Osteopathy is a holistic and complementary system of healthcare which focuses on the whole body and preventive care. Osteopaths diagnose and treat imbalances in the musculoskeletal structure. The concept behind osteopathic treatment is that for the body to function at its best and to heal itself in the most optimal way, all parts of the body should be free from restrictions and imbalances to work together. There are various manual approaches and techniques applied by osteopaths, enabling the free flow and actions of nerves, arteries, veins, lymphatic system, and cerebrospinal fluid. Each osteopath has a unique approach to evaluation and treatment. He/she may use a combination of techniques such as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, neuromuscular, fascial, craniosacral, visceral, soft tissue techniques etc. to help restore balance to the body and facilitate healing.

Osteopathy is a primary health care system for a wide range of medical conditions, which is complementary to other medical practices. Osteopaths primarily work through the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, using holistic and patient-centred approaches. A core principle behind osteopathy is the idea that the body is an integrated and indivisible whole, and contains self-healing mechanisms that can be utilised as part of the treatment. No part of the body works, or can be considered, in isolation. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the process of patient diagnosis. The key tools for osteopathic diagnosis include listening to the patient's history, examining muscles and joints and observing movements. X -rays, scans and other clinical investigations are also used if required. Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help your body's own healing mechanisms. They may also provide advice on posture and exercise to aid recovery, promote health and prevent symptoms recurring.

Osteopaths possess a set of core competencies which enables them to practice autonomously and that guide them in the diagnosis, management and treatment of their patients and form the foundation for the osteopathic approach to health care. The following are core competencies for osteopathic practice: - A critical understanding of the principles and concepts of osteopathy to inform and guide their clinical reasoning; this includes the ability to use a range of osteopathic approaches to health, disease and illness taking into account the patient as a whole;- detailed knowledge of human structure and function to recognise and interpret clinical signs of dysfunction and to develop appropriate treatment and management strategies;- adequate knowledge of human disease to inform their clinical reasoning and to identify where patients may require additional or alternative investigation or treatment from another healthcare professional;- adequate knowledge of psychology and social determinants of health to provide context for their clinical reasoning and patient management;- a critical understanding of the principles of biomechanics sufficient to apply osteopathic techniques safely and effectively;- well-developed palpatory and clinical skills necessary to evaluate the normal and abnormal functioning of different body tissues and systems, and inform their clinical reasoning;- proficiency in physical examination and the interpretation of relevant tests and data, including results from diagnostic imaging;- well-developed clinical reasoning in order to inform and guide the interpretation of clinical and other data, and to justify their clinical decision-making;- proficiency in a broad range of osteopathic treatment techniques;- detailed knowledge of indications and contraindications to osteopathic treatment;- a critical understanding of the mechanisms of action of osteopathic manual interventions and the typical and adverse reactions to treatment;- expertise in the osteopathic diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders;- proficiency in health promotion and disease prevention strategies, including advice on posture, exercise and eating habits, to enable their patients to take action to improve their well-being and to adopt healthy lifestyles;- provision of osteopathic care of high quality, guided by sound ethical principles whilst always ensuring patient safety;- well-developed verbal and non-verbal communication skills to establish effective therapeutic relationships with their patients and to effectively communicate with colleagues and other healthcare professionals;- the ability to protect themselves physically and psychologically during interactions with patients to maintain their own health;- critically evaluate their practice of osteopathy through self-reflection, clinic audit, and feedback from patients and colleagues;- read critically the scientific literature and incorporate evidence on their clinical practice;- Develop and implement a plan for continuing professional development to maintain their professional competence profile as osteopaths.

Osteopaths hold a bachelor's (BOst) and/or master's (MOst) degree, which is a four- or five-year honours programme. They have to complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical training. They need to have two years professional experience before they can apply for a license in the UAE. You can read more about licensing on our homepage.