Chelsea Russell

There are many ways people describe osteopathy, and you may see different explanations depending on the practitioner, school, country, and professional background.

This is one way I describe osteopathic manual therapy based on my training and clinical experience.

Most people hear “osteo” and think bones.

That makes sense.

The word osteopathy comes from “osteo,” which points toward structure or bone, and “pathy,” which relates to condition, experience, or suffering.

So yes, the name points us toward structure.

But osteopathic manual therapy is not only about bones.

To me, osteopathic manual therapy looks at the relationship between structure and function.

How the body is built.
How it moves.
How it adapts.
How different areas and systems may relate to each other.

A little Ontario note, because the language can be confusing:

In Ontario, manual osteopathy is not currently regulated as a health profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act. That is part of why I try to be clear with my wording and use osteopathic manual therapy / Manual Osteopathic Practitioner.

When you come in for treatment, the sore spot matters.

But it may not be the only thing worth considering.

That is why assessment matters.

Your history, movement, symptoms, breath, pressure, circulation, nervous system, scars, daily demands, and overall capacity can all give helpful information.

Not to overcomplicate care.

To understand what may be relevant.

Osteopathic manual therapy should not feel random.

You should understand what is being looked at, why it may matter, why a technique is being chosen, and what we are working toward.

The goal is for care to feel clear, appropriate, and connected to the person in front of me.