Osteopath

Job Description

Osteopaths diagnose, treat and provide preventative advice on disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the body, using manual techniques to alleviate stresses and dysfunction to improve the body's function.

Duties and Tasks

Osteopaths may perform the following tasks:

diagnose patients' complaints using information from case histories, physical examinations, manual 'palpation' (the use of touch), observation of patients' body structure and mobility, and clinical aids (e.g. X-rays, CT scans and laboratory tests)
treat patients using a variety of manual techniques such as soft tissue stretching, muscle relaxation, gentle mobilization or manipulation
treat biomechanical complaints (e.g. backache, general joint problems, sports injuries, arthritis, stress and repetitive strain injuries), some breathing problems (e.g. asthma) and a wide range of general medical complaints (e.g. headache)
treat children for the after-effects of birth trauma and childhood accidents
devise exercise and nutritional programs

Personal Requirements

an interest in health science and human anatomy
good hand-eye coordination
good communication skills
interested in people and their health