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FAQs

Q1: What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a profession that makes extensive use of manual assessment and treatment guided by the principles set forth by its founder, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. Osteopathy emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the body. Osteopaths are functional anatomists who use manual therapy. They find the health, rather than focus on disease. Osteopathic treatment works to restore proper body mechanics, nerve impulses and the circulation of body fluids.
Osteopathic Manual Therapy is meant to be a part of the patient’s total health system. OSTCAN strongly advises all patients to work with their family doctor as it pertains to all health concerns.

Q2: What is Manual Therapy?

Members of the Ontario Osteopathic Association are Osteopathic Manual Therapists. Practitioners of Osteopathic Manual Therapy follow the theory that imbalances in the human structure contribute to or are directly related to the development and/or maintenance of disease. Anatomy and physiology is the foundation of Osteopathic treatment. Practitioners recognize that the human body is self-regulating and self-healing – and will strive for health if given a chance. Our role is to encourage this self-healing capacity through manual treatment – to convert the physical into the physiological. We allow nature to do its job of removing any and all obstacles and obstructions that will interfere with the proper nutrition and drainage of the body’s tissue. Understanding and adjusting the anatomical unity of the human structure is our job.

Q3: What is Manual Osteopathy?

Manual Osteopathic Practitioners are educated and trained to work exclusively without the use of drugs or surgery by using manual methods for structural assessment and treatment. This is the predominant method of education worldwide (outside of the USA) and it is what is currently present in Canada. An Osteopathic practitioner in this context is different from an Osteopathic physician.

Q4: What is an Osteopathic Physician?

Osteopathic physicians are educated in schools of Osteopathic Medicine and are licensed and credentialed to an unrestricted scope of medical practice in the USA. This is the only country in the world offering a recognized medical degree in Osteopathic medicine. Most of these practitioners work in medical settings in much the same way as an M.D. does, practicing in almost all medical specialties. Additionally, these practitioners may be eligible for medical licensing in many countries outside the USA.

Q5: What Education is required to Practice?

OSTCAN requires that its member associations uphold a membership requirement that includes a minimum 4 years of osteopathic education. This education must total a minimum of 4200 hours, and include a minimum of 1000 hours in Supervised Clinical Practice & Training meeting the Type 1 standard as outlined by the World Health Organization Benchmarks for training in Osteopathy.

Q6: Do I need a Doctor’s referral?

No. You do not need a Doctor's referral to receive osteopathic care.

Q7: Is Manual Osteopathy covered by insurance?

Yes. If you have extended health insurance plan, receipts may be submitted for reimbursement according to your policy. OSTCAN and OOA (Ontario Osteopathic Association) members are recognized by insurance companies that offer coverage for osteopathy treatments.

FAQs: FAQ
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