Osteopaths are qualified healthcare professionals who specialise in identifying and treating problems caused by musculoskeletal issues using manual therapy, exercise, and other techniques.
Although they are not medical doctors, they are regulated as healthcare professionals in the UK, they have completed a degree in osteopathy and passed exams to practice.
They do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. But rather concentrate on helping patients improve their mobility, reduce pain, and restore balance to the body.
What Is an Osteopath and How Are They Trained?
To qualify as an osteopath, individuals must complete a degree in osteopathy, which takes four to five years. They have to be regulated in the UK to be able to practice and call themselves Osteopaths. This requires a DBS check and Insurance as well as the qualification.
An Osteopathic student’s main area of focus is to learn about the body’s structure and function, diagnosing and treating conditions using a range of techniques, including joint manipulation, mobilisation and soft tissue techniques. They also learn to recognise medical conditions so that you are only treated if safe to do so, and if they suspect a systemic cause of your pain, they will refer you for medical screening and treatment.
The Scope of Medical Practice for Osteopaths
Osteopaths are trained, Insured and statutorily regulated in the UK to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. Treatment provided by osteopaths typically focuses on the musculoskeletal system. It includes the body’s bones, muscles, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
Osteopathy can also address signs and symptoms of some digestive, respiratory, and circulatory complaints. Osteopaths tackle both acute and chronic pain, which can help to address mental well-being. Some Osteopaths may also receive extra training in other areas, such as women’s health or paediatrics.
The range of treatments and procedures that osteopaths can perform may vary across countries due to differences in healthcare systems, laws, and regulations.
Additionally, each country has its method of determining the extent of an osteopath’s ability to practice. Thus, in some countries, the scope may be limited, while in others, it may be more extensive.
Comparing Osteopathic and Allopathic Medical Training
The training for both osteopathic and allopathic professions involves extensive coursework and clinical experience and is quite similar in the first year of training. After that, Osteopaths focus more on the physical aspect of the body compared to most medical professionals. The two professions have different approaches to healthcare.
Osteopaths use a holistic approach. They emphasise the patient’s overall health and well-being rather than just the symptoms of a specific medical condition.
Besides, allopathic doctors tend to focus more on specific medical needs and often use medication to treat them. Both of these medical professionals in the UK are required to pass rigorous exams, and again, the exams may vary depending on the profession and country.
However, UK Osteopaths and Allopathic doctors are regulated by statute. They are trained to different standards and scope of practice; hence they are not in the same profession.
Osteopaths in the UK
UK Osteopaths like our Osteopaths in Croydon train to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries. They use manipulation, massage, stretching, and gentle pressure alongside providing lifestyle advice and rehabilitation programs to treat patients.
Osteopaths in the UK are also First Person Contact Healthcare Practitioners, meaning you can self-refer. Osteopathy is also an “Allied Health Care Profession” alongside Podiatrists, Dietitians, Physiotherapists and others.
Ready to start your journey to a pain-free body?
Are you prepared to take charge of your pain and begin living your life to the fullest? Don’t let it hold you back any longer. Start your journey toward a pain-free body.
Obtain help from qualified Croydon osteopaths and experience the benefits of natural, holistic healthcare!
If you’re fed up with persistent musculoskeletal pain and searching for a natural, non-invasive solution. In that case, an osteopath might be the solution.
Osteopathic treatment looks at the whole person, taking into account the symptoms of a specific condition and the patient’s health and well-being.
With various techniques, osteopaths can help improve mobility, reduce pain and stiffness and restore balance to the body. This includes manual therapy and exercise.
Don’t let musculoskeletal pain hold you back any longer. Instead, consider visiting an Osteopath and experience the benefits of holistic healthcare.