CATHERINE KONOPELKY / DOMP / D.Sc.O / RMT / D.A / B.A /
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner & Registered Massage Therapist
WHAT IS MANUAL OSTEOPATHY?
Manual Osteopaths are considered engineers of the human body. Cause and effect relationships are observed and treated. It is said that "all structures perform best when midline" (Hartman, 1983). Osteopaths work with the midline of the body, mobility, and communication in all levels. The goal of Osteopathic treatment is to help the patient express themselves without limitations.
The body systems treated during manual osteopathic therapy include traditional systems like the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and endocrine systems. Other 'Osteopathic systems' treated during treatments are the Primary Respiratory System, Cranio-Sacral System, Postural system, Fascia, Arterial and Venous Systems, Central Nervous System, the Grid, the Morphogenic Fields and Others.
Manual Osteopaths learn and apply science and blend treatments with something greater;
we 'find the health and beauty and organize a treatment from there' (Druelle, 2015).
Conditions treated with manual osteopathy include (but are not limited to...):
Allergies, Anxiety, Asthma, Back pain, Birth trauma, Bronchitis, Bruxism (aka clenching),
Concussions, Digestive problems ( bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, reflux, Colic), Depression, Headaches, Migraines, Nausea, Neck pain, Newborn latching difficulties, PTSD, Problems associated with pregnancy, Respiratory difficulties, Sciatica,TMJ, Sports injuries, Sinus infections, Sleep issues, Whiplash injuries..etc.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF OSTEOPATHY
In 1874, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still (above) 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 OF OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT:
1) The Role of the Artery is Absolute;
2) Structure and Function are Reciprocally Related;
3) The Inherent Auto-Regulation of the Body;
4) The Body Functions as a complete unit.
OSTEOPATHY IN CANADA:
Philippe Druelle (above) is the pioneer of Osteopathy in Canada. Philippe is a Manual Osteopath and physiotherapist from France, he is also a professor, researcher, and homeopath and lover of dark chocolate and wine.
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 The Canadian College of Osteopathy (CCO) across Canada and Osteopathic Colleges across Europe offering the highest level of Manual Osteopathic training and research.
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF OSTEOPATHS IN CANADA:
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MANUAL OSTEOPATHIC PRACTITIONERS: Four to 8 years of Education in Canada or Europe. Manual Osteopathic Practitioners are not regulated by the Federal government in Canada. They perform manual therap
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DOCTORS OF OSTEOPATHY (D.O's): Four years of Education in the United States, and are regulated by the Federal government as Doctors in Canada. They can administer pharmaceuticals, perform surgery, and some use manual therapy in treatment.
Graduates from the CCO have 2 designations:
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DOMP: Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice
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DScO: Diploma in the Science of Osteopathy
Graduates from Quebec have the designation:
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D.O. (Diplôme d'Ostéopathie) but are different from D.O's trained in the USA.
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.