Alfie Birch - Registered Osteopath

Osteopathy Training and Referals

Osteopathy Training
At undergraduate level, a 4 and 5 year BSc degree programme focusing on Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology with extensive 'hands on' clinical training in a controlled clinical environment totalling over 1500 hours.

Once graduated, osteopaths are committed to lifelong learning through a system of mandatory Continuing Professional Development ( CPD )

Every year osteopaths are required by the General Osteopathic council to submit CPD which form the basis of continued learning. This could be anything that is allied to osteopathy, such as gait analysis that helps osteopaths understand how movement dysfunction could potentialy damage the back, to computer training to help run the business more efficiently for filing / letter writing purposes etc...


My main areas of interest this CPD year (April 2009/2010)

Masters degre ( MSC) in Sport & Exercise Rehabiliation

Level 4 BACR Cardiac Rehabiliation ( undecided / time permitting )

Level 4 Obesity & weight management ( undecided / time permitting )

Advances in Professional Practice.

Boxing for Fitness / Weekend intensive course on boxing safe &
effective techniques with PADBOX ( September 2009 )

So why do patients seek osteopathic help and what conditions can be treated ?
A wide range of musculoskeletal disorders including back, neck & shoulder pain, headaches, sport and work related injuries respond well to osteopathic treatment. Other commonly treated conditions include pregancy care, migraine, asthma, arthritic pain, digestive disoders and infantile colic

Mostly osteopathy offers a timely, cost - effective healthcare service through

Prevention

Early intervention ( quite often before GP visit )

Active recovery

Enhancing quality of life

"Safe in our hands"

Who regulates osteopaths ?
Osteopaths are statutorily regulated health professionals and form an integral part of primary care. GP's can safely refer patients to osteopaths and increasingly working alongside providing treatment privately and through the NHS.

General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)

The GOsC regulates, promotes and develops the profession of osteopathy, maintaining the Statutory Register of those entitled to practice osteopathy. ONLY practitioners meeting the hihgest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration.