This introductory module lays the foundation for the Diploma in Osteopathy, presenting a modern, evidence-informed, patient-centered approach to clinical practice.

Modern Osteopathic Practice

• Where osteopathy came from and where it is going

• The role of osteopathy in contemporary healthcare

Clinical Reasoning & Identity

• Moving beyond “magic hands.”

• Understanding practitioner influence on outcomes

Assessment & Motion Palpation

• Modern approaches to palpation and movement testing

• Applying assessment to real clinical decisions

Quality, Safety & Standards

• Professional expectations and safeguarding

• Treating children and working within best practice

Shared Language

• Core terminology used throughout the diploma

• Osteopathic glossary (A–Z)

This module develops core clinical assessment skills, teaching safe, systematic patient evaluation, case history taking, clinical examination, and differential diagnosis for musculoskeletal and systemic conditions.

Case History Taking

• Structured patient interviews and clinical questioning

• Identifying key subjective findings and red flags

Clinical Examination

• Observation, palpation, and movement assessment

• Orthopaedic and neurological testing

Musculoskeletal Assessment

• Assessment frameworks for common MSK conditions

• Region-specific examination strategies

Systemic Screening

• Identifying non-MSK and visceral red flags

• Knowing when to refer or modify care

Differential Diagnosis

• Distinguishing MSK from systemic conditions

• Prioritising findings to guide clinical decisions

Integrated Learning Resources

• HD step-by-step tutorial videos

• Structured presentations and assessment walkthroughs

• Clinically relevant examples throughout

This section bridges technique understanding and clinical application, teaching the setup, application, and progression of soft tissue techniques through HD video demonstrations to build skill, precision, and confidence.

Core Soft Tissue Skills

• Treatment setup, positioning, and clinical preparation
• Practical application with clear clinical intent

Trigger Point Techniques

• Identification and treatment of myofascial trigger points
• 46 HD step-by-step videos

Advanced Soft Tissue Release (STR)

• Progressed soft tissue release methods
• 56 HD videos developing precision and control

Strain Counterstrain (SCS)

• Osteopathic strain counterstrain techniques
• 23 HD clinical videos
• Hands-On Confidence
• Using fingers, hands, and reinforced contacts
• Turning technique into measurable treatment results

This section covers the safe, effective use of Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve function through precise, patient-led contractions.

How MET Works

• Safe, controlled use of muscle contractions

• Improving joint range, muscle length, and balance

Assessment & Application

• Identifying restrictions

• Applying MET with accuracy and confidence

Clinical Control

• Adjusting force, timing, and resistance

• Tailoring MET to different patients

HD Practical Training

• 31 HD step-by-step tutorial videos

• Clear demonstrations for immediate use

Clinical Integration

• Using MET alongside soft tissue and mobilisation

• Turning technique into consistent results

This section provides a practical understanding of joint mobilisation, teaching low-velocity, rhythmic techniques to restore joint play, reduce stiffness, and optimise biomechanics safely across the body.

Mobilisation Principles

• Safe, low-velocity joint mobilisation

• Improving movement without provoking symptoms

Assessment & Selection

• Choosing the right mobilisation for each patient

• Applying techniques with clinical reasoning

Full-Body Coverage

• Spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar

• Pelvis, sacroiliac joints, ribs, and sternum

• Upper and lower limbs, including hands and feet

Extensive Practical Training

• 150 full-body mobilisation techniques

• Clear, structured demonstrations for real practice

Clinical Integration

• Combining mobilisation with soft tissue, MET, and exercise

• Adapting techniques to individual needs and goals

This section teaches the use of mobilisation belts to deliver precise, controlled joint mobilisations, improving leverage, restoring movement, and enhancing patient comfort with minimal physical strain.

MBM Foundations

• Theory, safety, and clinical setup

• Using the belt to improve leverage and control

Whole-Body Application

• Spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar

• Pelvis, sacroiliac joints, ribs, and sternum

• Upper and lower limbs, including hands and feet

Clinical Precision

• Enhancing mobilisation effectiveness without force

• Adapting techniques to patient size, tolerance, and presentation

Extensive Practical Training

• 52 HD step-by-step tutorial videos

• Clear demonstrations across all major joints

Clinical Integration

• Combining MBM with manual therapy, exercise, and education

• Improving efficiency, outcomes, and practitioner longevity

This section teaches the use of the Speeder Board for precise, low-amplitude joint techniques (MVLA), enabling effective joint loading and movement with reduced effort while maintaining patient comfort and safety.

Speeder Board Foundations

• MVLA principles, theory, and safety

• Setup, positioning, and practitioner control

Full-Body Application

• Spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar

• Pelvis, sacroiliac joints, ribs, and sternum

• Upper and lower limbs, including hands and feet

Controlled Joint Loading

• Delivering precise movement without force

• Improving joint play and biomechanics safely

Extensive Practical Training

• 86+ HD step-by-step tutorial videos

• Clear demonstrations across the entire body

Clinical Integration

• Combining Speeder Board techniques with mobilisation and MET

• Improving efficiency, consistency, and treatment outcomes

This section develops safe, confident use of HVLA joint manipulation, focusing on precise setup, efficient body mechanics, and sound clinical reasoning to support effective, patient-centred practice.

HVLA Foundations

• Principles, indications, and contraindications
• Safety, consent, and clinical decision-making.

Precision & Control

• Correct positioning, locking, and thrust mechanics
• Reducing effort while improving accuracy

Full-Body Application

• Spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar
• Pelvis and sacroiliac joints
• Ribs and sternum
• Upper and lower limbs, including hands and feet

Extensive Practical Training

• 170 full-body HVLA techniques
• Clear, structured demonstrations across all regions

Clinical Integration

• When to use HVLA and when to choose alternatives
• Adapting techniques to individual patients
• Integrating HVLA into complete treatment plans