Osteopathy Related Research & Science

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.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1029851839295291&set=a.405320765081738

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.

06/08/2025

If you wish to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in the United States, you must obtain a GEHA license. To qualify for this license, it is mandatory to hold the title of ROMP – Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner. This designation is granted by the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP) to its members. This post outlines the steps you need to follow to become a ROMP.
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ROMP Certification
The Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP) designation is awarded to qualified osteopathic manual practitioners who become members of the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP). This credential recognizes practitioners who meet the highest standards of training, ethics, and professional practice in the field of osteopathic manual care in the United States. Effective June 22, 2025—World Osteopathy Day—any individual seeking a GEHA license (https://gehassociation.org) to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in any of the 50 U.S. states must first obtain the title of Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP) from the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners.

How to Apply

To become a Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP), applicants must submit the following:
• A completed application form
• A recent, colored passport-size photo (or a scanned copy)
• A non-refundable fee of $350 USD, which includes:
o $150 one-time registration fee
o $200 annual membership fee

Certification Requirements
Applicants must meet all the following criteria:
1. Accredited Education
You must be a graduate of a program accredited by the U.S. Council on Osteopathic Manual Practice Education (UCOMPE) (www.ucompe.org). Your school must send your transcript directly to AAOMP.
2. Good Character and Professional Conduct
You must not have been convicted of any offense that would impact your ability to practice safely and ethically. You must disclose all prior offenses, findings of misconduct, malpractice, negligence, or professional incompetence.
3. Successful Completion of Licensing Exam
You must pass the certification examination administered by the American Osteopathic Manual Practice Examining Board (AOMPEB) (www.aompeb.org).
4. Adherence to the Code of Ethics
You must commit to upholding AAOMP’s professional code of ethics. As a ROMP, you may be subject to the association’s disciplinary process in cases of complaints by patients, peers, or other stakeholders. Ongoing professional development through approved continuing education courses is mandatory.
5. English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate sufficient communication skills in English to provide effective care to clients in the United States.
6. Professional Liability Insurance
You must maintain valid malpractice insurance (also known as errors and omissions coverage) to protect both yourself and your clients.
7. First Aid & CPR Certification
You must provide proof of valid certification in Standard First Aid and CPR.
8. Government-Issued Photo ID
A clear copy (scanned or printed) of a valid, government-issued photo ID must be submitted with your application.
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The ROMP designation assures the public and employers that Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioners have the qualifications, training, and ethical grounding to deliver safe, effective osteopathic manual care in the U.S.

06/07/2025

Effective June 22, 2025—World Osteopathy Day—any individual seeking a GEHA license to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in any of the 50 U.S. states must first obtain the title of Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP) from the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners.

This mandatory requirement is designed to protect the public by ensuring that all licensed practitioners:
-Hold a recognized credential,
-Have graduated from an accredited institution,
-Adhere to a strict code of ethics, and
-Understand the professional scope of osteopathic manual practice.

The ROMP title also clearly distinguishes osteopathic manual practitioners from osteopathic medical doctors, helping to prevent public confusion and uphold the integrity of both professions.