Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics

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Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics

Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada has 344 clinics in 32 countries. It is the largest chronic pain clinic in the world. OCPCC is a non-profit clinic.

Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (OCPCC) was founded in September 2017 by manual osteopath, Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, PhD. With 342 locations in 30 countries OCPCC is now the largest privately owned chronic pain in the world. All OCPCC manual osteopaths are chronic pain specialists who have graduated from one of the three schools founded by Dr Pourgol, the National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada), National University of Medical Sciences (USA), or National University of Medical Sciences (Spain). All our manual osteopaths completed the fellowship program in osteopathic chronic pain management offered by National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada). They are also members of the Canadian Union of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (founded by Dr Pourgol) which made OCPCC the preferred provider of manual osteopathic care to union workers in Canada. All income generated is kept 100% by its manual osteopaths. All OCPCC head office expenses is covered by National Academy of Osteopathy in Canada. To find an OCPCC clinic near you please visit the locations section of OCPCC website www.osteopathypainclinics.com. Thank you.

04/15/2026

❤️Pourgol Botanical Gardens ❤️

In 2025, National University of Medical Sciences sold Finca de Pourgol. We are now excited to begin a new chapter by finding a similar property in the United States—one that will allow us to continue growing our vision.

Pourgol Botanical Gardens will serve as a beautiful setting for practical classes. Students in the Doctor of Botanical Medicine (DMB), Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and Doctor of Indigenous Health Sciences (PhD) programs will have the opportunity to learn about herbs directly in the garden. We also plan to host hands-on technique classes for our manual osteopathy, naprapathy, athletic therapy, and physical therapy programs in this natural environment.

Beyond its academic purpose, the Gardens will be a welcoming space for families—a place where visitors can explore fruit trees from around the world. Open to the public, it will offer a unique and enjoyable experience, allowing people of all ages to connect with nature and discover the diversity of plant life.

We intend to establish Pourgol Botanical Gardens as a charitable organization, encouraging support from those who share our vision. It will serve as both a peaceful destination and an educational center, especially for children, where learning about fruits and nature can happen in a hands-on and meaningful way—a true “United Nations” of fruits.

Profits will be donated to other charitable causes. This project is my way of expressing gratitude to God for the many blessings in my life. The Gardens will also create jobs, support the local community, and contribute to greater awareness of natural health approaches, including Indigenous medicine. We are committed to supporting the growth of Indigenous healing practices and helping make them more accessible to people everywhere.

On a personal note, my love for nature began in childhood, spending summers on my grandfather’s rice farm in the village of Foshtom in Gilan, Iran. Those early experiences shaped my appreciation for the land and continue to inspire me today. Nature brings a sense of peace and has played an important role in my creativity and journey. Through this project, I hope to inspire others to reconnect with nature and experience its importance in their own lives.

There are very few universities with a farm campus, and that makes this vision even more special. It will be a place of learning, connection, and enjoyment—and I very much look forward to the day I can teach osteopathy techniques surrounded by nature and palm trees!

Have a blessed day.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

04/10/2026

Mandatory ROMP Title in the United States for National Health Licensing ❤️

Dear students and colleagues,

I hope you are all doing well. I wanted to share an important and positive update with you.

As you know, there are currently two national health licensing pathways for osteopathic manual practitioners in the United States: the GEHA Association pathway, which offers a more limited scope of practice, and the Indigenous Health Authority pathway, which provides an expanded scope when combined with naturopathic and Indigenous health education.

Some time ago, we established that obtaining the ROMP (Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner) title—issued by the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners—is mandatory for those wishing to join the GEHA Association.

I am very happy to share that this same requirement now applies to the Indigenous Health Authority pathway as well. Graduates of the triple degree program at the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) who wish to join this pathway will also need to obtain the ROMP title.

This is an important step forward in maintaining high standards within our profession. Before awarding the ROMP designation, the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners ensures that all applicants have graduated from an accredited manual osteopathy program and have successfully passed a board examination. This helps ensure that every practitioner meets the necessary level of knowledge, skill, and professionalism to provide safe, ethical care while protecting the public.

Thank you all for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

04/08/2026

NEW: A Warm Update on Our National U.S. Licensing Pathway with Expanded Scope and “Dr” Title for MANUAL OSTEOPATHY ❤️

Dear colleagues and dear students,

A few years ago, we worked together to create a national pathway that allowed our osteopathic manual practitioners to practice across all 50 states through the GEHA license system. Many of you joined the Guardian Ecclesiastical Holistic Association (GEHA) and obtained your license through the mandatory ROMP designation, and I remain truly grateful for your trust and support in building this pathway together.

While this system has served us well, it came with certain limitations, including a more restricted scope of practice and the inability to use the title “Dr.”

Today, I am very happy to share some exciting news with you. After years of effort, discussions, and careful planning, we now have access to a new national pathway through an Indigenous Health Authority. This pathway allows for an expanded scope of practice and also provides the ability to use the title “Dr.”

This initiative is deeply meaningful. Many healing practices we use today have roots in Indigenous knowledge and traditions. Unfortunately, these contributions have not always received the recognition they deserve. In a small way, this new pathway also helps honor and preserve that heritage while bringing it forward into modern healthcare.

To support this vision, the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) has developed a doctoral program in Indigenous Medicine. Graduates of this program can join the Indigenous Health Authority as Tribal Health Practitioners and practice across the United States with a broader, more integrative scope that includes manual osteopathy and natural therapies.

This opportunity is open to all of our alumni, in all countries. You do not need to be of Indigenous background. The process is straightforward: join the Indigenous Health Authority, obtain your license, and begin practice. Patients simply sign a consent form acknowledging care under this authority, and practitioners clearly identify themselves as Tribal Health Practitioners to ensure transparency.

On a personal note, I have had the honor of being connected with Indigenous communities as honorary member of the Southern Cherokee Nation and the Red Fire people, including serving as their Minister of Education in the past, and I remain committed to building respectful and meaningful collaborations.

At this time, this new pathway is available only to graduates of National University of Medical Sciences (USA), as it requires training in manual osteopathy, Indigenous & naturopathic Medicine, which we are proud to offer as a unique combined program.

I am also pleased to share that our first combined doctoral program in manual osteopathy, Indigenous & naturopathic medicine will begin in September 2026. As a heartfelt thank you for your continued support and for helping us grow into the largest provider of manual osteopathic education worldwide, we will be offering a special scholarship to our alumni for this intake.

Thank you again for being part of this journey and God bless.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

03/25/2026

Mandatory Practical Classes in the United States

I apologize if I have not been responding to your messages promptly. I am currently in Seville, Spain, working at the National University of Medical Sciences (Spain), and my days have been quite full.

As you know, we are integrating naturopathic medicine with manual osteopathy to provide our alumni with an expanded scope of practice in the United States. This allows them to offer services such as acupuncture, peptide therapy, herbs and supplements, and therapeutic modalities including laser, traction/distraction, and ultrasound, as well as homeopathy, HVLA techniques, and more. It also enables eligible graduates to use the title “Dr” across all 50 states.

This national pathway, which operates outside traditional state licensure, has been made possible through a federal exempt health authority framework. It allows qualified alumni to use the title “Dr” and practice with an expanded scope nationwide. In 23 states, alumni may practice naturopathic medicine without joining the federal health authority. In the remaining 27 states, joining the federal health authority is required in order to practice with an expanded scope and use the title “Dr.”

To meet the requirements of this federal pathway and certain state expectations, we must introduce mandatory practical, on-site training. These will be short courses in Florida (under 32 hours), typically one week per semester, focusing on osteopathic techniques (including HVLA), acupuncture, and therapeutic modalities as needed. This requirement applies only to students residing in the United States.

Students outside the U.S. may complete the program entirely online. However, if they relocate to the United States in the future, they will be required to complete these practical classes in order to qualify for participation in the federal pathway and related organizations.

As the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) is currently the only institution of its kind in the United States offering this combined pathway, the federal health authority accepts only our graduates at this time. Foreign-trained manual osteopaths who wish to practice in the United States with an expanded scope through this pathway must enroll in NUMSS (USA) to obtain the combined degree in naturopathic medicine and manual osteopathy.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

03/23/2026

As I mentioned in my previous post, we have decided to implement a system in which osteopathic manual practitioners in the United States are also trained as naturopaths. This will allow for an expanded scope of practice, including therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, HVLA techniques, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal and nutritional supplementation, peptide therapy, and more. It will also support the use of the title “Dr” and enable practitioners to address a broader range of conditions beyond musculoskeletal care.

To support this vision, we are introducing a dual degree program in naturopathic medicine and manual osteopathy, offered at a tuition lower than enrolling in each program separately. Our goal is to encourage future students to pursue both disciplines in an integrated manner.

The dual degree program is scheduled to begin in September 2026. The naturopathy component will be a four-year, full-time hybrid program, combining online education, in-person training, and apprenticeship.

The curriculum will be released soon, and our website and academic calendar will be updated within the next month.

I have always had a deep appreciation for nature. At one point, I even planned to establish a campus farm in Spain for our Doctor of Botanical Medicine program. Although I ultimately sold the Finca de Pourgol before it was completed, I hope to develop a similar farm in Florida in the future.

Yesterday was a wonderful reminder of that passion. I spent the day with my friends Andrea, Tanya and family at their mountain farm, enjoying fresh oranges, loquats, and bananas straight from the trees. Their daughter Astera, knowing how much I love poppies, picked a beautiful collection for me—a simple but truly meaningful gesture.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

03/17/2026

The New Scope of Practice for Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in the United States

The American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP) was requested by a federal health authority to develop and define a clear and standardized scope of practice for osteopathic manual practitioners affiliated with this authority.

I, Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD, Founder of AAOMP and the National University of Medical Sciences (USA), developed this scope of practice in consultation with students, staff, faculty members, osteopathic manual practitioners, and other stakeholders.

This document serves as a guiding framework and may be updated, refined, or revised over time as required.

Two distinct scopes of practice have been established. The primary scope applies to all osteopathic manual practitioners and focuses on non-medical, biomechanical, and musculoskeletal care. The second is an expanded scope of practice, which will require additional education, training, and certification. Under this proposed expanded scope, qualified practitioners may be permitted to provide additional services such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, laser therapy, traction, high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques, and guidance on herbal and nutritional supplements, including peptides.

This expanded scope of practice is currently under development and will be submitted for approval. It has not yet been approved.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all those who contributed their insights and feedback. While it is recognized that not all perspectives will align, the final framework reflects the preference of the majority, which supported an orthopedic-style, non-traditional, mechanically focused scope of practice limited to musculoskeletal conditions. The expanded scope, once approved, is intended to broaden this framework to include additional areas of care.

03/16/2026

NAD+ Supplements ❤️

Yesterday I wrote that injectable glutathione is my favorite supplement. Today I want to talk about injectable NAD, which is my second favorite.

Injectable glutathione gives me a very clean and smooth energy that lasts for hours. It is the kind of energy that both calms and energizes at the same time. It puts me in the perfect mood to take my white Maserati Grecale GT SUV to work and continue expanding manual osteopathy and naprapathy in the United States. 😀

Injectable NAD, on the other hand, gives a completely different type of energy. It is raw power like you have never experienced. The kind that makes you say YOLO and take the red Maserati GranTurismo Sport out for a topless drive. That car has a Ferrari engine and even when using only half of its power it feels incredibly fast. I have driven many cars in my life, but this is the only one where I have not yet dared to push the full power. 😀

One thing I admire so much about the United States is its healthcare system. Personal liberty is extremely important there, and people are allowed to have far more control over their own health compared to many other countries where governments impose heavy restrictions. In the U.S. it is much easier to access advanced testing, specialists, and innovative therapies. Recently, for example, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the US Secretary of Health & Human Services lifted restrictions on several peptides that may have significant health benefits. Many other countries eventually follow the U.S., but often years later. If someone is interested in advanced anti-aging or cutting-edge therapies, the United States is often the best place to access them. ❤️

Currently NAD+ is one of the most popular anti-aging molecules used in the United States. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical molecule involved in mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair, and cellular aging. Levels naturally decline with age, stress, metabolic disease, and poor lifestyle habits.

There are several ways to increase NAD naturally. Exercise is one of the most powerful, especially aerobic exercise and high-intensity training. Intermittent fasting and mild calorie restriction can also increase NAD levels. Good sleep and proper circadian rhythm are important as well.

Certain foods support NAD production, including turkey, chicken, beef, liver, salmon, mushrooms, peanuts, avocados, and green peas. Polyphenols that activate NAD-related pathways may also help, such as resveratrol from red grapes, quercetin from apples and onions, catechins from green tea, and curcumin from turmeric. Sauna use, cold showers, maintaining healthy body weight, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering chronic inflammation, reducing sugar intake, and ensuring adequate intake of vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc all support NAD metabolism.

There are also oral supplements such as NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) that help the body increase NAD production. These supplements are relatively expensive, usually around $100 per month. Many people also take glutathione, CoQ10, and B-complex vitamins together with them to support mitochondrial function and NAD production.

The gold standard, however, is subcutaneous NAD injection. This is more expensive, typically ranging from about US$250 to US$700 per month. The injection can be done one to seven times per week, with three times per week being the most common schedule, followed by a break of two to four weeks.

NAD supports mitochondrial energy production and activates longevity pathways involved in DNA repair, metabolic regulation, and cellular stress resistance. It can improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and fat oxidation. NAD may also support brain health and has been studied for possible neuroprotective effects in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke recovery. It may also improve muscle function, exercise capacity, cardiovascular health, and certain aspects of biological aging.

Unlike glutathione, which is generally considered very safe, the long-term effects of high-dose NAD therapy are still not fully known. It is also quite expensive. When combined with other supporting supplements, the monthly cost can easily reach between US$500 and US$1000. However, many wealthy individuals in the United States are using NAD therapies and the results can be impressive. It is not uncommon to see people in their 60s and 70s who look and function like people in their 40s or 50s.

Personally, I enjoy both glutathione and NAD injections. However, I like the feeling of glutathione slightly more. I used to take them on the same days, but the powerful stimulation from NAD tends to overpower the smooth energy of glutathione. Now on the two days per week that I take glutathione, I do not take NAD so that I can fully enjoy that clean and calm energy.

Together these supplements have improved many of my blood markers, including liver enzymes and several other health indicators.

If someone can only choose one, I would recommend glutathione. But if a person understands the risks and can afford it, using both can be a very powerful combination. With both bigger is not better. Slow dose is my preference.

Have a great day and God bless.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

02/28/2026

What I decide here on this frozen lake may shape the future of manual osteopathy in the United States for decades, so I want to proceed carefully. I have already consulted many of my top students and am now seeking broader guidance on creating a scope of practice for Doctors of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DrOMP) in the U.S.

As you know, certain National University of Medical Sciences alumni now have the right to use the title “Dr” through a federal exemption pathway. The American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners has been tasked with developing the official scope of practice, and as its founder, I want to ensure we choose what is best for the profession.

My main concern is whether to include regulated acts such as HVLA techniques, lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and modalities like ultrasound and laser. While legally possible, these could create major conflict and opposition.

I am considering whether it is wiser to start with a simple, safe scope focused on unregulated manual care, similar to Canada, or adopt a broader scope like in the UK, France, and Australia, knowing it may lead to disputes.

Personally, I believe in a niche approach. I feel the profession should focus primarily on musculoskeletal conditions and functional impairments so the public clearly understands our role.
I welcome your thoughts. Your input may help shape the future direction of manual osteopathy in the United States.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

02/25/2026

Creating the Scope of Practice for Doctors of Osteopathic Manual Practice (DrOMP) in the United States

One reason we have become the largest provider of manual osteopathic education worldwide is that I was financially secure before entering this field. I do not take any income from my schools. All revenue is reinvested to expand and strengthen the profession.

My current focus is the United States. Through my institutions, I have donated millions of dollars to support professional development there, including a recent contribution of approximately $900,000 Canadian ($650,000 USD) from the National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada) to the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP).

Selected graduates of the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) may use the title “Dr” in the United States after meeting specific requirements, including AAOMP membership. We are working on the requirements now and announce them when ready. The AAOMP has now been tasked with developing the official scope of practice for these doctors, and as its founder, I remain actively involved in this process.

Meaningful change in the United States requires working within the system, which takes time, strategy, and financial investment. That is how we have advanced the profession, and that is how I continue to work—by changing the system from within.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

02/09/2026

Using the Title of “Dr” in the United States ❤️

I am pleased to announce that the National University of Medical Sciences which I founded in 2012, has successfully secured the right for its manual osteopathy graduates to use the professional title of “Dr” in the United States. This recognition allows NUMSS graduates to use the title of Dr before their names while providing full scope manual osteopathic services in the U.S.

The privilege of using the title of “Dr” is granted only to selected graduates of NUMSS who meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include active membership in the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners, which I founded in 2018.

I will be leaving Naples today to visit the York University Heights campus of the National Academy of Osteopathy, where I will be teaching and attending the graduation ceremonies. After that, I will travel to Spain to complete required administrative work for our university. I will also be visiting Switzerland before returning home to Naples, Florida in approximately two months.

If you need to see me at NAO, please arrange an appointment with Maria.

Thank you, have a great day and God bless.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

01/23/2026

Manual osteopaths—interested in research funding?

Would you like to conduct research in your own osteopathy clinic but need guidance with study design, documentation, writing, and publication? We can help.

The Pourgol Osteopathy Chronic Pain Research Center (POCPR) is a non-profit organization supported by the National Academy of Osteopathy and the National University of Medical Sciences. Our mission is to advance the clinical effectiveness of manual osteopathy in the prevention and management of chronic pain.

We provide full support—from research design to publication in peer-reviewed journals—and cover all associated costs.

Publishing research establishes you as an authority, enhances professional opportunities, attracts patients, and strengthens the profession through evidence-based outcomes.

Please contact Katherine Weinberg at info@nationalacademyofosteopathy.us if interested.

Dr Shawn Pourgol

01/03/2026

Osteopathy & Naprapathy Worked Wonders on My Forearm! ❤️

Last week my doctors and physiotherapists were amazed at how well my fractured radius and large incision healed. When I explained why, one physiotherapist immediately decided to enroll in our naprapathy/manual osteopathy programs at National University of Medical Sciences, and my surgeon plans to refer patients once Osteo-Massage Health Centers of America opens in Naples. ❤️

Much of my recovery came from self-administered osteopathy and naprapathy during my 4 hours daily walks—adding gentle osteopathic osteoarticular & muscle energy techniques and focused naprapathic scar-tissue care, which dramatically reduced the scar. ❤️

This is why I’m in the U.S.: 70 million Americans suffer from chronic low back pain with little real care. My mission is to make manual osteopathy and naprapathy mainstream nationwide through education, clinics, associations, exams, and accreditation. ❤️

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

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2-375 Canarctic Drive
Toronto, ON
M3J2P9

Telephone

+14166356550

Website

http://www.osteopathypainclinics.com/

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