- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- the ability to work well with your hands
- sensitivity and understanding
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- analytical thinking skills
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
You’ll help your client develop muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves and joints that work well together. As part of your day-to-day duties, you may:
- ask clients about their health and medical history
- examine their posture and gait, paying particular attention to their muscles, bones and joints
- use X-rays and other methods to help with your diagnosis
- plan a course of treatment
- use gentle, hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation and massage
- advise clients about diet and lifestyle
- give clients exercises to do at home
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a therapy clinic, at a client's home or from home.
With experience you could set up your your own osteopathy practice.
You could also take further training and move into an academic career teaching osteopathy students.
You could also move into osteopathic research.
You can find out more about becoming an osteopath from the General Osteopathic Council and Health Careers.
