The years through childhood to adulthood are exciting and challenging. Intrauterine and subsequent experiences, alongside a child’s genetic constitution, shape his or her physical, mental and moral journey. We grow not only by our own genetic programme, but by our experiences in life.
During critical growth periods, osteopathy has increased potential to enhance healthy anatomical development. “To unbend the twig so the adult grows straight’’, requires understanding of the normal phases and many influences upon skeletal growth. The normal and variant are then more readily recognised in the young patient. Osteopaths practising in the paediatric field need a thorough knowledge of those diseases that occur only during childhood.
To study paediatrics from the osteopathic perspective is both rewarding and demanding. The paediatric osteopath needs constantly to increase their wealth of knowledge of embryology, anatomy and pathology, osteopathic techniques, and alongside this the ability to stick to the primary respiratory mechanism in a wriggly child, as well as a lot of patience and humour.
It is expected that you are already treating children in your own practice. A current DBS certificate and Safeguarding of Children level 2 or above (or equivalent from the country in which you reside and practice) is required; a copy of which should be supplied to our office.
The POD Pathway is a flexible portfolio of six specialist workshop weekends and optional self-directed study, aimed at deepening your knowledge and skills in treating children.
Study is at your own pace and now no longer carries a large initial financial outlay as each component is paid for separately. Successful completion comprises achieving either:
- The POD Certificate, or
- The Paediatric Osteopathy Diploma
Alternatively, just study what interests you. Providing you meet the entry criteria you may book onto any of the POD weekends without making a commitment to onward study.
The Certificate is entirely course-directed and required successful completion of:
- All six Paediatric weekend workshops
- Module 4: Balanced Ligamentous Tension
- Module 8: The Functional Face
The Diploma is a combination of course- and self-directed study and requires successful completion of:
- The requirements of the Paediatric Pathway Certificate (as above),
- The Diploma Access Day (prior to taking the workshops)
- 16 clinic visit sessions,
- 5 reflective studies,
- 1 case study,
- 2 professional reports,
- 1 reflective action plan, and
- 1 evidence-based practice report
- 1 final clinic assessment day
| ELEMENT | NUMBER | FEE (each) |
|---|---|---|
| Practice visit | 16 | £40 |
| Reflective study | 5 | £35 |
| Case study | 1 | £35 |
| Reflective action plan | 1 | £35 |
| Professional reports (colleague & professional) | 2 | £20 |
| Evidence-based practice report | 1 | £110 |
| Final clinic assessment day | 1 | £200 |
At the heart of the POD Pathway are the weekend workshops. These comprehensive courses have been distributed over a two-year period which means that it will take a minimum of two years to complete all six.
This part of the course will study the systems of the body as the child develops. The basic osteopathic tenet of accessing the physiology through the child’s developing anatomy will be explored. All the weekends will cover clinical methods, applied pathology, applied osteopathy, case study presentations, red flags and points on case history taking.
A child’s immunity changes from conception to teenage years. It is as varied and complex in its connections and responses as the nervous system. As the immune system develops and pervades the whole body, each of the six weekends will discuss the immune development and the disease processes that are pertinent to the system being covered.
P0: Diploma Access Day
£200.00 – £289.006 OCTOBER 2023 STROUD, UK This single day introduces...more→
P2: Development windows & early deficits
£549.00 – £599.003 – 4 FEBRUARY 2024 STROUD, UK This fascinating...more→
Prices in euros for UK courses and sterling for German and Spanish courses are approximate and for reference only.
“We have returned to our practices after every weekend with new information, new approaches and renewed enthusiasm for osteopathy and how it can help our young patients.”
“Excellent, inspiring and clear teaching and felt that I came away with some concrete techniques that I could use straight away.”
“Over the whole weekend the level of knowledge passed on to us, the pace, the professionalism and the care given to us was superb and invaluable. You cannot read the stuff I learnt in any textbook.”