THEorthotherapy is the result of an amalgamation between massage therapy and physiotherapy (movement therapy). It is mainly aimed at people who want to eliminate pain and muscle and joint tension. This therapy would also correct postural imbalances and restore full amplitude to the joints.

The field of action of orthotherapy encompasses allmusculoskeletal system and interventions are mainly carried out on the muscular system. The orthotherapist does not do any manipulations of the spine or organs, like a chiropractor or an osteopath.

THEorthotherapy was created in the early 1970s by an American orthopedist, D^r Arthur Michele. He first conceived it as a preventive method of self-treatment, intended to redress the posture of his young patients, to fight their muscle imbalances and to prevent them from surgeries. One of his assistants, Arne Nicholayson, added Swedish massage and passive exercises provided by the therapist. The approach was introduced in Quebec around 1975. At that time, physiotherapists, such as Yves Paré, further enriched it by incorporating certain techniques from Europe. Since then, orthotherapy has continued to evolve over the experience of its many practitioners.

THEorthotherapy aims to relieve muscle and joint pain which can take the form of headaches or backaches, tendonitis, sciatic neuralgia, stiffness in the limbs, etc. These pains can be caused by poor posture, sudden movements, bumps, accidents or lack of exercise.

THEpostural education is another important part of orthotherapy. Finding or maintaining good posture reduces tension on muscles and joints and contributes to well-being. Generally speaking, orthotherapy claims “ re-educate the musculature “. It would soften the body, make it more fluid and reduce spasms and contractures. It would provide more tone and give more ease to movements. Orthotherapy is therefore intended for athletes as well as people recovering from an accident or surgery, for example.

Finally, theorthotherapy would improve breathing and circulation blood and lymph, thus promoting the elimination of toxins and a better supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body.

A orthotherapy session begins with a deep Swedish massage, referred to as intramuscular. The purpose of this massage is to decongest and relax the muscles, to restore their flexibility and to activate circulation. It also makes the person more receptive to treatment by reducing the stress not only physical, but also psychological.

Thereafter, the therapist does what are called mobilisations, that is to say, it puts in movement limbs or parts of the body. These mobilizations can be performed actively (the patient performs the movement himself), passive (he lets himself be manipulated) or upset (the therapist resists the patient’s movement). The movements are always slow and gentle and never go beyond the comfort zone or the normal play of the joints.

Orthotherapy does not usually require a large number of treatments. Often less than 5 meetings are sufficient, rarely more than 10. In order to make the person as autonomous as possible, the therapist will very often suggest physical exercises orrelaxation to do at home. These exercises will be either preventive or corrective or will serve to maintain the newly acquired balance.

To complete the treatment, the therapist can give advice onlifestyle (diet, stress management, etc.) and offer natural products (medicinal plants, vitamins, minerals, essential oils, etc.). He can also suggest modifications to the work or home environment.

Orthopedic therapist, just like massage therapist for example, is not a reserved title. Anyone can therefore claim to be an orthotherapist even if they have received only rudimentary training. We must therefore make sure ourselves to contact a competent person. It is possible to check whether the person is part of a credible association which applies rigorous selection criteria, which has a code of ethics and which can receive complaints from the public. It can also be useful to check how long the person has been practicing, what their education has been and ask for references.

In Quebec, there are at least 4 associations of orthotherapists. My Network Plus¹ (which includes the former Association of Massage Therapists and Orthotherapists of Canada) is the largest. To be part of it, you must have completed massage therapy, physiotherapy and D’orthotherapy in a recognized school. The Canadian Federation of Orthotherapists (FCO)² is similar, but only has about XNUMX members.

For its part, the Professional Association of Orthotherapists of the Province of Quebec (APOPQ)³ requires, since 2003, that its members have a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology⁴ and a diploma of 2^e cycle in therapeutic exercises of theUniversity of Sherbrooke⁵. It has around 150 members. Finally, a small Ontario association, the Institut national des orthothérapeutes (INO)⁶, has a few members in Quebec.

The objectives oforthotherapy are, among other things, to relieve muscle and joint pain and restore muscles and joints to their maximum range of motion. Orthotherapy may also treat other disorders, such as migraines, tension headaches, tendonitis, sciatic neuralgia, and myofascial syndromes. However, no well-controlled scientific study has confirmed the effectiveness of this approach.

A session usually lasts 1 hour and begins with a Swedish massage, followed by mobilisations. In addition to those who have a private practice, we can find orthotherapists in multidisciplinary clinics, massage therapy or orthotherapy centers, sports centers or spas.

Depending on your needs and affinities, you can choose an orthotherapist who favors an approach more focused on massage therapy or on massage therapy. kinesiology (movement). And, of course, as with all bodily approaches, one must feel comfortable and confident with the therapist before initiating any treatments.

Most schools that offer formation in orthothérapie were originally massage therapy schools. The complete training (massage therapy, physiotherapy, orthotherapy) generally lasts 1 hours.

The only University education in Quebec is offered by the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports at the University of Sherbrooke. To become members of the Professional Association of Orthotherapists of the Province of Quebec (APOPQ), students must first have a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, then obtain a diploma of 2^e cycle in therapeutic exercises⁵. This program lasts 8 months full time.

Books

Michele D^r Arthur You Don’t Have to Ache: Orthotherapy, M Evans & Co., United States, 1983.

The original book from the creator of orthotherapy. Theory and practise.

Landmarks

Professional association of orthotherapists of the province of Quebec (APOPQ)

The site of the association of orthotherapists with university training. General information, code of ethics, list of members.

http://apopq.org

Canadian Federation of Orthotherapists (FCO)

Basic information on orthotherapy and list of members.

www.fco-cfo.ca

Institut national de l’orthothérapie (INO)

The site of a small association of orthotherapists.

www.ino-nio.ca

Mon Réseau Plus – Professional association of specialized massage therapists of Quebec.

The largest group in Quebec. It encompasses the former Association of Massage Therapists and Orthotherapists of Canada.

www.monreseauplus.com