Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopathy is a safe and effective healthcare treatment which focuses on achieving a state of balance among all the systems of the body, a balance that is required to maintain optimal health.

An Osteopathic Practitioner will assess the whole body as a unit, not just the area that is causing symptoms. For example, if you visit an Osteopathic Practitioner because you are experiencing knee pain, they will assess the function of the knee but will also look for any compensations within the body that are causing, or are a result of, a dysfunction in the knee. Once the Osteopathic Practitioner has assessed the whole body, they will use a variety of hands-on techniques to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, enhance joint mobility, balance posture and support overall well-being. These techniques may include joint mobilization, myofascial release, visceral or cranial manipulation techniques. The result is that the knee will have less stress placed upon it, allowing for a reduction in pain and improved function throughout the body.

Osteopathy can be used to treat a specific issue, or as a preventive health measure. Many health problems can be addressed:

• neck/back pain and tension
• headaches
• sleep or energy issues
• sports injuries
• concussion
• injuries from car accidents
• repetitive strain injuries
• joint or muscle pain
• digestive, respiratory or menstrual problems
• pre- and post-natal support
• jaw dysfunction

Osteopathy is drug and surgery free. It optimizes the body’s ability to heal itself and achieve balance. Benefits include:

• pain relief
• increased range of motion
• increased circulation
• improved healing from physical injuries
• decreased stress and tension
• improved posture 

Osteopathy can benefit people of all ages and stages of life, from newborns to the elderly. 

Osteopathic treatments are believed to influence the autonomic nervous system, promoting a balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) system and the parasympathetic (rest and digest) system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. 

You may experience mild soreness or stiffness after the treatment, similar to what you might feel after a workout. These side effects typically resolve within a day or two.

Osteopathy is generally safe when performed by a qualified Osteopathic Practitioner. The treatment is gentle and non-invasive, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals.

Osteopathy in British Columbia, as elsewhere in Canada, is not yet a regulated profession. There has been a proliferation of underqualified Osteopathic Practitioners offering their services in recent years. Patients are advised to carefully select a Practitioner who has the internationally recognized educational qualifications and follows Canadian practice standards.

All members of OsteopathyBC meet the World Health Organization’s “Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy” by completing four years of full-time osteopathic education, or its equivalent. Additionally, members of OsteopathyBC commit to practice to the Standard Council of Canada’s “Osteopathic Healthcare Provision CSAZ16686” and must complete 50 hours of professional development over a two-year period.

You can find qualified practitioners in your area at the OBC Member Locations Map or Visit our Member List.

Not all Osteopathic Practitioners in B.C. have the same training.

OsteopathyBC members must have a minimum of four years in-person training in Osteopathy. To meet the standards specified in the WHO Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy, this training must be either full time studies for students without previous education, or part time for practitioners who have a health care designation prior to entering Osteopathic school, such as a Physiotherapist, Registered Massage Therapist, or Athletic Therapist. Training must also include supervised clinical practice in an appropriate clinical facility. Visit ‘How to Choose Your School’ on the OBC website to discover acceptable programs in your area.

Currently, there are schools in Canada offering short, online programs in Osteopathic training for people with little or no previous health care education.

Be sure that your Osteopathic Practitioner has comprehensive training.  Visit our Member List or OBC Member Locations Map to find a qualified Osteopathic Practitioner in your area.

Osteopathy is a distinct and complementary healthcare profession with its own rich development and philosophy. With a history spanning over 150 years, Osteopathy has evolved as a recognized form of integrative, patient-centred care which focuses on the interconnectedness of all body systems.

Using skilled analysis and palpation, Osteopathic Practitioners identify underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, then use manual techniques such as joint mobilizations, cranial, visceral and soft tissue manipulation to support and improve the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and heal.

Many manual therapy techniques used by other professions have their roots in Osteopathy’s long-standing tradition, but the holistic, patient-centred approach makes Osteopathy truly unique.

Your first visit typically involves a thorough medical history review, a physical examination, and an initial treatment. The practitioner will discuss your symptoms and tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs. 

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. You may be asked to remove some clothing for better access to the treatment areas. 

A typical Osteopathic treatment lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your specific needs.

The number of treatments required can vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people experience relief after a single session, while others may need multiple treatments.

Treatment should not be painful, although some discomfort may be experienced, especially if the area being worked on is particularly sore or tense. Your practitioner will adjust the treatment to your comfort level.

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see an Osteopathic Practitioner. However, some insurance plans may require a referral from your primary care physician. It is best to check with your insurance provider. 

Treatment with an Osteopathic Practitioner is not covered by MSP.

Coverage varies by insurance plan, and there are many insurance plans that include Osteopathic treatment. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine if Osteopathy is covered under your policy and whether it is included as one of your benefits. A handy guide to insurance coverage can be found here.

The training of Osteopathic Practitioners and Osteopathic Physicians have the same origin - in the work of Andrew Taylor Still, MD. Starting early in the 20th century, however, these two approaches to the profession have evolved differently.

Today, there are two types of Osteopathy recognized internationally: Osteopathic Medicine practised by Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons; and the manual practice of Osteopathy practised by Osteopaths. Canada is one of a few countries worldwide in which both practices of Osteopathy are represented across the provinces and territories.

As the name indicates, Osteopathic Physicians are medical doctors. As such, they are trained to prescribe drugs and perform surgery, and must have the prerequisites to specialize in other branches of medicine. Osteopathic Physicians are almost exclusively trained in the USA.  

Worldwide, Osteopathic Practitioners have very comprehensive practical training in what has come to be known as Osteopathic Manual Therapy. It was this manual practice which was most distinctive about Dr. Still's methods, and the wide range of manual approaches that evolved from Still's principles are what formed the core of Osteopathy. Osteopathic Practitioners have training in basic health sciences (such as anatomy and physiology) and extensive instruction in Osteopathic manual treatment but they are not medical doctors. Osteopathic Practitioners are trained in many countries all over the world and are regulated in 12 countries in Europe as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Currently, Osteopathic Medicine practised by Osteopathic Physicians falls under the legislation and licensure of the provincial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons. Individual professional associations, such as OsteopathyBC, represent qualified Osteopaths across Canada.

The majority of countries in the world, and the majority of provinces in Canada, use the internationally accepted title “Osteopath” for practitioners who offer Osteopathic manual therapy. In B.C., the term “Osteopath” is currently a restricted title for Osteopathic Physicians who are members of the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons. In B.C. members of OsteopathyBC use the title Osteopathic Practitioner.

OsteopathyBC maintains membership in the Osteopathic International Alliance (OIA), whose purpose is to advance the practice of both Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy throughout the world. OsteopathyBC is also a member of the Canadian Federation of Osteopaths (CFO), which represents provincial and territorial associations nationally. Both types of Osteopathy are recognized by the Osteopathic International Alliance (OIA) which represents 75,000 Osteopathic Practitioners and Osteopathic Physicians from more than 20 different countries worldwide.

OsteopathyBC is not a regulating body, nor is it able to offer any legally protected provincial recognition. Like other organizations of its kind in Canada and throughout the world, it is an association of Osteopathic Practitioners committed to fostering education for the public about the profession, demonstrating accountability and ethical practice, and providing a list of practitioners whose training is known to be of a high standard.