Osteopathy Students Welcome Additional Support
For the first time, Swansea University’s School of Human and Health Sciences is offering an Advanced Initial Degree in Osteopathy (M.Ost) – an Integrated Masters that will enable students to develop the core skills and competencies required to become an osteopath.
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) defines osteopathy as a manner of detecting, treating, preventing and rehabilitating people with conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, namely muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints, in a holistic and scientifically based way. The common conditions treated are arthritis, back pain, chronic pain, sports and work related injuries.
Dr Pauline Griffiths, Framework Director for pre-qualifying undergraduate studies at Swansea University said: "The School of Human and Health Sciences received a high level of applications to study osteopathy on this new and innovative programme; with many candidates unable to secure a place this autumn.
"Fortunately, following a strategic review, Swansea University agreed to extend the number of places available to accommodate the significant demand; offering an additional eight of the highest calibre applicants a place."
The mainstay of osteopathic involvement is based upon gentle manipulative therapy that aims to reduce pain whilst improving mobility, without the application of pharmacological or surgical intervention. Additionally, all treatment programmes have diet and exercise components included.
Effective osteopathic diagnosis, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation requires a holistic, person centred approach that demands the application of higher level knowledge, understanding and clinical osteopathic skills.
