What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a pure science that is founded on the rock of reason and flourishes in the principles of natural law. This form of treatment is also an art as its application will vary from case to case and is interpreted differently by each individual practitioner. It is a form of manual therapy that is applied with an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, assessment, chemistry, mechanical principles and has a sound footing in the philosophy of health sciences.

Through gentle adjustment of the body, an operator works to stabilize the structure, balance the body and remove obstructions that restrict the flow of nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatics. Only when the body is balanced, and structures are adjusted to normal, can we begin to heal our naturally designed self-healing, self-regulating mechanism.

The Osteopathic Manual Practitioners at Goodwill Healing are certified by the Ontario Osteopathic Association and have graduated from an extensive 4-year, 4400-hour program at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy which focuses its training in the original principles and concepts as taught by the founder of our profession,

Dr. A.T. Still.

“A scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology in the hands of intelligence and skill, who can apply this knowledge in the use of one who is sick or wounded by strains, shocks, falls or mechanical derangement or injury of any kind” – Dr. A.T. Still

Is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner a Doctor in Canada?

No, the term Osteopath or the designation D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) is a protected title and can only be used by an individual who has been educated in the United States of America after graduating from an Osteopathic Medical School. These professionals are not only trained in the art and science of Osteopathy as taught by Dr. Still, but also have training that qualifies them as medical physicians who can prescribe pharmaceuticals, perform surgery and specialize in their chosen field.In Canada, an Osteopath who has graduated from an institution such as the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy is known strictly as an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner or Therapist and approaches treatment from an anatomical and physiological principle standpoint. With an understanding that anatomy and physiology are interrelated on all levels, it stands to reason that any deviation of the anatomical structure will have a negative effect on the physiological functions of the body. Therefore, the approach we apply as taught by the founder of our profession is to correct the structure (anatomy) so that the function (physiology) may propagate our self healing and regulating mechanisms and thus create an environment for healing as we were created to do so.An Osteopathic Manual Practitioner who has been trained in Canada is restricted to practicing the art and science as it was originally taught by the founder of our profession, which was a drugless approach to therapy.Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in Canada may not:

Provide a medical diagnosis

Have influence on a patient’s medication regime

Advise on surgeries or medical procedures

Perform any examination of the breast tissue

Provide an assessment or treatment approach that passes the boundary of any orifice of the body

Write medical notes for patients / clients

Use the literal term Osteopath, DO or Doctor of Osteopathy to identify themselves

Are all Practitioners trained the same?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. The profession of Osteopathic manual therapy is not government regulated at this time and will not be regulated in the foreseeable future. This has an effect where several fringe schools have evolved and grant unsuspecting students certification though diploma mills where they have only received anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years of training. If you are looking to receive treatment from an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, please be informed and ensure that the practitioner has had at least 4 years of training at a recognized school and is enlisted in an Association that is in good standing with the insurance industry today.

The practitioners at Goodwill Healing have undertaken the study of Osteopathy through the most prestigious institution in Canada. They have completed a 4-year, 4400-hour program at the CAO, in the art and science of Osteopathy which includes over 1000 hours of supervised, student clinical care training, peer mentoring and teaching opportunities.

For more information please visit the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy for educational purposes or research the Ontario Osteopathic Association for a list of our qualified practitioners in your area.

Rates

Initial Consultation and First Treatment: $145 (HST incl.)


Subsequent Treatments: $90 (HST incl.)

Payment may be made in the form of of e-transfer, cheques or cash.

Sorry, we do not utilize visa, debit or provide direct billing options at this office.
Payment must be made to the therapist on the same day of treatment rendered.