Osteopathy Related Research & Science

08/19/2025

In this video, manual osteopath, naprapath & chiropractor, Dr Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD president of National Academy of Osteopathy, National University of Medical Sciences and Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada reviews some important points to keep in mind before performing any manual osteopathic techniques.

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08/18/2025

Manual osteopathic treatments on participants demonstrated an increase in milk production from baseline at each visit.

Context There is currently no clinical research investigating the effect of osteopathic manipulation on the milk supply of lactating patients. Herbal and prescription galactagogues are limited and have the potential for serious side effects. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine wh...

07/30/2025

The Power of Unity

All National Academy of Osteopathy and National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain) graduates in New Brunswick have been accepted by the new regulatory college, stablished in June 2025.

This was a wise decision by the organization that initiated the process. On their behalf, a lawyer contacted all NAO & NUMSS graduates, as well as others, to inform them that they would be eligible to join the college as long as they are practicing in the province.

Because of this inclusive approach, there was no opposition from the National Academy of Osteopathy, National University of medical Sciences, their graduates, or other practitioners.

As demonstrated in Quebec, a regulatory process can be delayed or halted if it excludes certain practitioners. In Quebec, attempts were made to exclude graduates from several schools, which led those schools to file complaints with the government. The government ultimately paused the process and instructed the Quebec organization to make changes to ensure no one’s career would be jeopardized.

This experience highlighted an important lesson for New Brunswick: the regulatory process must be inclusive so that all osteopathic manual practitioners can continue to work.

In New Brunswick, members of the newly formed regulatory college can use the term "osteopath".

07/27/2025

07/20/2025

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07/16/2025

Osteopathic soft tissue manipulation enhances recovery of muscle mass in a disuse model of sarcopenia.

Context Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by low muscle mass and function that places individuals at greater risk of disability, loss of independence, and death. Current therapies include addressing underlying performance issues, resistance training, and/or nutritional strategies. However, these...

07/08/2025

What is the Osteopathic Psychosomatic Technique (OPT)?

Osteopathic Psychosomatic Techniques are manual therapy methods used by some manual osteopaths that aim to address the interconnection between the mind (psyche) and body (soma). These techniques are based on the belief that emotional stress, mental trauma, or unresolved psychological conflicts can manifest as physical tension, pain, or dysfunction in the body—and vice versa.

Key Concepts:
Mind-Body Connection: Emotional states like anxiety, grief, anger, or trauma may cause physical symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle tension, fatigue, or gastrointestinal problems.

Somatic Memory: The idea that the body "remembers" trauma or emotional stress in muscles, fascia, or joints.

Manual Release: Through gentle hands-on techniques, manual osteopaths aim to release these stored tensions to promote emotional and physical healing.

Techniques May Include:
-Cranial osteopathy to calm the nervous system.
-Myofascial release of areas linked to emotional trauma.
-Visceral manipulation for stress-related organ tension (like stomach or liver).
-Dialoguing during treatment, where a practitioner may ask the patient to recall or reflect on emotions while working on tension points.
-Breath and body awareness techniques.

Applications:
-Chronic pain with no clear structural cause
-PTSD or anxiety-related physical symptoms
-Psychosomatic disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia)
-Patients who feel “stuck” emotionally or physically despite other treatments

These techniques are not psychotherapy, but can be complementary to mental health therapy. The goal is to restore harmony between mind and body by treating both as part of a unified system.

National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA) is the only school teaching osteopathic psychosomatic techniques as part of its diploma program. To learn more about the DOMP program offered by NAO please visit www.nationalacademyofosteopathy.com.

Thank you.

06/30/2025

A new study indicates that a single 30 minutes session of manual osteopathic techniques—such as cranial osteopathy, sacral pump, cervical spine soft tissue therapy (STT), and myofascial release of the diaphragm—is beneficial in managing glaucoma by helping lower intraocular pressure reduction.

https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/jom-2024-0206/html?fbclid=IwY2xjawLPa31leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYWkpoSVBLdXdkU29OUWZyAR6oB2ALn8oHNWqiIlAfUCaJzqM1mjJWYMHWMbitMgSfr-UjD8PZaZ72HD0ENA_aem_bID-eNVKgeys4LThTJC4Ug

06/30/2025

A new study indicates that a single 30 minutes session of manual osteopathic techniques—such as cranial osteopathy, sacral pump, cervical spine soft tissue therapy (STT), and myofascial release of the diaphragm—is beneficial in managing glaucoma by helping lower intraocular pressure reduction.

https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/jom-2024-0206/html?fbclid=IwY2xjawLPa31leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYWkpoSVBLdXdkU29OUWZyAR6oB2ALn8oHNWqiIlAfUCaJzqM1mjJWYMHWMbitMgSfr-UjD8PZaZ72HD0ENA_aem_bID-eNVKgeys4LThTJC4Ug

Context Research on the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on visual functions and conditions is very limited. This study continues the exploration on the application of OMT with the intent of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Objectives A pilot randomized clinical trial was cond...

06/22/2025

Happy World Osteopathy Day!

Today, we celebrate the healing power of osteopathy—a profession dedicated to restoring health through the art of touch.

Today, we also celebrate a historic milestone in the United States! For the first time, anyone who is not part of a regulated health profession in the U.S. and wishes to obtain a GEHA license to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in any of the 50 states must now become a Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP)—by joining the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners.

Join us in celebrating this beautiful profession and the incredible impact it has on so many lives.

06/19/2025

Important Notice:

Graduates of the London College of Osteopathy and Health Sciences in London, Ontario, Canada are not eligible for membership in the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP) and cannot obtain a GEHA license to practice in the United States.

This institution is currently under investigation by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for allegedly issuing university-level degrees without being authorized as a university. It is also offering a copyrighted DOMP program without proper authorization.

The osteopathy program it provides is primarily composed of PDF files and lacks the necessary video-based instructional content required for effective clinical training.

Students are advised to exercise caution. While the low tuition fees may be appealing, credentials from this school do not meet the standards required to practice osteopathic manual therapy and may expose graduates to legal consequences.

For your future and legal safety, it is strongly recommended to invest in a reputable and properly accredited institution.

AAOMP does not recognize or accept this college.

06/09/2025

Scope of Practice for ROMPs (Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioners) in the United States
Starting June 22nd, 2025—World Osteopathy Day—anyone seeking a GEHA license to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in any of the 50 U.S. states must first become a ROMP (Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner). This requires membership in the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP), the official body responsible for granting the ROMP designation.
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Scope of Practice of ROMPs in the United States
It is important to note that OMPs are not medical doctors, osteopathic physicians (DOs), or licensed osteopaths. They:
• Do not prescribe medication
• Do not perform surgery
• Do not offer medical diagnoses & medical care
• Do not take or read X-rays
• Do not offer electrotherapy & other physiotherapy modalities
• Do not provide HVLA (manipulation) technique
• Do not offer or perform any other restricted medical acts

Focus on Holistic Care
ROMPs focus on the whole body, aiming to decrease pain, restore flexibility & balance and improve mobility and function through natural, hands-on care. They commonly help clients manage both acute and chronic conditions such as:
• Back and neck pain
• Joint pain in arms or legs
• Muscle tension
• Headaches and migraines
• Postural imbalances

Their goal is to promote the body’s natural ability to heal by improving circulation, reducing pain, inflammation & muscle spasm, improve flexibility and range of motion, and enhancing physical well-being—without the use of drugs or surgery, with hands-on care.