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What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual form of therapy that emphasizes the relationship between the structure and function of the human body. This therapy follows a belief in the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate, which is why Osteopathic Manual Practitioners do not see themselves as healers, but instead as facilitators to health.
First introduced by founder A.T. Stills in the 1870s, osteopathy is a science, a philosophy, and a practice.
What Does an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner Do?
Principles-based Osteopathic Manual Practitioners aim to align the body’s structure (bones, muscles, ligaments, fascia, viscera) so that NAVL (nerves, arteries, veins, lymphatics) can operate unobstructed. This science focuses on structural manipulation to facilitate a physiological response in the body.
By working with an in-depth understanding of surgical level functional anatomy and the application of osteopathic principles with manual technique, osteopathic manual therapy aims to help the body self-heal and self-regulate.
At the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, our curriculum focuses on principles-based osteopathy. This is an elite specialty within osteopathy. By focusing on the theory and application of osteopathic principles, in addition to manual techniques, students gain a comprehensive understanding of osteopathic methodology as a whole and are better able to assess and treat their patients. This graduate-level training in osteopathy grants students an in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology, so they can treat the layers of bodily structure in an integrated way, customized for the patient.
You can learn more about osteopathy by watching our helpful videos below. If you have any questions feel free to contact us!
Principles-Based vs. Eclectic Osteopathy
Where principles-based osteopathy encompasses an understanding of principles and can stand on its own, eclectic osteopathy is taught as a series of memorized techniques or manipulations for different parts of the body. Eclectic osteopathy lacks the founding principles and theory that manual osteopathy relies on, and is typically layered onto an existing modality such as massage or physiotherapy. The CAO is Canada’s principles-based osteopathy school!
What’s in the Title?
The titles Osteopath, DO, and Doctor of Osteopathy (PDF) are protected by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario for exclusive use by American trained Osteopathic Medical School graduates. Canadian osteopathic schools are eligible to award the title Osteopathic Manual Practitioner to trained osteopathic graduates.
Is A Rewarding Career In Osteopathy Right For You?
See PrerequisitesIf you’re interested in learning more about a career in osteopathy and exploring whether the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy is right for you, book a call with us. For immediate questions, please feel free to call 1-866-320-9898
The CAO provides graduates of its program with a post-graduate diploma. Completion of the program does not result in being conferred a degree designation.
OSTEOPATHIC REGULATION IN CANADA
A Recognized Curriculum In Canada and Worldwide
The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO) is officially certified by the Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada and approved to issue the T2202 tax form for tuition credit.
It’s important to do your research when selecting an osteopathy school, as osteopathy is unregulated in Canada. There is no government involvement at the provincial or national level with regards to educational standards or professional standards.
This is why the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy looks to international education standards in osteopathy for guidance. International benchmarks for training in osteopathy; as set by the World Health Organization, and as set in countries where osteopathy has been regulated at the highest level; are comprehensive and provide a bar the CAO can measure its curriculum against.
At the CAO, we voluntarily align with the highest international benchmarks in osteopathic education. We do this to protect our students after graduation. In the event of future regulation, we want our graduates to be trained at the highest levels world wide. We want our graduates to be eligible to challenge licensing exams around the world. The CAO is also proud to acknowledge that our osteopathy program is recognized and monitored by Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN).
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Osteopathy Canada (OSTCAN)
After graduation, membership in an osteopathic association is imperative for professional recognition. CAO graduates choose OSTCAN (Osteopathy Canada) which sets the bar for professional osteopathy associations and is well respected and recognized by private insurance providers and government.This national organization has affiliated provincial associations in every Canadian province. These associations hold some of the highest entrance requirements and professional requirements in the country. This is why OSTCAN is so well respected by Insurance Providers across the country.
What makes OSTCAN stand out?
OSTCAN only accepts Type 1 Trained professionals from Canada or other countries. This is the gold standard of osteopathy education world wide.
OSTCAN is the only professional association in Canada that requires a Certification exam to test the competency of new members before it allows them into the association.
OSTCAN audits schools that want to be accredited by OSTCAN
OSTCAN has provincial affiliates in every province all sharing equivalent entry requirements and practice standards ensuring professional quality nation-wide
Is A Rewarding Career In Osteopathy Right For You?
If you’re interested in learning more about a career in osteopathy and exploring whether the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy is right for you, book now.
The CAO provides graduates with a diploma. Completion of the program does not result in being conferred a degree designation.
