Lifestyle diseases and chronic pains are rising with more people neglecting proper diet and exercise. Every third person in an office set-up seems to be suffering from sciatica pains, gut issues, and chronic neck and arm pains.
Occupational hazards are not limited to factory and construction jobs. We feel the perfect temperature controlled environment, with some offices pampering their employees with free food at work, are the top-dollar jobs and one must vye for those positions.
However, the risks that come with these jobs, if one neglects to take regular breaks, exercise their body parts, stretch a little, drink water, go outside for fifteen minutes, then the productivity does not drastically increase, as the body gradually gives up.
An osteopath is a doctor who helps us deal with injuries that are beyond what is to the naked eye with holistic and visceral treatment. One has to clear the COMLEX Level 1 exam followed by two more levels to start practicing as an osteopath.
If a patient has been suffering with wrist pain that radiates, then it can be a carpel or ulnar tunnel syndrome and needs few exercises to be carried out. For instance, a patient hobbles into the treatment room, wincing with each step.
The resident osteopath begins with a detailed conversation about the patient’s pain, learning it started after a misstep during soccer practice. Through a physical examination, the doctor assesses the patient’s range of motion and identifies tightness in the muscles surrounding the ankle. Using gentle manipulation techniques and soft tissue massage, doctors work to improve flexibility and reduce inflammation.
The osteopath prescribes specific stretches and exercises for the patient to do at home to strengthen the ankle and prevent future injuries.
Step-Guide To Become An Osteopath
Considering that old aged patients ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, and chronic pains due to non-ergonomic working spaces are regular cases, any person aspiring to practice holistic treatments to treat the patients can consider becoming an osteopath.
Here is a detailed chart to be followed right after pass from school and go to college to become a osteopath:
Step 1: Education
a) Undergraduate Studies
Aim for a bachelor’s degree with a strong foundation in science. Biology, anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology are excellent choices. Good grades, especially in science courses, will be crucial for applying to osteopathic programs.
b) Osteopathic Program
Look for accredited osteopathic programs that award a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. These programs are rigorous and typically last four years full-time or five years part-time. The curriculum will cover a vast range of topics, including:
c) Detailed Anatomy and Physiology
Gain a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal, nervous, and other bodily systems. There is a joke that goes around amongst aspiring doctors that if you spot the difference between the name of a dinosaur and a name of muscle, then you have it memorized. And no brownie points for guessing how important this is.
d) Pathology
Learn about various diseases and their impact on the body. Osteopaths, unlike physiotherapy and chiropractors, go beyond the localized pain. They believe in a 360 degrees examination and address the root cause of the pain. So understanding the general health of the patient and their pathological reports is imperative.
e) Osteopathic Principles and Philosophy
Understand the core concepts of osteopathy and how it approaches health and well-being. Osteopaths go beyond just the area of reported pain. They perform a full-body assessment including posture, joint range of motion, muscle tone, and gait analysis. This holistic approach helps identify underlying causes of pain that might be missed in a focused examination.
f) Palpation Techniques
Develop the skilled touch necessary for effective physical examinations. Osteopaths use their hands to assess tissues for tightness, tenderness, and restrictions in movement. This skilled palpation allows them to pinpoint areas of dysfunction that contribute to pain or discomfort.
g) Osteopathic Manipulations and Manual Therapy Techniques
Learn a variety of hands-on techniques used to treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Osteopathic manipulations are not forceful adjustments like those sometimes seen in chiropractic care. Instead, they use gentle techniques tailored to address specific restrictions in joints, muscles, or fascia.
h) Clinical Rotations
Apply your knowledge and skills in supervised clinical settings, treating real patients under the guidance of experienced osteopaths. There is no equivalent for what a real-case scenario can teach you that is available in a book. The application of the knowledge during emergencies and live cases will strengthen your critical thinking and you make progress in your professional life based on this one step.
Step 2: Licensure
While in your DO program, you have to start preparing to clear COMLEX exams in three different levels. Each exam is computer based and requires planned study to clear the exam. Without clearing COMLEX one cannot get a license to practice in any state.
Step 3: Continuous Learning
Osteopaths are required to complete continuing education credits throughout their career to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field. Many workshops and courses focus on refining manual therapy techniques, specializing in certain areas like pediatrics or sports medicine, and improving communication and patient care skills.
Additional Tips
a) Shadow an Osteopath
Seek opportunities to shadow a practicing osteopath to gain firsthand experience about the daily work routine and observe how they interact with patients.
b) Develop Your Palpation Skills
Palpation is a cornerstone of osteopathic practice. Look for workshops or volunteer opportunities that allow you to hone your palpation skills under the guidance of experienced practitioners.
c) Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Building trust and rapport with patients is essential. Develop strong communication skills to effectively explain diagnosis and treatment plans. Remember, holistic treatment is the last thing a patient tries. They must have come to you after expending all their options for pain management. So hear them out and develop passive assertiveness in communicating their treatment plan.
Conclusion
Any job in healthcare is respectable and one that is possible only because of selfless individuals who take up the work as a calling. So, if you have that passion to serve the community as an osteopath, start your journey using this step-guide.