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The practice of osteopathy was established in the late 1800's by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the United States. His philosophy and principles were based on a drugless approach, consisting mainly in manual therapy. Since Dr Still's time, osteopathy has evolved and is now being practiced worldwide. Currently in the U.S., medically trained Doctors practice Osteopathic Medicine, whereas in Canada for example, practitioners are trained in private colleges and practice Manual Osteopathy. Please refer to the practitioner's statement for more information.

Today, the World Health Organization recognizes osteopathy as a distinct manual therapy that differs from other forms of treatment (OAO, 2018).

Manual Osteopathy is a natural, hands-on and holistic approach to individual health, based on an extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners use a varied range of manual techniques (soft tissue, articular, cranio-sacral, visceral, biodynamic approaches for example) in order to optimize the self-healing mechanisms of the body. They can help with a variety of health issues, and patients of all ages. 

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Osteopaths who are licensed with the OAO and NSAO comply to high standards of practice and a code of professional ethics.

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For more information, you may visit the OAO website