Almost everyone has experienced musculoskeletal pain at some point in their life, and many will have sought care from a clinician that works in the field of musculoskeletal care.

Osteopaths are among the range of healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, prevent, and provide rehabilitation support for musculoskeletal conditions and pain.

Central to osteopathic philosophy is a whole-of-person approach to care. This is also referred to as a biopsychosocial approach, which means they consider the biological (body), psychological (mental) and social (environment) factors that can influence health and wellbeing. Osteopathic treatment is hands-on and aims to restore balance between the various body systems including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, cranial, and visceral systems.

Some of the common reasons people will seek osteopathic care are neck pain, headaches or migraines, acute and chronic lower back pain, upper back or rib pain, sporting injuries (e.g., ankle sprains, acute knee pain, tennis elbow), pregnancy or post-pregnancy-related conditions, assessment of suspected scoliosis (curvature of the spine), or to support a safe return to work post-injury.

Some people may also approach  osteopaths  to help manage other health issues such as asthma or other breathing problems, digestive issues, sleeping problems, and stress management.

What does an osteopath do?

Osteopaths undertake thorough assessments to understand the needs of their patients and will produce an individualised treatment and management plan. These plans can employ the use of a range of methods including manual therapies, clinical exercise prescription, movement and postural advice, ergonomic assessment, dry needling and general lifestyle support.

Initial osteopathy appointments generally last about 45 minutes, providing enough time for the osteopath to develop a thorough understanding of the patient’s presenting problem, as well as their general health, wellbeing, and function.

Osteopaths ask their patients lots of questions, listen carefully, and conduct physical examinations to understand the condition and consider the best approach to management. Osteopathic physical examinations are two-fold and involve the patient performing simple movements and stretches, providing the opportunity for the osteopath to observe their mobility and posture. They also palpate joints, tissues, and ligaments.

Osteopaths will refer patients to other healthcare professionals if they suspect a serious condition or believe the patient may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach.

Osteopaths frequently use manual therapy that aims to relieve tension, stretch muscles, and improve mobility. Manual therapy, including manipulation, massage, and stretching, usually complements individualised exercises for patients to do at home to aid in the relief and management of pain and to maintain function and wellbeing.

In Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe, osteopaths are registered health practitioners who work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

In the USA, Canada, and Germany, there are two distinct branches of osteopathy: osteopathic medicine (osteopathic physicians) and osteopathic manual therapy (osteopaths). Osteopathic physicians attain higher qualifications than osteopaths and accordingly, work to a higher scope of practice, including prescribing medicines, performing surgical procedures, and referring for imaging.

 

Where do osteopaths work?

Osteopathy is widely practised and is a part of the suite of allied health professions in more than 50 countries – including both developed and developing countries.

In Australia, Osteopaths primarily work in private practice but may also work in a range of health care settings including multidisciplinary health clinics, rehabilitation services, worker’s compensation schemes, aged care facilities, disability services, professional sports clubs, government services, and chronic pain management settings. Osteopathy qualifications can also lead into non-clinical inter-disciplinary opportunities in education, consultation, and research.

Further, a career in osteopathy is both flexible and adaptable to part-time or full-time work as well as the opportunity to run your own business.

 

Desirable character traits of osteopaths

Osteopaths need to develop a deep understanding of a patient’s condition, and they also need to be able to explain the diagnosis and management plan clearly and concisely. Therefore, osteopaths need to have excellent listening and communication skills.

Osteopaths need to practice different types of stretches and exercises to ensure they can correctly demonstrate when prescribing these. They also require upper body strength so they can perform manipulation and provide other forms of manual therapy. Therefore, an interest in maintaining their physical condition is important for these allied health professionals.

During an osteopathy assessment and manual therapy, patients will generally be wearing minimal clothing, and the osteopath will use towels and gowns to maintain privacy and comfort. Therefore, discretion and the ability to make people feel comfortable are key qualities of osteopaths.

People accessing osteopathic care are often experiencing acute or chronic pain or dysfunction, so empathy is another important quality for osteopaths.

 

Professional education and regulatory frameworks of the osteopathy profession

In Australia, osteopaths are university trained obtaining either a double bachelor’s degree or a bachelor and master’s degree depending on which university is attended. Training will involve theory and practice placements so first-hand clinical experience is gained. Once qualified and registered, osteopaths must maintain and continue to develop their skills under a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme which requires osteopaths to complete a minimum of 25 hours of CPD per year to maintain their registration.

In New Zealand, a bachelor’s degree leading into a postgraduate diploma is required for registration.

In the UK, students have the option of attaining either a Bachelor of Osteopathy, which typically takes four years, or Master of Osteopathy, which takes between four and five years to complete; both courses incorporate approximately 1000 hours of clinical experience.

In India, osteopaths undertake either a Bachelor or Master of Osteopathy.

In the USA, Canada, and Germany there are different pathways for osteopathic medicine and osteopathic manual practice, the former requiring higher educational attainment and more clinical practice prior to qualification.

Regulatory Frameworks

In Australia, osteopaths are nationally regulated health professionals via the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) who monitors and ensures that all osteopaths are adequately qualified and comply with the codes of conducts and regulations.

In the UK, osteopathy is regulated nationally by the General Osteopathic Council. In New Zealand, osteopaths must be registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand, a national body that operates under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.

In Canada, osteopathy (manual therapy) is not currently a regulated profession. In the USA, osteopathic physicians are licenced to practice in each of the 50 states, though the licensure requirements vary between the states. Osteopathic manual therapists are not regulated in the USA.

 

Workforce considerations for the osteopathy profession

Osteopathy is a rapidly growing profession within Australia and is becoming increasingly recognised as a mainstream musculoskeletal profession, however more work needs to be done to increase the awareness of what the osteopathic profession can offer, particularly in terms of easing the growing burden of chronic pain Peak membership bodies such as Osteopathy Australia, aim to raise awareness of the profession, promote the rights and interests of osteopaths, and increase consumer access.

Osteopathy within Australia has a broad scope of practice that allows innovation for the individual, profession, and health system. Within the broader professional scope of practice, an individual practitioner will develop their own professional scope of practice reflecting their education, qualifications, experience, clinical interest areas and capabilities.

 

Find out more

Here are some links to websites and resources for and about osteopaths:

• Osteopathy Australia
• Osteopathic International Alliance
• European Federation and Forum for Osteopathy (EFFO)
• General Osteopathic Council – UK
• Institute of Osteopathy – UK
• Osteopathic Sports Care Association – UK
• American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners
• American Osteopathic Association
• Osteopaths New Zealand
• Swiss Organisation of Osteopathic Physicians
• Canadian Osteopathic Association
• Canadian Federation of Osteopaths
• Osteopathy India

 

If you have questions about the osteopathy profession, or if you wish to share your experiences as an osteopath, please leave a comment below.

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