What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy was developed in the United States by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874. It is a healthcare approach that takes a holistic perspective in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of conditions. Through manual techniques and a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system, osteopaths work to restore balance and optimize the body’s natural healing abilities.

Osteopaths work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and integrated care for their patients.

For what type of complaint?

Musculoskeletal pain, discomfort or loss of mobility
Various areas of the body – back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, joint pain, headaches, sports injuries and other complaints.

Postural issues
Osteopaths often see patients with postural concerns, such as rounded shoulders, forward head posture, or uneven pelvis. These issues can lead to musculoskeletal imbalances and associated pain or functional limitations.

Pregnancy-related discomfort
The back, hips, or pelvis.

Pediatric
Birth trauma and postnatal issues, Developmental conditions (torticolis, plagiocephaly), growing pain, sports injuries.

Digestive issues
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain.

Respiratory conditions
Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or recurring respiratory infections, chest tightness…

Stress-related symptoms
Manage stress-related symptoms, including muscle tension, headaches, and general discomfort associated with stress and anxiety.

For who?

Everyone: Adults, babies, children, pregnant women, athletic, elders…
Chronic pain or aigue pain, or discomfort.

1. Main complaint
Your complaint, your lifestyle, your medical history and your family medical history.

2. Examination
Medical examination and after osteopathic examination.

3. Osteopathic treatment
Gentle manual techniques.

4. Advice
Stretching, muscle, lifestyle eating, inflammatory advices, orthopedic insoles.

Time Session

In general, a session for initial treatment is between 45min to 1h and for the follow up is about 30 to 45min.

The follow up depends of the complaint.

Some Science behind Osteopathy

  • An anti-inflammatory action through the reduction of several cytokines (IL-6, IL-12), substance P, and TNFα (18, 19).
  • An action on the autonomic nervous system, both orthosympathetic and parasympathetic.
  • An overall improvement in mobility.

List of Insurance Providers that may cover your manual Osteopathy Treatment

  • Sunlife
  • Manulife
  • Johnston Group
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Desjardins
  • Cooperators
  • Green Shield
  • Blue Cross**
  • Canada Life

This is subject to change and depends on your personal coverage.

**Some tiers may not cover Osteopathy

You must send in your receipts for reimbursement via a claim for as we cannot bill providers directly.

Osteopathy in Canada

There are two streams of osteopathy recognized internationally, a medical stream of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, and a manual stream of Osteopaths.

Canada represents a unique situation as it is one of a few countries world wide in which both streams of osteopathy are represented within the different provinces. Currently, the medical stream of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons falls under the legislation and licensure of the individual provincial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.

Individual associations represent Osteopaths provincially. The Canadian Federation of Osteopaths (CFO) in turn, represents these provincial associations nationally. The CFO maintains membership in the international body, the Osteopathic International Alliance (OIA). The purpose of the OIA is to advance the practice of manual osteopathy and osteopathic medicine throughout the world.

Osteopathic Physicians have a long history in Canada, dating back to the turn of the last century. Despite small numbers they obtained medical practice rights for physicians who graduated from the United States (US) medical schools, approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). As a result, in certain provinces, the title “Osteopath” is reserved for graduates of US medical schools only. Due to increasing numbers of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in Canada, there is a growing need for provincial governments to recognize both streams.