Osteopath's job
Using only his hands, the osteopath treats multiple pathologies and relieves a large number of aches and pains. Find out more about this profession: mission, salary, possible training, retraining.

What is an osteopath?
The osteopath is a paramedical professional treating all kinds of dysfunctions: rheumatism, back pain, ENT disorders, digestive and urinary problems using only his hands. In this respect, this profession is similar to the etiopath.

Osteopathy is a so-called "soft" medicine. It is practiced by doctors, physiotherapists and osteopaths D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy). Social Security only covers the reimbursement of care provided by an osteopath if he or she is a doctor.

The practitioner diagnoses and treats by manipulation, palpation and massage. He looks for blocking points or painful points on limbs, joints, viscera, on the spine. He can use rotations, pull-ups, pushes or stretches without any gestural violence.

The osteopath generally works with other professionals such as the physiotherapist, the podiatrist, psychomotor therapist, speech therapist, etc.

There is also a form of animal osteopathy, more specifically equine osteopathy on horses.

Its clientele is very diverse: individuals, children, babies, athletes...

The vast majority of osteopaths operate in private practice.

The number of practitioners has increased considerably in recent years, which makes this activity very competitive.

The missions of an osteopath
carries out a complete assessment of the patient's state of health
makes an osteopathic diagnosis based on any additional examinations provided by the patient: MRI, CT scan, X-ray, blood tests, etc.
establishes a differential diagnosis in order to refer the patient to another health professional when the pathology or problem encountered is not the responsibility of osteopathy
completes his osteopathic diagnosis with specific osteopathic tests
adapts his treatment and techniques to his patients (for example, an osteopath will not treat an infant like an athlete)
adapts its treatment to the areas covered
advises the patient at the end of the session
schedules a new osteopathic consultation if necessary
Qualities required to become an osteopath
The profession of osteopath requires several human qualities. If you combine them, you already have all the assets to become a good therapist.

Listening
A good osteopath knows how to listen and understand his patients to establish a real relationship of trust, put them at ease and allow them to relax during the various manipulations.

Be in excellent physical condition
To handle patients of any build, a good osteopath must be resilient and possess some physical strength. He must be able to handle them easily. In addition, the professional is required to stand for a good part of the day in order to carry out the various manipulations.

Respecting the rules of ethics
Like all health professionals, the osteopath must respect the rules of ethics inherent to his profession and, of course, show discretion.

Training to become an osteopath
Initial training To become an osteopath, you must obtain the DO (osteopathic diploma) which is prepared over 5 years in an establishment approved by the Ministry of Health. The teaching of the curriculum requires many hours of practice of their knowledge so that they become effective in mastering the techniques. The training alternates between lectures, tutorials and practical clinical training. The last two years are entirely devoted to practice.

Formation continue
It is possible to follow an osteopathic training course as part of continuing education. Some institutions offer vocational training courses whose programmes offer 2,600 hours for adults, or half as many for adult health professionals. Indeed, nurses, podiatrists, midwives, physiotherapists and doctors benefit from training exemptions.

Salary of an osteopath
Income is a function of the activity and expenses inherent to the practice. Fees are free and generally between €50 and €80 depending on the region. For salaried osteopaths, the remuneration is between €1,500 and €2,500.

Opportunities and developments of the osteopath
The osteopath practices his profession in a private practice or in a hospital. If he is an employee, the most common change is to take over a pre-existing practice or to create his own practice.

Some decide to go into research related to osteopathy, animal osteopathy or sports osteopathy.