Free osteopathy for people with HIV at the British School of Osteopathy

Since 2001, the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) has been running a free Friday morning treatment programme called the Chapman Clinic for HIV positive patients from its premises on Borough High Street, south east London.

Senior BSO tutor Paul Blanchard and his team have also, since 20005, run a free Friday afternoon osteopathy service at the Ian Charleston Day Centre at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north west London. From 1 April 2008 treatment at the BSO Chapman Clinic will be offered from the new clinical centre that the BSO is opening at 98-118 Southwark Bridge Road (SE1 0BQ) just a few minutes’ walk from its existing premises.

The BSO is keen to ensure that anyone living with HIV who might be helped by osteopathic treatment are aware of the free treatment it can offer them. Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system, complementary to other medical practices. It is suitable for almost anyone and can contribute to alleviating an enormous range of conditions.

Osteopaths primarily work mostly on muscles and joints, and pay special attention to how the internal organs affect, and are affected by, that system. Relevant psychological and social factors also form part of the diagnosis. Another important principle of osteopathy is that the body has its own self-healing mechanisms, which can be utilised as part of the treatment.

Osteopathic treatment at the BSO Chapman Clinic and at the Ian Charleston Day Centre is provided by osteopathic students supervised and supported by tutors who are qualified osteopaths, and who have a specialist interest in HIV, drug therapies,

associated pathologies and the musculo-skeletal presentation of HIV. Anyone living with HIV can refer themselves to these clinics.

Osteopathic treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS can bring great improvements in quality of life by addressing the particular musculo-skeletal dysfunction they often experience. It also complements the drug therapies used to manage HIV/AIDS and may also help in coping with the side effects they can bring.