What is Osteopathy?
“An osteopath is only a human engineer, who should understand all the laws governing his engine and thereby master disease.”
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual therapy based on gentle and precise palpation. Developed in Kirksville in 1874 by an American surgeon named Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathy is now taught in the United States in general medical university programs, earning the title "Doctor of Osteopathy, D.O.". Still's philosophy spread across Europe, followed by Canada in the 1980s with the opening of the Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques in Montreal. In Canada, osteopaths complete their training with a "Diploma of Osteopathy (D.O.)".
Through rigorous and in-depth training in functional human anatomy, the osteopath seeks to release restrictions throughout the body to ensure its return to optimal functioning. By releasing all the affected structures, the osteopath helps improve physical movement, and therefore encourages physical harmony.
During a consultation, the osteopath looks for the primary cause of your complaints, which involves a global physical assessment. The osteopath works with the client to establish an osteopathic intervention plan that meets their personal needs. This intervention consists of restoring the mobility of the affected structures and tissues in a safe manner using precise and gentle techniques.
Osteopathy is a complementary and holistic type of manual therapy, and should not be considered as an absolute alternative to traditional medicine. Osteopaths are prepared to refer and work alongside other healthcare professionals as needed (doctor, physiotherapist, acupuncturist, psychologist, occupational therapist, etc.).
The profession of Osteopathy has been approved to obtain its own professional order by the Office des Professions du Québec, and is currently awaiting final approval by the Government of Quebec. In the meantime, you can consult the Ostéopathie Québec website to ensure that your osteopath has undergone safe, rigorous, and standardized training.