The osteopath, who he is and what he does

What does the osteopath do and what does osteopathy cure? How is this professional figure formed and what laws regulate his profession? All useful resources to understand the role of the osteopath.

The osteopath works on the human body in the sense of physiology and energy , knows how to restore balance on the articular , visceral and fascial side, stimulates and facilitates the mechanisms of self-regulation , body adaptation and restoration of homeostasis. Let’s find out better.
> What the osteopath does

> How to become an osteopath

> Laws in Italy and Europe

> Curiosity

> Useful resources for the osteopathic profession

What the osteopath does

The consultation with the osteopath begins with an anamnesis that starts from the patient’s main disorder, and then goes back to the osteopathic lesion (s) involved in the problem (integrated in its entirety).

The good therapist knows how to identify the barriers that hinder the mobility and elasticity of the anatomical structures that can limit the organism in its physiological functions. This procedure will allow him to develop an appropriate treatment. To this end, he will use structural or functional manual techniques on all the structures of the locomotor system (ligaments, muscles, fascias, bones, etc.), visceral and craniosacral.

Osteopathy treats reversible functional injuries . In other words, it is not indicated, for example, in case of fracture, tumor or to treat serious diseases that endanger the person’s life.

In addition to the possibility of opening his own clinic , the osteopath can collaborate with other health professionals, and in particular in various specialized fields of conventional medicine. The areas of intervention concern the supporting structure of the organism and all the connections within it and with the contiguous systems (for example: orthopedics, otolaryngology, odonto-stomatology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, geriatrics, urology, gastro-enterolology, cardiology , endocrinology, gynecology, etc.).

Become an osteopath

To become an osteopath , a six-year training course is requiredwhich includes the study of basic medical sciences such as anatomy, pathology, physiology, biomechanics, biochemistry, biophysics, embryology, histology, neurology and others, in addition to purely osteopathic subjects. Training in Italy is not university-based, but private.

The osteopath in Italy and abroad

The Ministry of Health does not issue a license to practice the profession of osteopath . The practice turns out to be enabling only if the osteopath is already in possession of a previous medical qualification (surgeon, dentist or physiotherapist). Otherwise, the professional title is invalid, at least until there is official recognition .

The lack of a juridical status for osteopathy has, by objective necessity, required the establishment of professional associations that strive to obtain not only legal recognition of osteopathy, but also regulation and protection of the osteopathic profession . The lack of rules that regulate its exercise means that the professional figure of the osteopath is not protected by the law, and therefore that anyone is allowed to practice it, to the detriment of osteopaths but above all of patients. The main Italian regulatory association is the Superior Council of Osteopathy (CSdO) , made up of the major associations of osteopathic professionals present on the national territory.

In the United States, where she was born, osteopathy entered public health in 1991.

The legislation on osteopathy in Europe has spread unevenly with substantial differences from country to country.