referred from the kidneys, uterus or prostate. More commonly, left sided shoulder or arm pain or sensation may be referred from the heart. It is vital that these conditions are spotted so that the patients are referred to their GPs immediately. We study the hormonal system and learn to recognise common hormonal complaints such as hyper or hypo thyroidism.

Of course, along side the medical training we are learning osteopathic theory and technique, sociology and psychology. Although we work with the patient physically we take into consideration other aspects such as work, social activities and the emotional and spiritual side where appropriate. You cannot disconnect the mind from the body, emotions can have a huge impact on the health of the body and vice versa.

General Osteopathic Council
Since 1998 all osteopaths are required by law to be registered with The General Osteopathic Council. Only practitioners that have demonstrated that they are safe and competent in their practice of osteopathy are accepted onto the register. All osteopaths must have medical malpractice insurance and are required to follow a strict code of conduct. Osteopaths are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing professional development to ensure that they keep in touch with new techniques and developments within the osteopathic industry.

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