Risk Management in Osteopathy
Manual therapy is a central component of osteopathic practice, but safe and effective treatment requires thoughtful clinical reasoning and a structured approach to risk management.
In this evidence-based CPD lecture, Dr Phillip Deam explores the current research surrounding the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy techniques, including spinal manipulation and mobilisation. Drawing on Level 1–2 research evidence, this module examines how clinicians can identify red flags, screen for contraindications, communicate risk clearly with patients, and integrate manual therapy within a broader rehabilitation strategy.
The lecture also demonstrates how risk management supports stronger clinical reasoning, better patient outcomes, and more defensible professional practice.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module clinicians will be able to:
• Interpret current research regarding the benefits and risks of manual therapy
• Identify key red flags and contraindications relevant to musculoskeletal care
• Apply risk-management principles within everyday osteopathic practice
• Integrate manual therapy safely within multimodal treatment plans
This module forms part of the Clinical CPD Hub: Evidence-Based Practice Series and meets Osteopathy Board of Australia CPD requirements for formal verifiable learning.