Education
How to become an osteopath: osteopathy training around the world
The WHO benchmarks for osteopathy training, the type I and type II training models, core competencies and recognition of the diploma.
Osteopathy
Knowledge base
The articles in this section are written for healthcare professionals and for those interested in osteopathy education. They are educational in nature and are not a substitute for medical advice. The main sources are listed at the end of each article.
Science and evidence · Techniques
Fascia: what does modern science say?
Scientific findings on the modern definition of fascia, its rich innervation, its contractile capacity and the effect of manual techniques on fascia.
Techniques · Science and evidence
Visceral osteopathy: history, techniques and the limits of the evidence
The origins of visceral osteopathy, the characteristics of its techniques, and the findings of systematic reviews on diagnostic reliability and effectiveness.
Techniques · Science and evidence
Cranial osteopathy: from Sutherland to the present day
William Sutherland's cranial concept, the techniques of cranial osteopathy, and the scientific data on diagnostic reliability and effectiveness.
Techniques
The SCS technique: working with a position of ease
The principle, method of application and scientific evidence of Lawrence Jones's SCS technique.
Techniques
BLT: balancing ligamentous and articular tension
The origins and principle of the BLT technique and its place in the classification of osteopathic techniques.
Techniques
General osteopathic treatment (GOT): the legacy of classical osteopathy
The history, principle and scientific evidence of GOT, the traditional approach of classical osteopathy.
Science and evidence
Manual therapy for low back pain: evidence and clinical guidelines
The effectiveness of osteopathic treatment for non-specific low back pain, sham-controlled trials and the recommendations of the NICE guideline.
Safety
Safety in osteopathy: red flags and differential diagnosis
The side effects of osteopathic treatment, the risk of serious complications, the WHO contraindications and the signs that require referral of the patient to a physician.
Safety · Education
Why does radiology matter to an osteopath?
The place and limitations of X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound findings in osteopathic practice, and collaboration with the physician.
Science and evidence · Safety
Osteopathy and children: what does the evidence say?
The effectiveness of osteopathic treatment in children and infants, the conflicting findings on preterm infants, and safety issues.
Science and evidence
Psychosomatics and the biopsychosocial model
The biopsychosocial model, the effect of stress on pain, and a professional approach to psychological factors in osteopathic practice.
Education
D.O., cPNI and other titles: what do they mean?
An explanation of the titles and abbreviations used in osteopathy: D.O., D.O. OSD, cPNI, Heilpraktiker and others.