Osteopath

Introduction

Osteopaths provide private medical diagnosis and treatment involving the physical manipulation of joints and muscles of the spine and limbs. They use a holistic approach, and treat their clients by using their hands rather than medical equipment.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Osteopathy is a form of complementary medicine that uses a 'holistic' approach, looking at each person as a 'whole'. The osteopath aims to assist the client's health by improving the function of the muscular-skeletal system, and its effect on the nervous system.

Before making a diagnosis the osteopath will take a history of the client's problem. This will include any previous problems, a full medical history and other aspects of life, including work, leisure habits, diet and exercise.

Next, the osteopath examines the client by looking at their posture and gait. They may also conduct a medical examination ie, check reflexes, blood pressure etc. They use their hands (rather than machinery) to feel the state of the muscles, ligaments and joints of the limbs and spine.

Occasionally the osteopath will recommend that the client has an x-ray taken, but usually they can start treatment on a first visit.

Osteopaths pay particular attention to the effects that muscles and ligaments have on joint movement. They use 'soft tissue' techniques (a form of deep massage) as well as direct manipulation of joints to help encourage full movement and restore a normal state of function to the client's internal systems.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

As well as having an interest in science and medicine, you will need to be sympathetic, tactful, reassuring and a good listener. Good observational skills, sound judgement and the ability to give clear explanations and advice to clients are also required. You should be fit and healthy, as the work can often be quite strenuous.

If you intend to be self-employed, you will need to be self-motivated and have basic business skills.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Earnings for osteopaths vary, depending on the number of clients they see.

Self-employed osteopaths charges range from about £30 to £70 per session. Annual earnings can exceed £30,000 a year, depending on the success of the practice. However, earnings can be considerably less than these, especially when starting out.

Most practitioners are self-employed. They may choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common and some osteopaths make home visits.

There may be opportunities to join an established practice.

Some osteopaths work from home, hire a room at a complementary therapy centre, or establish their own treatment premises.

There may also be opportunities to work in NHS health centres. Some osteopaths work in large companies providing staff care and advising management teams.

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter an accredited degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider

Some of the accredited degree courses are available part time (usually over five years).

• 53% of people in occupations such as osteopathy are self-employed.
• 48% work part-time.
• 10% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Back to Top