Osteopath - Tasks and specialisations
Kaiwhakamaimoa Kōiwi
Tasks & duties
Osteopaths may do some or all of the following:
- diagnose problems by questioning and examining patients
- talk with patients about diagnosis and proposed treatment
- use movements to treat muscles, bones and joints
- change and correct the movement of the spine to restore movement and health
- advise patients on exercise, posture, diet and lifestyle
- refer patients to other specialists for treatment if necessary
- get patients x-rayed or conduct other appropriate investigations if necessary
- carry out workplace assessments for patients who have Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) or any other workplace injuries.
Osteopaths often have areas of special interest such as children, geriatrics or sports injury rehabilitation.
Will Aitken giving osteopathic treatment to a baby
Specialisations
Osteopaths may specialise in a particular area such as paediatrics, veterinary or cranial osteopathy.
Updated
September 2009
