
CATHERINE KONOPELKY DOMP / D.Sc.O / RMT / D.A / B.A

Manual Osteopath, Cranio-Sacral Therapist, & Meditation Instructor
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Manual Osteopaths are considered engineers of the body. They study and apply Science, Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology (and more) 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 within and among all tissues. The cause and effect relationships within the body are observed, tested, treated, and 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.

HOW DID OSTEOPATHY BEGIN?
In 1874, a physician named Andrew Taylor Still described a form of natural therapy he was discovering while living and practicing among North American Aboriginals. Dr. Still was guided by the powers of Nature, the laws of cause and effect, and the principle that we are connected to a greater Whole.
THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF OSTEOPATHY:
-
The Role of the Artery is Absolute
-
Structure and Function are Reciprocally Related
-
The Inherent Auto-Regulation of the Body
-
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 and clinical hours (some with thesis and research also). 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.