Q1. What is Osteopathy?

Basically is it manual therapy - fully hands on. I can do adjustments like Chiropractors but with all the bones of the body. I can do soft and deep tissue work like Massage Therapists. I can also mobilize joints like Physiotherapists. That is what an Osteopath does in a nut shell.

Q2. What is the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy?

Both professions started at the same time in the late 1800's. Chiropractic was accepted readily because the concept of adjusting the spine made more sense than scanning the whole body and treating the cause of the problem, which would include treating non-problematic/acute areas of the body.

Both these professions are effective. Osteopathy sees the injury in light of the whole body. Chiropractic sees the injury in light of spinal subluxations or nerve impingement via the spine.

Osteopathy brings the elements of mind, body and spirit together for optimal healing. Concepts like this are accepted more readily today than in the late 1800's. Osteopathy is seen as part of a growing field or medicine known as Alternative Medicine.

Q3. Why are Osteopaths not called a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) in Canada (except in Quebec)?

The College of Surgeons and Physicians bought the rights to the term DO. So I cannot be called a DO or Osteopathic Doctor. My future designation since I am still a student in my last year, will be DOMP = Diploma of Osteopathy Manual Practitioner.

DO's are medical doctors with a speciality in Osteopathic Medicine. DOMP's are manual therapists. DOMP's cannot perform surgery, prescribe medication or diagnostic test and dispense medication.

Q4. Why use the term Osteopathy if the focus is not bones?

Osteopathy is termed that way, despite not just focusing on bones. It is termed so, as the Founder A. T. Still believed that pathology comes from a disorganized musculoskeletal system. In this way, I believe that everything starts with the bones and the tissues that connect to these bones.