The body is a self-regulating, functional unit in which function and structure are inter-related, and healthy tissues require proper circulation of all body fluids. In health, the body seeks to maintain a balance within and between these systems.
An Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (DOMP) uses a wide array of manual approaches to reduce and resolve strains, stress and dysfunction in all areas of the body.
The goal is to remove restrictions to vascular, neural and biomechanical mechanisms and ultimately support the natural healing mechanism by promoting auto-regulation.
In the United States of America, only medical doctors (MD) who have been specifically trained in osteopathy my practice the therapy and they go by the designation of DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). Some American trained Osteopaths that practice in Canada and they hold governance over the title of DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) in Canada.
To practice Osteopathic Manual Therapy in Canada, you do not need to be an MD. The founding school in Canada for Osteopathic education is The Canadian College of Osteopathy. Upon completing a rigorous 5-year program, graduates proudly leave holding the title of receiving a Diploma of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP).