Osteopath

Osteopaths diagnose and treat conditions that cause pain and disability. They treat patients with a range of problems, including back pain, migraine, repetitive strain injury and sports injuries. Those suffering from conditions such as arthritis may visit osteopaths for pain relief.

Osteopaths examine their patients using a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to identify points of weakness and excessive strain. Osteopaths also use techniques such as high-velocity thrust manipulation, designed to improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint, stretching to help joint mobility, and massage to relax muscles.

Osteopaths must be flexible about working hours, as many of their patients will prefer appointments outside normal office hours. Evening and weekend work may be necessary. Some practitioners work part time.

Osteopaths may work in private clinics, therapy centres, hospitals, sports clubs and in clinics in large companies. They may also visit patients in their own homes.

Income may range from around £22,000 to £65,000 a year.

An osteopath should:

• be able to develop the practical techniques used in treatment
• have excellent communication and listening skills
• have physical and mental stamina
• know when to refer a patient to another medical practitioner.

Most osteopaths are self-employed and work either in their own practices or in private therapy centres and sports clinics. An increasing number work with general medical practices, sports clubs and teams, or in the occupational health teams of large organisations.

By law, all osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) before they are allowed to practise. Candidates must have a recognised qualification in osteopathy from an accredited osteopathic education provider. Normal entry qualifications are a minimum of two A levels, preferably in chemistry and biology or human biology, and five GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent, including English and maths.

All osteopaths are required to complete at least 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year.

There is no formal career path for osteopaths. Some may build their practice, while others will move into research, teaching or specialised areas of osteopathy.

Further details