The module aims to enhance the students’ existing knowledge and skills. Through critical reflection on their clinical practice utilising the visceral approach and identification of areas for personal and professional development the module will examine the potential of the reflective process to enhance patient care and to support practitioners in their own development.

Syllabus

• In-depth, three dimensional anatomy of the body cavities and viscera.
• Anatomy of the fascia/peritoneum/pleura and pericardium within the body cavities.
• The relationship between the organs, and with the structures forming the walls and boundaries of those body cavities.
• Embryological formation of the organs.
• Discussion of hypotheses based upon the embryological process of organ movement and migration.
• The role of organ dysfunction within musculo-skeletal biomechanics.
• Physiological rationale behind efficacy of visceral osteopathy.
• Indications and Contra-indications to visceral techniques.
• Exploration of evidence in support or not, of the visceral osteopathic approach

(Subject Benchmark Statement: Osteopathy: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, N)

Case history presentation and viva, 80% - Presentation of (a) case history(ies) focussing on patient management and treatment, in particular where the student faced complex or challenging or unexpected circumstances.
(Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5)

Reflective Essay, 20% - 500 words reflecting on personal development during and on completion of the module
(Learning outcome 6)

All elements of the module assessment must be passed in order to complete the module.

Students will have a formative assessment opportunity on the choice of case(s) and the reflective essay with feedback

Contact Hours (15)
Lectures – 15

Independent Study (135)
Directed home study – 35
Self- directed study - 100

Barral, JP (2007) Visceral Manipulation. Eastland Press, USA.

Harvey, A (2010) A pathway to health : how visceral manipulation can help you, North Atlantic Books

Hebgen, G (2010) Visceral Manipulation in Osteopathy. Thieme, New York.

Stone, C (2007) Visceral and Obstetric Osteopathy. Churchill Livingstone, China

Students must have successfully completed Clinical Osteopathy 1-4 unless exemption has been agreed. e.

1. Critically evaluate the suitability of the visceral approach for a variety of conditions drawing on a detailed knowledge of underpinning principles and biomedical sciences and demonstrating an understanding of the scope of visceral practice and its boundaries. (OPS: C1, C2, D1, D2, D3)
(Analysis, Knowledge & Understanding)

2. Synthesise information from a number of sources, including published literature, in order to gain an integrated and coherent understanding of cranial theory and practice.(OPS: B2, B4, D3)
(Enquiry)

3. Maintain appropriate and professional case records (documenting initial presentation, diagnosis, treatments carried out) including the evaluation of therapeutic responses (OPS: D2, D3)
(Analysis, Communication)

4. Apply professional judgement to propose and apply appropriate treatment to clinical cases (OPS: A5, C1, C2, C7, D3, D14)
(Application)

5. Utilise effective verbal and written communication by presenting information in an appropriate form.(OPS: A1, A3, D2, D4)
(Communication)

6. Reflect on and critically evaluate their own clinical practice and use this to formulate plans for developing greater proficiency in their practice. (OPS: B3, B4)
(Reflection)

Students have access and can borrow books from any other university library participating in the SCONUL scheme.