CORE SYLLABUS FOR TRAINING OF OSTEOPATHS

Year One

Osteopathic History and Philosophy

 

General introduction to the history and philosophy of osteopathy.

The physiological background of the neuro-muscular technique, its principles and method; demonstration of the technique and practical application. The theoretical basis of ‘structure governs function’, structural mechanics and functional anatomy. The osteopathic lesion aetiology and clinical presentation. Theoretical basis for osteopathic techniques. Basic biomechanical theories.

Patient observation, osteopathic diagnosis, basic palpation and mobility testing.

Applied anatomy

 

 

Applied physiology

Histology of structural and functional epithelial tissues.
Physiology and anatomy of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory and endocrine systems.
Structure and function of the skin, eye, ear and nose.
Physiology of reproduction.
Homeostatic mechanisms.
Inter-relationships between the physiological systems.
Hormonal and neural co-ordination of the body’s functions.
Physiology of the immune system and immunology.

Patho-physiology

General pathology: etiology of disease, inflammation, cell necrosis and degeneration, infectious agents, allergy and auto-immunity. Neoplasms- classification and aetiololgy.

Osteopathic principles and practice of :

Active and passive treatment approaches
General and specific treatment approaches

Techniques and procedures:

Muscle energy technique(MET)
Myofascial release
Oscillatory osteoarticular release
Intruoduction to integrated osteopathic treatment

Clinical practice

Student, under supervision, are taken through the routines of osteopathic examination and treatment of patients, applying their accumulated knowledge. A particular benefit of this approach is that the student takes his/her owe patients through the treatment programme from consultation to discharge, so that reactions to treatment and its progress can be closely monitored. All elements of clinical safety are emphasized during this series of modules.

Year Two

 

 

Osteopathic principles and biomechanics

The physiological background of the neuro-muscular technique, its principles and method; demonstration of the technique and practical application. The theoretical basis of ‘structure governs function’, structural mechanics and functional anatomy. The osteopathic lesion aetiology and clinical presentation. Theoretical basis for osteopathic techniques. Basic biomechanical theories.

Osteopathic Examination Skills: Palpation and Assessment

Patient observation, osteopathic diagnosis, basic palpation and mobility testing.

Patho-physiology

Special pathology of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, endocrine, skeletal and nervous systems and skin. Male and female reproductive systems.

Diagnostic Medical imaging

An interpretation of X-ray in bone and joint pathologies and thoracic and abdominal viscera. The importance of MRI, CT and Ultrasound in the diagnosis of musculo-skeletal disease.

Nutrition and the effects on the musculoskeletal system

Principles of nutrition and assessment methods of nutritional status of patients.

Pharmacy

A basic understanding of the physiological/biochemical action of pharmacological agents, their side-effects and interactions.

Osteopathic Principles and Treatment Practice

Techniques and Procedures:

 

 

Clinical Practice

Students, under supervision, are taken through the routines of osteopathic examination and treatment of patients, applying their accumulated knowledge. A particular benefit of this approach is that the student takes his/her own patients through the treatment programme from consultation to discharge, so that reactions to treatment and its progress can be closely monitored. All elements of clinical safety are emphasized during this series of modules.

Year Three

Clinical Practice

Students, under supervision, are taken through the routines of osteopathic examination and treatment of patients, applying their accumulated knowledge. A particular benefit of this approach is that the student takes his/her own patients through the treatment programme from consultation to discharge, so that reactions to treatment and its progress can be closely monitored. All elements of clinical safety are emphasized during this series of modules.

Osteopathic research/thesis project

This subject involves a literature review or a piece of investigative research. It includes integrated use of research methodology and a structured approach to a research question. A thesis must be formally presented at the conclusion of the research.