Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to healthcare practiced by osteopathic manual practitioners (in Canada and some other countries) or osteopathic physicians (DOs) in the U.S. It uses manual techniques to:
- Improve mobility of joints
- Relieve muscle tension
- Enhance blood and lymphatic circulation
- Support the body’s nervous system
- Encourage the body’s natural healing mechanisms
What does osteopathy treat?
Osteopathy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
Musculoskeletal Conditions:
- Back pain and Neck pain
- Shoulder and joint pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
Postural and Functional Issues:
- Postural imbalances
- Work- or stress-related tension
- Pregnancy-related discomfort
While evidence varies, many people also seek osteopathy to help manage:
- Headaches and migraines
- TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
- Digestive issues (e.g., IBS)
- Circulatory or respiratory issues (as supportive therapy)
What to expect
Treatment typically includes:
- Gentle stretching
- Soft tissue massage
- Joint articulation and manipulation
- Education on posture, lifestyle, and exercises
Osteopathy is non-invasive and patient-centered, often used alongside conventional medical care or physiotherapy. It's suitable for people of all ages, including infants, pregnant individuals, and seniors.
What is OSTCAN?
The practice of manual osteopathy is not currently recognized as a regulated health profession in Canada. Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN) is a national council that represents provincial osteopathic associations and its members. OSTCAN adheres to the highest international standards in education and professionalism as defined by the W.H.O. All of our members must complete 4200 hours of education, and a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice and training. As a national council, OSTCAN ensures that patients are guaranteed a standard of practice regardless of the province in which they seek care. OSTCAN members are exemplary in the quality of their treatment and lead principles-based practices which focus on the osteopathic lesion and the correction of its deviance. The purpose of this is to improve structural and functional relationships with the intention of enriching the health and well being of those in our care.
