SCOPE OF PRACTICE for manual Osteopathy practitioners
Osteopathy envelops a broad base of philosophies and techniques to improve health. However, since it is a non-regulated profession, it is not governed by the province of Ontario under the Regulated Healthcare Professionals Act of 1991. Interestingly, many practitioners of Manual Osteopathy in the province of Ontario also hold degrees, registration, and accreditations in other modalities – and in many cases are registered under those such regulating colleges (i.e. Registered Massage Therapists, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturists, Nursing, Chiropractors, Naturopaths, etc.).
In Canada, the scope of care within the manual osteopathic field is limited to external hands-on care using soft and bony tissue manipulation as well and fluid techniques. The following is a list of acts which fall outside the scope of manual osteopathic care and are FORBIDDEN under its designation:
- Performing any intervaginal or anorectal manipulation of reproductive genitalia for any reason
- Prescribing of any pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, vitamins, or any other internal substances
- However, supplements and vitamins can be recommended if the practitioner has appropriate training in that field (i.e., Naturopath, Homeopath, etc.)
- Performing surgery, or breaking of the skin through injection needles of any kind
- However, acupuncture, with a valid College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) license, may be performed as a separate modality
- Performing x-rays or acting as a radiologist
- Performing medical diagnoses
- A manual osteopath may state an osteopathic hypothesis, but not a medical diagnosis
- Performing joint manipulation such that it is taken to, and then past, the joint’s normal range of motion through the use of High Velocity / Low Amplitude (also called HVLA or a Grade 5 mobilization)
- Applying a brace or cast to a broken bone
- Relocating a dislocated joint