When people ask me what I do for a living and I say “Osteopathy” the most frequent reply I get, sometimes with a nonplussed expression, is “What’s that?” or “Osty-what?” or more often “Is that like a Chiropractor?” This exchange even happens in my conversations with a lot of healthcare professionals. In Canada, where I currently practice as a Manual Osteopath, Osteopathy is still a growing and largely unknown physical therapy, and yet it’s one of the most effective treatments for pain reduction, stress relief and maintaining good health. Chiropractic care is very well known, partly due to it’s effectiveness, partly because most Chiropractor courses include marketing and because it is fully regulated across Canada. In most Provinces, Osteopathy isn’t yet regulated. And ironically, Osteopathy predates both Physiotherapy and Chiropractic care.
So here is my brief description of the difference between Osteopathy and Chiropractic care.
Both disciplines have very similar techniques and end results but very different philosophies, and both Manual Osteopaths and Chiropractors help people move better and feel better — but they take slightly different approaches to achieve that goal. So, for those of you who are curious and considering which type of physical therapy to choose, here is a brief description of the differences between Osteopathy and Chiropractic care.
Manual Osteopathy
Manual Osteopaths take a whole-body, holistic approach to health. They focus on how the body’s structure — muscles, joints, fascia, and organs — work together to support balance and function. Treatments are typically gentle and rhythmic, emphasizing soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, visceral (organ) manipulation, and cranial osteopathy. The goal is to restore movement, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors primarily focus on the spine and nervous system, based on the idea that spinal misalignments (subluxations) can affect nerve function and overall health. Treatments often involve high-velocity spinal adjustments or manipulations designed to correct alignment, reduce pain, and improve mobility. While some chiropractors also address muscles and soft tissues, the spine remains the main focus.
In short:
- Manual osteopaths use a broad, whole-body approach with gentle techniques on muscles, joints, and organs.
- Chiropractors focus more on spinal alignment and nerve function, often using quicker, more vigorous adjustments.
Both approaches can help you move easier and feel better — it just depends on what your body needs most.
Max’s Locations
Monday – 10am to 8pm @ Mobile in-house/at-work service Tri-Cities and Greater Vancouver – Book here: https://ithaca.noterro.com
Tuesday – 2pm to 8pm @ Dovira Care Integrative Health Clinic, 3020 Lincoln Ave, 109, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 6B4 – Book here: https://dovira.janeapp.com
Saturday – 10am to 8pm @ Dovira Care Integrative Health Clinic, 3020 Lincoln Ave, 109, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 6B4 – Book here: https://dovira.janeapp.com
Sunday – 11am to 5pm @ Mobile in-house/at-work service Tri-Cities and Greater Vancouver – Book here: https://ithaca.noterro.com
If you have any questions about bookings or Manual Osteopathy & Therapeutic Bodywork please email Max at ithacawellnesscanada@gmail.com or call 778-929-6143
We would like to respectfully acknowledge that Ithaca Wellness operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded shared territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Stó:lō (Sto:lo) First Nations. We give thanks to these nations who continue to live on and care for these lands and waters, and for their wisdom towards wildlife.