WHAT IS MANUAL OSTEOPATHY?
Manual Osteopaths are considered engineers of the body. We study and apply Science, Anatomy, and Physiology and blend treatments with something greater. The goal of treatment is to help a patient express themselves at all levels without limitations since "all structures perform best when midline" (Hartman, 1983). Manual Osteopaths work with alignment, mobility, and communication among all tissues. The cause and effect relationships within the body are observed/tested/treated/re-tested.
'Find the health and beauty and organize a treatment from there' (Druelle, 2015).
The systems treated during manual osteopathic therapy include traditional systems like the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and endocrine systems plus other Osteopathic systems like the Primary Respiratory System, Cranio-Sacral System, Fascial-Arterial-Venous Systems, the Grid systems, and the Morphogenic Fields.
THE APPOINTMENTS
We begin with our intake, a postural assessment, and testing (standing, seated, prone, supine). We assess, treat, and re-assess. We use the following in treatments:
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Direct techniques
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Indirect techniques
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Myo-fascial release
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Muscle energy release
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Osteoarticular normalization
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Visceral mobilization
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Cranial techniques
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Fluid rebalancing
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Biodynamics (working with the Tide of Infinite Health and beauty)
THE HISTORY
In 1874, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still described a form of natural therapy he was uncovering while living and practicing with American Aboriginals. Dr. Still was guided by Nature, the law of cause and effect, and the principle that we are connected to a greater whole.
THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS
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The Role of the Artery is Absolute
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Structure and Function are Reciprocally Related
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The Inherent Auto-Regulation of the Body
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The Body works as a complete unit
IN CANADA
Philippe Druelle is the pioneer of Osteopathy in Canada. A Manual Osteopath, Physiotherapist, Professor, Researcher, and Homeopath from France. In 1981, Philippe opened the first Osteopathic College in Quebec (Le Collège d'Etudes d'Ostéopathie, CEO). In 1982 he started 'The Canadian Foundation for Education and Research in Osteopathy'. Philippe has worked tirelessly to open Manual Osteopathy Colleges across Canada and Internationally.
IN CANADA, THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF OSTEOPATHS
1) MANUAL OSTEOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS: Four to five years of formal education with thesis or research and clinical hours. Manual Osteopaths are monitored by Associations but not regulated by the Government.
2) DOCTORS OF OSTEOPATHY (D.O's): Four to six years of formal education in the United States. Doctors of osteopathy are regulated by the Government. They can administer pharmaceuticals, perform surgery, and some provide manual therapy and Biodynamic treatments.
Many health insurance companies provide coverage for Manual Osteopathy in the same way they do for Physiotherapy and Massage. Check with your provider to verify if a referral is required from your Doctor prior to treatment.