Time for Critical Reflexivity in Visceral Osteopathy
A profession at a crossroads between tradition and evidence The MDPI article Clinical Reasoning and Practices in the Osteopathic Management of Visceral Disorders: A Grounded Theory Study in the Italian Context offers a much-needed mirror to our profession. By qualitatively exploring how experienced Italian osteopaths conceptualize and manage visceral disorders, the authors expose a tension […]
Palpating Asymmetry in the Lumbopelvic Region: What Does the Evidence Really Tell Us?
The reliability of palpation—particularly when assessing asymmetry in the pelvis and lumbar spine—has long been a cornerstone of osteopathic practice. A recent review by Stovall and Kumar, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, critically examined whether clinicians can consistently identify bony landmark asymmetries in the lumbopelvic region. Their findings raise important questions […]
Rethinking Osteopathy’s Roots: A Critical Look at Anatomical Possibilism in Canadian Practice
Introduction In a recent article published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (2024), Hidalgo, MacMillan, and Thomson take aim at a foundational belief in osteopathy: the idea that “everything is connected, so everything matters.” They call this mindset anatomical possibilism (AP), the tendency to construct elaborate clinical explanations from tenuous anatomical connections. While these […]
Palpating Asymmetry in the Lumbopelvic Region: What Does the Evidence Really Tell Us?
The reliability of palpation—particularly when assessing asymmetry in the pelvis and lumbar spine—has long been a cornerstone of osteopathic practice. A recent review by Stovall and Kumar, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, critically examined whether clinicians can consistently identify bony landmark asymmetries in the lumbopelvic region. Their findings raise important questions […]
Graston Technique Shows Promise in Managing Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Based on research by Yana et al., published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, April 2024. Introduction Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide, affecting up to 80% of the population at some point in life. It not only limits daily function but also impacts workforce […]
Bridging Past and Present: Reconceptualizing Osteopathic Care for Modern Musculoskeletal Practice
Introduction In a world rapidly advancing in biomedical science, the foundations of osteopathy, rooted deeply in century-old tradition, are experiencing fresh scrutiny and reinterpretation. A recent perspective piece in Applied Sciences (2025) revisits the divide between tradition-dismissive and tradition-reconceptualization approaches in osteopathic care, offering a thoughtful synthesis that aims to revitalize musculoskeletal practice with both […]
Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Menstrual Awareness: A Promising Combination for Managing Primary Dysmenorrhea
Based on the study: “Potential effects of combining osteopathic manual therapy and menstrual awareness on pain and associated symptoms in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized clinical trial” (Conesa-Albaladejo et al., 2025, International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine). Introduction Primary dysmenorrhea—the recurring menstrual pain without an underlying medical condition—is one of the most common gynecological complaints, […]
Understanding Rolfing® Structural Integration: History, Method, Training, and How It Complements Manual Osteopathy
Rolfing® Structural Integration, commonly referred to as Rolfing, is a sophisticated and holistic approach to bodywork that focuses on reorganizing the connective tissues (fascia) of the body to enhance posture, movement, and overall wellbeing. Developed in the mid-20th century by biochemist Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing has evolved into a respected modality that bridges manual […]
New Brunswick’s Osteopathy Act (Bill 36): What Canadian Osteopaths Need to Know
A major milestone is underway for the osteopathic profession in New Brunswick with the introduction of Bill 36 – The Osteopathy Act, which had its first reading on May 16, 2025. This landmark legislation transforms the Association of Osteopaths of New Brunswick into a formal self-regulating body and introduces a comprehensive framework for the governance, […]
Paediatric Osteopathy: A Unique and Impactful Niche for Manual Osteopaths in Canada
Pediatric osteopathy is an emerging and rewarding specialty within manual osteopathic practice in Canada. It offers practitioners the opportunity to support infants and children through gentle, non-invasive manual therapy techniques tailored to their unique anatomy and physiology. Unlike adult care, pediatric osteopathy involves a family-centered approach where the intake process often includes detailed discussions with […]
