Most people know that osteopaths study over four or five years full time and that they cover a range of subjects concerning the human body. On top of this they spend over a thousand hours in clinic as part of their training.

Nobody would be surprised to learn that an osteopath will have studied human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics (how your body moves) and clinical methods (think tapping knees with little hammers and taking blood pressure.)

However, there are some subjects on the curriculum that you may find surprising.

1. Pharmacology

Why would osteopaths, who pride themselves on delivering pain relief without drugs, need to learn about pharmacology? We don’t go into nearly as much depth as doctors, but we do spend a chunk of our final year timetable learning about commonly prescribed drugs and how they might affect the body. This means we can understand any risks associated with prescribed medicines and make judgement calls on which techniques to use.

2. Psychology

Again, osteopaths are about the physical body, aren’t they? Osteopaths touch on psychology in recognition of the fact that you cannot treat a human being successfully without an awareness of how the mind works too. This is especially important when considering the effects of chronic pain on the psyche.

3. Nutrition

This one may be less surprising. What we put into our bodies is vital for optimum health and functioning. Osteopaths need to understand what effects nutritional deficiencies may have on things like bone density and nerve function to name just a couple.

4. Statistics

Like most medics and scientists, osteopaths understand that research is vital for safe practice. In order to complete their own dissertation, osteopaths will do a module on statistics in their final year. Being able to analyse data is also an important ability when looking at up to date evidence once qualified as well.

There are many more subjects in our jam-packed curriculum, but what you need to know is that you are safe in our hands. Whether it is a headache or low back pain, our Falkirk and Stirling osteopaths would be happy to help you.

Call 01324 670 670 or visit www.back2lifeclinic.co.uk to book online.