Why I became an Osteopath
It’s always
interesting finding out why people chose their career, or even how they fell
into it accidentally! I’m quite lucky in that I discovered I wanted to be an
Osteopath when I was about 14 years old. This meant I was able to pick my GCSEs
and A-levels to suit my chosen career, but it did mean it felt like a long time
before I even started my course, let alone qualified as an Osteopath!
I’ve always
been interested in science, the human body and medicine in general. It was when
I accompanied my Mum to one of her Osteopathy appointments for back pain that I
discovered my ideal mix of those subjects. I was instantly fascinated how
someone could just use their hands to improve my Mum’s back pain so much,
especially because it had been severe for quite a while.
Another reason
I was drawn in, was the fact that Osteopaths have time to really get to know
their patients and see them from day one, when they can be in lots of pain, to
the point where they’re fully fit and not needing their Osteopath anymore. It
felt like a really nurturing role, but also a big responsibility. I liked that
I would have the potential to really change people’s lives for the better.
I think if you
asked any Osteopath why they chose their career, 99% would say to help people
in pain, but it really is true! It’s a real privilege to be trusted by people
when they’re in a lot of pain. Helping someone through what is often the most
traumatic stage of their life, to being back to their normal self, is really
amazing.
Before training
I had Osteopathic treatment myself for a hip problem and experienced such an
improvement after a few gentle sessions. I now regularly have sessions with a
colleague to help with symptoms I get from hypermobility and a type of inflammatory
arthritis. I’m really passionate about spreading the word about Osteopathy,
because often people with chronic pain conditions like mine can be worried
about having any kind of hands-on treatment in case it flares their symptoms
up. I find Osteopathy works really well alongside conventional medical
treatments to manage my symptoms and I treat many patients who find the same.
Osteopathy isn’t a cure and it isn’t a replacement for other medical treatments
and advice, but it can be really helpful.
Whenever someone
jumps off the couch in a lot less pain than when they got on.
When someone is
walking straighter and without fear of pain.
When someone
returns to work, their hobbies and spending time with loved ones.
It’s not just
easing physical symptoms, it has a huge impact on mental health as well.
Injuries and pain can be debilitating, restricting your activities and your
ability to connect with others. By easing physical symptoms and providing hope,
people really can get their lives back.
The beauty of
Osteopathy is that we recognise everyone is born differently, everyone has
different experiences and therefore there’s no such thing as ‘normal’. We all
have our own normal. My job is to find out what your ‘normal’ is and return you to
that... or better! It also depends on what you want to be able to do, we all have
different interests and aims. Osteopathy helps your body keep up with those
aspirations.
I know from experience that we often take our body for granted, until something goes wrong. I love
being able to teach people about their general health and ways to improve and
manage their health long-term to stay strong and healthy. I’d much rather
someone learnt to manage their health, rather than need to see me regularly.
I want to
spread the word about Osteopathy as a great hands on treatment for aches, pains
and various injuries.
I want people to think of their health all the time, not
just when something goes wrong, and practice preventative healthcare.
I also really want to
inspire people to look after themselves, not take anything for granted and
celebrate daily all the things their body allows them to do.
I’m always
happy to chat to anyone considering a career in Osteopathy, so if you have any
questions please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Zoë Clark is a registered osteopath trained at the British College
of Osteopathic Medicine in London. Practicing in Howe near Norwich (01508
558373) and Diss (07543 557746), Norfolk.
Twitter @ZoeClarkOsteo
www.zoeclarkosteopathy.co.uk
Comments
Post a Comment