She is a registered member of the General Osteopathic Council and a member of the British Osteopathic Association. Osteopaths study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This degree is similar to a medical degree, with emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine and includes over 1,000 hours training in osteopathic techniques. The British Medical Association’s (BMA) guidance for GPs states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths and osteopathy is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for lower back pain. Osteopathy is safe, natural and effective. It is an offence for anyone to call themselves an osteopath if they are not registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
Maria is a fully qualified Osteopath having completed a 5 year degree programme at the College of Osteopaths in London, where she was awarded the Tim Brown Memorial Award in her year. Maria also holds a diploma in Medical Acupuncture, Sports Injuries and Ultrasound therapy and regularly attends post-graduate courses focused on all aspects of Osteopathic care.