Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners

Don’t miss our upcoming professional development event with the esteemed Torsten Liem! OAO Members can join us in person from September 27-29, for an intensive three-day course on Lymphatics.

Click here to learn more and register today: https://osteopathyontario.org/site/about/whatsnew

Calling all Osteopathic Manual Practitioners looking for their next rewarding career opportunity!

Check out our job board to see the latest job postings: https://osteopathyontario.org/site/careerRoster

At the OAO, we work to connect our practitioners with helpful resources and information on the latest evidence-based practices.

Visit https://www.osteopathyontario.org/site/Research/Research to discover our practitioner resources.

The OAO has a vast membership of reputable Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OMP) across Ontario. Check out our member registry to find a practitioner near you!

https://www.osteopathyontario.org/site/findapractitioner

The OAO is the leading association for manual practitioners in Ontario.

Visit https://www.osteopathyontario.org/site/join/becomeamember to learn how you can become a member today!

Meet Leah Henderson - Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and Registered Kinesiologist. Leah serves on the OAO Education Committee.

Leah studied kinesiology at McMaster university while playing varsity soccer. It was during this time that she sustained several injuries, including a serious concussion .

During this recovery she was introduced to the field of osteopathy. This interest eventually led to completing a Diploma in Science of Osteopathy at the Canadian College of Osteopathy. Furthering a post-graduate education with a Masters in Kinesiology and a Diploma in Neuroscience at York University, specializing in concussion research.

Leah grew up in a small town in Southern, Ontario. When she isn't working at the clinic, she enjoys participating in physical activity - especially anything outdoors!

Did you know that the OAO has a Code of Ethics that all members must adhere to? This code outlines the expected standards of behaviour for all members of the OAO. It is followed in conjunction with OAO’s mission statement, standards of practice, and other relevant guidelines as well as applicable federal and provincial legislation.

We are thrilled to announce two upcoming opportunities for professional development and learning with the esteemed Torsten Liem! With a profound understanding of the body's innate healing abilities and an unwavering dedication to promoting health, Torsten Liem is transforming lives through the power of osteopathy.

Members can join us for these intensive courses and elevate your expertise with exceptional educational experiences. Members, mark your calendars and prepare for an enriching journey into osteopathic practice.

Visit our website under 'What's New' to learn more and reserve your spot.

The OAO is dedicated to advocating for the goals of our members across Ontario. Our commitment extends to various aspects of the osteopathic community, which includes education, support, and professionalism.

If you would like to learn more about our mission to advance osteopathic manual therapy and support our community, visit our website to learn more about the opportunities.

Don’t forget to prioritize your health! Regular visits to your local Osteopathic Manual Practitioner can make a world of difference. Find your local Osteopathic Manual Practitioner on our website.

OAO is pleased to announce that the Association will be hosting the Osteopathic International Alliance - OIA Conference from November 7-8, 2025, in Toronto. The Conference Committee is diligently working to bring you an exceptional lineup of international and uniquely Canadian speakers, ensuring premier educational opportunities for all.

Stay tuned for more details as the event approaches.

The OAO is pleased to introduce Cathy Nielsen, Dip.OMP, Dip.Sc.O, and Director.

Cathy opened her first practice in 1993 and, in 2001, launched Phases Executive Fitness Studio Inc, a multi-disciplinary practice in North York. She graduated from the Canadian College of Osteopathy in 2009.

With a passion for osteopathy, she believes its success lies as much in building relationships between the practitioner and patient as in applying techniques. She is dedicated to making each session meaningful, which inspires her to continually learn and practice the wisdom osteopathy offers.

Fun Facts! In her spare time, Cathy enjoys outdoor road cycling (participating in the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer for nine years), road trips, traveling, and spending moments with her two children (23 and 19). When not enjoying the smaller things in life, she runs a clinic with her spouse, maintaining a balanced pace.

The OAO has launched a dedicated research page on our website, curated by our Research Committee. This team of volunteer members and the OAO Board is committed to advancing osteopathy through research on efficacy, evidence-based clinical practice, patient-centered care, and overall patient health and well-being.

Discover more under the Research tab on our website!

The legacy of Dr. Andrew Still, a visionary founder of osteopathy, lives on. His groundbreaking approach laid the foundation for modern osteopathic practice, focusing on the interrelationship between the body's structure and function.

His legacy lives on through the dedicated work of OAO Members who continue to promote health and wellness.

On National Injury Prevention Day, OAO wants to highlight the importance of preventing injuries and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. From sports injuries to workplace mishaps, taking proactive steps can keep you safe and well.

Take a look at these key tips on injury prevention!

Happy Canada Day from OAO! 🇨🇦

Are you a student passionate about osteopathy and becoming an OMP? Here's your chance to join OAO for free!

As a member, you'll have access to the latest research in the field, keeping you at the forefront of osteopathic knowledge. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to join a committee and gain valuable insights into the inner workings of the association.

Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to enhance your education and professional growth.

Learn more on our website.

The OAO is committed to fostering the practice and professional advancement of osteopathy.

Swipe through for facts about our Association as we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

You can learn more about us at ontarioosteopathy.com

The OAO acknowledges National Indigenous People's Day. We continue to recognize the deep history and enduring presence of Indigenous communities across our country. We honour and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada.

Within the OAO, we practice fostering respect, understanding, and collaboration with Indigenous peoples in the pursuit of health and wellness.

Join us in celebrating Indigenous heritage, learning from their wisdom, and supporting efforts towards reconciliation and equity.

Meet Megan Palmer. She is an OMP, member of OAO, and a 3-time committee member – including the Membership & Research Committees and MAP Task Force.

Megan graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in Kent, England with a Master of Osteopathy degree. While studying for her Osteopathy degree, Megan discovered a passion for the treatment of babies and children.

While treating patients, she uses a range of techniques such as joint mobilization, articulation, stretching and cranial osteopathy. She doesn’t just look at the area of pain but looks at all aspects of her patient’s life that may be influencing their problem. Megan frequently gives exercises to patients to allow them to continue their rehabilitation at home or gives advice for parents to help their children be more comfortable.

When she isn’t working, Megan enjoys hiking, camping, and looking after her two bunnies.

Our members use patient-centered approaches to your care. There are specific OAO standards that our members follow to ensure you receive safe and effective care during your osteopathic treatment.

You can learn more about the Patient Centred Care Standards on our website osteopathyontario.org

The Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners are proud to celebrate Pride Month and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Our commitment is to provide compassionate, inclusive care that respects and celebrates diversity.

Let’s continue to take the time to educate ourselves, create spaces that support our LGBTQIA2S+ friends, family and community members, and advocate for a world where everyone can live their truth openly.

Regular physical activity can have a profound impact on overall well-being. It’s not just about staying in shape; it’s about enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life.

National Health and Fitness Day encourages Canadians of all ages and abilities to get moving and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Visit your OMP to discuss a personalized treatment plan that can strengthen your well-being.

Meet Janet Walker, Director! A seasoned professional with a thriving practice in downtown Toronto, Janet relocated to Owen Sound to embrace an active, semi-retired life. Her advanced training in infant, perinatal, and menopausal health equips her to care for all ages. In addition to seeing clients in her office, she travels throughout Grey-Bruce to treat babies.

As an OAO Board of Directors member, Janet leverages her experience as a former advertising executive to chair the Public Relations Committee. Additionally, she co-chairs the Membership Committee, demonstrating her dedication to fostering the safe and effective practice and professional advancement of osteopathy.

Janet enjoys hiking and biking in the scenic beauty of the Niagara Escarpment and swimming in the refreshing waters of Georgian Bay. And testing her skills out with the incredibly fun and addictive game, pickleball! Swipe through to see her in her element.

For a quarter of a century, we've been dedicated to advancing osteopathic healthcare and promoting well-being. To celebrate, we wanted to share more about the Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners. Learn more about us on our website.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let's prioritize our mental well-being. Osteopathy offers person-centered care. By addressing physical imbalances, osteopathy can contribute positively to overall emotional wellness.

Take an extra step towards better mental health this month with Osteopathy and find your local OMP.

In response to the rising popularity of osteopathy, ACFAS Congres is gathering osteopathic and scientific communities to initiate a discussion on the role that the osteopathic discipline could play in the university system, along with the most effective educational approaches.

Monica Noy Osteopathy , Vice President of OAO will be speaking at the University of Ottawa during the ACFAS Congrès about her research in advancing osteopathic education in Canada.

For more information about the Conference, visit https://www.acfas.ca/evenements/congres

The OAO was excited to have been a part of the Pri-Med Conference in Toronto!

Always a great opportunity to connect and build relationships with physicians, other healthcare professionals and to share our vision towards the advancement of osteopathy in Ontario.