HVTs away!

Year 3 Osteopathy Student

I started year 3 this weekend and although initially euphoric that I have treated approximately 10 patients in clinic, I have now sunk into a little low moment as we have just been told that we are to complete a data analysis and critical review project this year! This is not great news. This means that a large amount of time will be spent on my backside studying as opposed to going out and doing the things I love to do.... exercising, teaching pilates and of course trying out my new learned skills in osteopathy! Hopefully the feeling will pass so that I can just go with the process! This is definately where I have decided to complete the BOst and not the MOst - having already a MSc degree in Exercise Science - the research project is such a large part of this that I know that I want to be a good practitioner... good luck to those that choose the other route!!

First five patients - tick

Yes I've finally broken my osteopathic virginity... this week I have treated 5 patients, most necks with one lower back. I even got to experience some cranial techniques and watched the patient go through some weird sensations. This may be hard to believe but I think there really is something to cranial osteopathy after all! So next week booked into the Marylebone clinic - so lets see if I can gain another patient - hopefully with something more than just necks!

Naturopathy Revision

I just can't seem to get my head 'round this subject at all - is it because it's wishy washy with no real evidence or is it because I thought I was studying osteopathy! Who can say - but whatever it is it needs to stick before 12th June when I taking a 2 hour written paper on it!

Getting Closer to Treating!

Ok its now only a matter of weeks before we are released onto 'real' people to practice our osteopathic skills... its exciting and nerve racking at the same time ... not the treatment itself but the case history taking and diagnosing as well as justifying those diagnoses with tests... one big learning curve - come July - exams over - and I will hopefully be raring to go!

Volunteers!

Seriously guys I need volunteers to practice soft tissue and articulation techniques for exams in June. Anyone wanting additional treatments or even to top up after a pilates session - let me know xx

SIJ Draft Complete!

Did I tell you I have finally managed to complete the SIJ Essay that has taken me some time. I really enjoyed researching this and although I have some feedback to change a few things prior to submission, its been a fabulous learning process, one that I still believe is over diagnosed currently in the clinic - if our student college clinic is anything to go by!

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction - there appears to be evidence that it exists - although not many researchers in agreement of how to test for it and in fact, due to the pain referral patterns and the highly ligamentous/innervation - it could be many years to come before there is total agreement on this subject area.

Fabulous reading if you are interested - start with www.dianalee.ca and then start delving into google scholar - its amazing what you can find!

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

After reading mountains of research, I still appear to be no clearer! This is a mammoth subject area and one that few people agree on. There appears to be minimal movement, more in women for obvious reasons of preparing for childbirth. However, the area that I am really struggling with is the inconsistency on testing for SIJ dysfunction. It appears that although there are a range of tests, there is mixed reviews on their validity. There also appears not to be clear presentations of the condition other than within a 2cm area of the PSIS. With all these inconsistencies, it must be very challenging to diagnose and treat. Something to look forward to when I am a fully qualified osteopath.

One Step Nearer...

I've just received my results today for Semester 1 of Year 2 in BSc Osteopathy... I'm very pleased as they are suggesting that I am on for a first! Well at least it gives me a little lee-way if things get a little difficult huh!

Roll on Semester 2 - although we have officially started at the end of January... let's hope I can get just as good results.. only time will tell.

Tales as a Student Osteopath

Ok I'm off to clinic today for my 116th hour - only another 88 hours to go to get my yearly quota. Hopefully I will get to see an Sacro-iliac joint dysfunction (SIJ) today so that I can start my essay.... although after glancing at the research - there seems to be a very high number of people diagnosed with SIJ dysfunction in our clinic. Studies state that is is under 10% - well that is definately not the case in Borehamwood.... once I get started - I will list the symptoms (that appear to be similar to a facet joint issue) and lay down the facts - watch this space...