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PROGRAM Traditional Osteopathy • The Five Years of Study • Five-Year curriculum o Existing Program o Enhanced Program • Research Year The Elements of Traditional Osteopathy Evaluation • Scores • Written Tests • Clinical Case Studies • Practical Tests • Oral Presentations • Thesis Presentation • Prizes, Awards and Scholarships Review Courses Continuing Education Graduation • Registration Fees • Tax Receipts |
The Elements of Traditional Osteopathy |
• Philosophy
Philosophy The osteopathic philosophy views the healthy body as a dynamic system of structure and physiology, interacting with undisturbed motion and normal function. This philosophy is reinforced throughout the five years of study.
Theory Osteopathic theory approaches anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics as interrelated throughout the many systems of the body. Gravity lines, reflexes and the reciprocal relationship between the somatic (musculoskeletal system) and the visceral systems are among the topics covered. Clinical Methodology The CCO prides itself on its systematic clinical methodology. The student, rather than simply learning a multitude of techniques, is gradually exposed to the hierarchy of osteopathic assessment protocols and treatment regimes. This comprehensive methodology, unique to the CCO, allows the student to selectively apply their skill and acquired expertise, in order to precisely and efficiently assist their patients in optimal recovery in a minimal period of time. The CCO's clearly defined and logical curriculum, and the sequential acquisition of osteopathic knowledge by students are combined with ongoing and carefully guided practice. This methodology distinguishes our college. Practical Throughout each of the courses, techniques are taught from each of the sub-disciplines of Osteopathy for each area, tissue, bone or organ of the body. Osteopathy incorporates four distinctive yet complementary sub-disciplines—osteo-articular adjustments, cranial-sacral, fascial release and visceral normalization. Students are initially introduced to the basic principles of each discipline. Then throughout the course of study, their applications to all the various areas of the body are taught. Palpation Proficiency in palpation is the critical art and skill that determines the ability of the student and Osteopathic Manual Practitioner to assess and treat the patient effectively. For this reason palpation is considered one of the cornerstones of the CCO program. Under the guidance of the experienced faculty of the CCO, the art of osteopathic palpation is presented in an unhurried fashion, allowing students to progressively develop and refine their individual levels of ability. Much like pianists perfect their motor skills through practising their instrument, an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner's sensory skills gradually build in precision and sensitivity so that they may detect the subtleties of disturbed tissue or rhythms of the body, a skill that is fundamental to successful Traditional Osteopathic Practice. Precise osteopathic palpation requires time, patience, and experienced instructors who give individual attention to the requirements of each student. The key here is sensitivity to the art of osteopathic palpation, coupled with skilled technique, knowledge in the interrelationship of the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the human body, in sickness and health. This skill is absolutely crucial to the success of any osteopathic treatment.Techniques Osteo-Articular adjustments “Bones do not always pop when they go back to their proper places nor does it mean they are properly adjusted when they do pop.” A.T. Still, 1910. Osteo-articular adjustments are distinct from spinal manipulation or chiropractic treatment. They are gentle impulses generated by the osteopath that encourage the strained articulation to return to its natural state without the use of forceful actions. Beginning in the first year with the simplest articulations, the program systematically covers each articulation. The instruction in osteo-articular adjustments is completed in the first half of the program. Students learn to improve this essential ability throughout the program.
Cranial-sacral therapy
The skull has “many holes, foramina, or openings, to accommodate the blood-vessels and other structures that supply and drain the brain.” A.T. Still, 1902. Believing the theory and application of cranial-sacral therapy is too fundamental to be taught in one or two weekends, the CCO's skilled faculty teaches the cranial-sacral element of the program over the course of the entire program. More advanced cranial theory and techniques, some of which have been developed exclusively by the college's founder and president, Philippe Druelle, are offered in the final two years. This timing allows the student to integrate and refine the material slowly, as did William Garner Sutherland, DO, the founder of this method of treatment, during the mid-20th century.
Fascial release techniques
“...fascia and its nerves demand his attention first, and on his knowledge of the same, much of his success, and the life of his patients do depend.” A.T. Still, 1899. Fascial release techniques are taught throughout the program, beginning with the fundamentals, such as “General Osteopathic Technique;” diaphragm techniques for the cranium, thorax and pelvis, as well as the Counterstrain Method of Myofascial Release and Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique, all of which are introduced in the first year of the program. As the student advances in the palpation, more difficult techniques are taught, such as working at depth or through bone.
Visceral normalization
“No two or more organs can work perfectly when one is crowding on another.” A.T. Still, 1902. Visceral normalization, although introduced early on in the program, is reserved for the later parts of the study, once the student has become more comfortable in palpating the tissues at a depth, without using force. Each organ is studied and treatment techniques are offered for all the organs including such diverse organs as the encephalon, the uterus, and the prostate. Clinical The clinical portion of the program is a crucial component of the CCO's program that connects the philosophy, methodology and practice. Clinical applications are introduced in each course but the majority of instruction and application is concentrated over twenty clinical days. One by one, each of these twenty days is added to the regular four day courses. In order to fully consolidate the course material, a three day clinical workshop has been added to the program near the end of the 5th year. Under the supervision of the experienced faculty of the CCO, these clinical days allow the student to immediately integrate the four days of philosophy, theory, methodology, and technique into clinical practice.Research Research is one of the four cornerstones of the CCO. Research is the foundation of the advancement of Osteopathy and as such is a component of the programs of most recognized osteopathic colleges in the world. The Canadian College of Osteopathy takes an active role in advancing osteopathic research by incorporating this vital element into its program. Following the end of each academic year, the students are asked to present a short literature review of a particular topic studied during the year. This process serves to reinforce the curriculum material, and also acts to build knowledge leading to the final research thesis. The final thesis represents independent original study in the field of either osteopathic philosophy, experimental research, or clinical practice. Although the study is independent, the student is closely supervised and guided by a member of the faculty, a former graduate of the college or an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner associated with the college. In addition, a panel of volunteer Osteopathic Manual Practitioners offers ongoing feedback to the student at regular intervals. The year spent in independent study serves as an integrating period in the career of young Osteopathic Manual Practitioners, allowing them to incorporate their classroom learning into a year of application. This process ensures that graduates of the Canadian College of Osteopathy are integrated Osteopathic Manual Practitioners and not simply technicians of osteopathic techniques.
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