How to Become an Osteopath in India?

Osteopathy strengthens and treats the musculoskeletal system with an emphasis on overall body health. The main tenet of osteopathy is that a person’s ability to move freely depends on the smooth interplay of their muscles, bones, connective tissue, and ligaments.  Osteopathy is a very fulfilling profession. From expecting mothers to those with cancer, skilled osteopaths care for patients from all walks of life and with any ailment. Osteopaths are able to work flexibly and have a significant impact on their communities. According to osteopathy, a person’s health depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue all working together properly. Learn more about how to become an Osteopath in India in this blog.

Who is an Osteopath? 

An osteopath is a medical specialist who utilises a method of medicine that primarily treats problems with the musculoskeletal system. They ought to be well-versed in hygiene, anatomy, and physiology. In osteopathy, problems or pain relief in the neurological system, immunological system, and skeletal system are treated with the hands rather than medical technology. 

Back discomfort, sports injuries, and repetitive strain injuries are all conditions that are treated by osteopathic medicine. This can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with medication therapy. Osteopaths treat patients of all ages, including infants and the elderly, and offer relief for a wide range of ailments and illnesses. It states that aberrant alterations in the tissues of ligaments, muscles, and organs can also lead to disease.

What Does an Osteopath Do?

By using various massage, physical manipulation, and stretching techniques, medical therapy focuses on enhancing a patient’s mobility or the functionality of their internal systems while enabling free blood flow through the body and certain organs. One of the finest treatments for neuro-musculoskeletal problems is osteopathic medicine. 

• A number of manual techniques, including soft tissue stretching, muscular relaxation, gentle mobilisation, and manipulation, are used by osteopaths to treat patients. 
• In an effort to aid patients in recovering from pain, disease, and injury, these therapeutic modalities are typically used in conjunction with exercise, nutritional, and occupational counselling. 
• Osteopaths employ data from observation of the patient’s body structure and motion, case histories, and some clinical aids like laboratory testing, X-rays and CT scans to identify the chief complaints mentioned by the patient.

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Roles and Responsibilities of an Osteopath

Below mentioned are the roles and responsibilities of an Osteopath:

• Giving patients a thorough physical examination from head to toe. 
• Making a diagnosis with the aid of X-rays, CT scans, laboratory testing, and/or other conventional techniques (as per individual discretion).
• Choosing a treatment plan after receiving a correct diagnosis.
• Targeting the underlying causes of the patient’s illness rather than only treating the symptoms, i.e., concentrating on enhancing the patient’s health to treat the illness.
• Using gentle, hands-on methods to treat patients, like joint mobilisation, manipulation, massage, or deep pressure.
• Giving patients advice on how to change their diet and lifestyle.
• Educating patients on workouts they can perform on their own.

Because osteopathy is still relatively new in India compared to other nations and has a dynamic nature that seeks out the underlying causes of patients’ illnesses, medical students have a wide range of employment options available to them in this field. There are currently a lot fewer colleges that offer programmes in osteopathic medicine. However, getting into the field requires having the necessary skills, being in good physical shape, and having a sincere desire to improve people’s quality of life. It is just as challenging as getting into any other field of medicine. 

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Eligibility Criteria 

Candidates who have earned a degree in the field of medicine; including Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), or any other related fields can enrol for osteopathic medicine programme. 

The following requirements must be met by all applicants:

• Possess a degree in physiotherapy or a qualification in physiotherapy recognised internationally.
• Being able to study independently and critically assess the material.
• Using a clinical portfolio of evidence, demonstrate that you have at least two years of recent experience in neuro-musculoskeletal therapy.
• English language proficiency is required.

Top Colleges for Osteopathy in India

Only a few institutions in India currently provide the UG, PG, or diploma programmes in osteopathic medicine that are mentioned below:

• School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Dr NTR University of Health Sciences
• Holy Angels College of Alternative Medicine

Skills Required to Become an Osteopath

Below mentioned are the skills required to become an Osteopath:

• Interest in medicine and science
• Excellent observation skills
• A physically and Mentally fit person
• Ability to give clear and justified explanations and advice

Careers Prospects for an Osteopath

Osteopathy is a somewhat cutting-edge field of complementary medicine. With the limited number of people trained in this profession relative to the opportunities already open to them, the imaginative candidate has a lot of room to grow in this emerging career field. 

Osteopaths frequently collaborate with doctors, nutritionists, podiatrists, naturopaths, and other medical specialists. Osteopaths are typically self-employed because they run their own clinics to manage a private practice. There may be sporadic working hours and more appointments on the weekends or in the evenings. Working in a hospital or health centre is another option. Anyone may decide to enter the scientific community in order to deepen their awareness of osteopathic practices.

Job Profiles for an Osteopath

Here are top-notch job profiles for Osteopath in India:

• Nursing Homes
• Sports Academy
• Clinics and Health Departments
• Training Institutes as Educators
• Government Hospitals
• Military Hospitals

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Salary of an Osteopath

The number of patients an osteopath sees will affect how much money they make because they are paid per treatment. However, this will also rely on the background and current occupation. Osteopaths who work for themselves are able to set their own sessional rates based on their reputation. Even for a single visit, one may charge Rs. 4000 starting at Rs. 500 at the least; however, a newcomer in the industry can only charge less than this amount. Osteopaths often bill by the treatment, and their income will vary depending on how many patients they visit. However, this will also depend on the employer and level of experience. Based on their reputation and years of practice, osteopaths can set their own rates. A skilled osteopath may charge up to Rs 4,000 for every visit.

Top Recruiters for Osteopaths

Below mentioned are the top recruiters for Osteopath in India:

• Eli Lilly and Company
• ANVE Physiotherapy and Fitness Consultants
• Marma Physiotherapy and Osteopathy
• The Stance – Integrated Spine & Pain Clinic
• Attribute Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic

FAQs

We have covered everything in detail about an Osteopath in India. Hope this blog post was useful in providing you with the information. Stay tuned with Leverage Edu to discover various job opportunities in India. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to get regular updates regarding careers in India.