Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy?
The Science of Osteopathy is a study of the human body as it functions in health and disease.
Osteopathy uses very precise palpatory and manipulative techniques to treat the restrictions in tissues which prevent the various parts of the body from fulfilling their natural functions. The objective of the practice of Osteopathy is to restore mobility to the different systems of the body, (musculo-skeletal, circulatory, digestive, pulmonary and nervous systems) thus improving the regulation and interactions of these systems.
The Development of Osteopathy
In 1847, after years of intensive research, Andrew Taylor Still M.D. an American Physician and Surgeon, first described the method and applications of Osteopathy. He founded the first school of Osteopathy in 1892. In the 1900's, Dr. Still's research and it's therapeutic applications were further explored and broadened to the cranial field by William Garner Sutherland, D.O. In 1917, Osteopathy secured a foothold in Europe when the British School of Osteopathy was founded. Today, there are accredited colleges of Osteopathy in France, Belgium, The United States, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. In Canada, the College d'Etudes Osteopathiques de Montreal was founded in 1981. Most recently the Canadian College of Osteopathy opened in Toronto in 1992.
Training Osteopaths
In the United States, Osteopathic Physicians are fully qualified physicians and have practice rights equal to M.D.'s. They are parallel but distinct systems of medicine. In most other countries, Osteopaths restrict their practice to manual therapy.
The Training of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in Ontario
The Canadian College of Osteopathy (C.C.O.) is a five year part time program comprising 1200 hours of theory and practical work. Upon completion of the five year period, students are required to complete a clinical thesis and present it to an international jury. Students are then awarded a Diploma of Osteopathy in Manual Practice. All students entering the Canadian College of Osteopathy must have a Bachelors of Science in a health profession. Those students presently practicing in a health profession, but who do not have a B.Sc. must complete a two year program in the basic sciences, such as physiology and anatomy, prior to entering the C.C.O.
Regulation of Osteopathy in Ontario
At present, the profession of Osteopathy in Ontario is unregulated. This includes the American Osteopaths presently practicing in Ontario who are licensed Doctors of Osteopathy. Current students and recent graduates of The Canadian College of Osteopathy have set up the Transitional Council of the College of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners of Ontario. The objectives of the council include making submissions to the health professions regulatory advisory council and the government of Ontario for enactment of legislation regarding the practice of Osteopathy in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The Council plans to work in conjunction with foreign trained Osteopaths presently practicing in Ontario(ie; British and American D.O.'s).
The Tools of Osteopathic Practice
Prevention is the basis of the Osteopathic approach. The practitioners goal is to treat the cause of the dysfunction as soon as it has been detected. If left untreated, such dysfunctions will manifest themselves in the form of functional impediments, weakened defense systems, postural imbalances and pain. The methods used by the Osteopath to treat restrictions include osteoarticular adjustments, visceral osteopathy, cranial osteopathy and normalization of myofascial tension.
What a Manual Practitioner of Osteopathy Does
The first step in any consultation is to listen to the patient explain the reasons for the visit and to review in details his or her history of injuries and illness.
The rest of the consultation is dedicated to:
Who Can Benefit From Osteopathic Treatment?
Individuals of any age with complaints of pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness or tightness may benefit from Osteopathic treatment. These symptoms may be a result of injury, accident, repetitive strains, under-use or misuse, degenerative or arthritic changes, pregnancy and childbirth or following surgery or dental work.
The Science of Osteopathy is a study of the human body as it functions in health and disease.
Osteopathy uses very precise palpatory and manipulative techniques to treat the restrictions in tissues which prevent the various parts of the body from fulfilling their natural functions. The objective of the practice of Osteopathy is to restore mobility to the different systems of the body, (musculo-skeletal, circulatory, digestive, pulmonary and nervous systems) thus improving the regulation and interactions of these systems.
The Development of Osteopathy
In 1847, after years of intensive research, Andrew Taylor Still M.D. an American Physician and Surgeon, first described the method and applications of Osteopathy. He founded the first school of Osteopathy in 1892. In the 1900's, Dr. Still's research and it's therapeutic applications were further explored and broadened to the cranial field by William Garner Sutherland, D.O. In 1917, Osteopathy secured a foothold in Europe when the British School of Osteopathy was founded. Today, there are accredited colleges of Osteopathy in France, Belgium, The United States, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. In Canada, the College d'Etudes Osteopathiques de Montreal was founded in 1981. Most recently the Canadian College of Osteopathy opened in Toronto in 1992.
Training Osteopaths
In the United States, Osteopathic Physicians are fully qualified physicians and have practice rights equal to M.D.'s. They are parallel but distinct systems of medicine. In most other countries, Osteopaths restrict their practice to manual therapy.
The Training of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in Ontario
The Canadian College of Osteopathy (C.C.O.) is a five year part time program comprising 1200 hours of theory and practical work. Upon completion of the five year period, students are required to complete a clinical thesis and present it to an international jury. Students are then awarded a Diploma of Osteopathy in Manual Practice. All students entering the Canadian College of Osteopathy must have a Bachelors of Science in a health profession. Those students presently practicing in a health profession, but who do not have a B.Sc. must complete a two year program in the basic sciences, such as physiology and anatomy, prior to entering the C.C.O.
Regulation of Osteopathy in Ontario
At present, the profession of Osteopathy in Ontario is unregulated. This includes the American Osteopaths presently practicing in Ontario who are licensed Doctors of Osteopathy. Current students and recent graduates of The Canadian College of Osteopathy have set up the Transitional Council of the College of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners of Ontario. The objectives of the council include making submissions to the health professions regulatory advisory council and the government of Ontario for enactment of legislation regarding the practice of Osteopathy in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The Council plans to work in conjunction with foreign trained Osteopaths presently practicing in Ontario(ie; British and American D.O.'s).
The Tools of Osteopathic Practice
Prevention is the basis of the Osteopathic approach. The practitioners goal is to treat the cause of the dysfunction as soon as it has been detected. If left untreated, such dysfunctions will manifest themselves in the form of functional impediments, weakened defense systems, postural imbalances and pain. The methods used by the Osteopath to treat restrictions include osteoarticular adjustments, visceral osteopathy, cranial osteopathy and normalization of myofascial tension.
What a Manual Practitioner of Osteopathy Does
The first step in any consultation is to listen to the patient explain the reasons for the visit and to review in details his or her history of injuries and illness.
The rest of the consultation is dedicated to:
- Observing and inspection posture
- Performing general, regional and local functional tests
- Palpating the patients tissues and physiological rhythms
- Identifying the causes and developing the treatment plan
- Performing the Osteopathic treatment
Who Can Benefit From Osteopathic Treatment?
Individuals of any age with complaints of pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness or tightness may benefit from Osteopathic treatment. These symptoms may be a result of injury, accident, repetitive strains, under-use or misuse, degenerative or arthritic changes, pregnancy and childbirth or following surgery or dental work.
Athletic Therapy
The Canadian Athletic Therapist Association (CATA) is an organization devoted to the health care of the physically active individual. A Certified Athletic Therapist must have fulfilled the academic and practical requirements as outlined in the document entitled "Procedures for Certification". Certified members have successfully completed a comprehensive theory exam and a subsequent oral/practical exam developed and administered by the certification board of the CATA.
The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, equipment selection, fitting and repair, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the activity environment and facilities.
The provision of on-field immediate care of athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes: injury assessment, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into appropriate health care delivery systems, or, where appropriate, utilization of techniques facilitating a safe return to participation.
A Certified Athletic Therapist assesses injuries and conditions, utilizes contemporary rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic modalities, soft tissue mobilization, physical reconditioning, and supportive strapping procedures to promote an environment conducive to optimal healing in preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.
The Athletic Therapist, in co-operation with all performance enhancement personnel, and members of the health care delivery team, is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare of the individual. Concomitant with the execution of this role, the Athletic Therapist nurtures an attitude of positive health.
The Certified Athletic Therapist must present annual documentation demonstrating continued professional development to maintain their status with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. Guidelines are presented in the document entitled "Certification Maintenance".
The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, equipment selection, fitting and repair, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the activity environment and facilities.
The provision of on-field immediate care of athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes: injury assessment, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into appropriate health care delivery systems, or, where appropriate, utilization of techniques facilitating a safe return to participation.
A Certified Athletic Therapist assesses injuries and conditions, utilizes contemporary rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic modalities, soft tissue mobilization, physical reconditioning, and supportive strapping procedures to promote an environment conducive to optimal healing in preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.
The Athletic Therapist, in co-operation with all performance enhancement personnel, and members of the health care delivery team, is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare of the individual. Concomitant with the execution of this role, the Athletic Therapist nurtures an attitude of positive health.
The Certified Athletic Therapist must present annual documentation demonstrating continued professional development to maintain their status with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. Guidelines are presented in the document entitled "Certification Maintenance".
Massage Therapy
The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain.
(Massage Therapy Act, 1991)
(Massage Therapy Act, 1991)
Reiki
Reiki is a technique that is used to alleviate stress and promote relaxation which can aid in healing. This technique involves the laying on of hands. It is based on the concept that all living things have a Life Energy flowing through them. Reiki is one way of increasing your Life Energy. With stress reduced and relaxation enhanced, your body has a better possibility to heal. The Practitioner will send Reiki to the client through their hands which are lightly placed on the body or slightly above in different positions around the head, shoulders, stomach and feet.
During a Reiki treatment the client may feel a warmth flowing through their body. A treatment can sometimes also release negative feelings or thoughts. This sometimes leaves the client feeling lighthearted with an increased sense of well-being. People often report recovery from headaches, stomach-aches, etc. as well as major illnesses which can also be affected. Each person responds differently to treatment and clients should always consult a licensed physician or other licensed health care professionals for their complete health care needs. Reiki works well in conjunction with many medical modalities.
During a Reiki treatment the client may feel a warmth flowing through their body. A treatment can sometimes also release negative feelings or thoughts. This sometimes leaves the client feeling lighthearted with an increased sense of well-being. People often report recovery from headaches, stomach-aches, etc. as well as major illnesses which can also be affected. Each person responds differently to treatment and clients should always consult a licensed physician or other licensed health care professionals for their complete health care needs. Reiki works well in conjunction with many medical modalities.