What is the difference between a manual osteopath and a chiropractor?

Both work with the musculoskeletal system, but the approach and scope differ. Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal alignment using adjustments. Manual osteopaths assess and treat the entire body as an interconnected system, including joints, soft tissue, organs (visceral manipulation), and the craniosacral system. Treatment tends to be gentler and more varied in technique. Both are covered by most extended health plans under separate benefit categories.

What is the difference between osteopathic therapy (DOMP) and osteopathic medicine (DO)?

In Canada, a DOMP (Diploma of Osteopathic Manual Practice) is a manual therapist trained in osteopathic assessment and hands-on treatment. In the United States, a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a fully licensed physician with prescribing authority. Dr. Raj Salaria holds a DOMP designation and is a registered member of CMMOTA. He does not prescribe medication.

What does a manual osteopathic treatment feel like?

Techniques range from very gentle (craniosacral therapy uses about 5 grams of pressure) to moderate (myofascial release and joint mobilization). Most patients find treatment comfortable. Dr. Salaria adjusts pressure based on your condition and tolerance. Some patients experience deep relaxation during craniosacral work. Joint mobilization may involve clicking or popping sounds, which is normal.

Do I need a referral for osteopathic therapy?

No referral is needed to book an appointment. However, some insurance plans require a physician referral for osteopathic coverage. Confirm with your insurer before booking if you are unsure about your coverage requirements.

Can osteopathy help with digestive issues?

Yes. Dr. Salaria uses visceral manipulation to address digestive complaints including chronic constipation, bloating, acid reflux, and breathing restriction. The organs are connected to the musculoskeletal system through fascia and nerve supply. When an organ loses its normal mobility - from surgery, inflammation, or postural habit - visceral manipulation can restore normal organ movement and reduce referred tension patterns.

How many sessions will I need?

Acute conditions typically benefit from weekly sessions for 3 to 4 weeks. Chronic conditions usually start with biweekly sessions, extending to monthly maintenance as symptoms improve. Complex presentations may require a longer initial phase. Dr. Salaria reassesses at each visit and adjusts the plan based on how you respond.

Manual Osteopathic Therapy

Gentle, hands-on therapy addressing whole-body alignment and function for optimal health.

Manual Osteopathic Therapy Practitioners at The Healing Oak

Raj Salaria, DOMP Osteopathy Chilliwack & Abbotsford, BC Specializes in: Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Depression
Dr. Raj Kumar Salaria is a Manual Osteopathic Therapist and a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA). He graduated from the Manual Osteopathic College of…
Raj Salaria, DOMP Osteopathy Chilliwack & Abbotsford, BC Specializes in: Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Depression
Dr. Raj Kumar Salaria is a Manual Osteopathic Therapist and a member of the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA). He graduated from the Manual Osteopathic College of…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a manual osteopath and a chiropractor?: Both work with the musculoskeletal system, but the approach and scope differ. Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal alignment using adjustments. Manual osteopaths assess and treat the entire body as an interconnected system, including joints, soft tissue, organs (visceral manipulation), and the craniosacral system. Treatment tends to be gentler and more varied in technique. Both are covered by most extended health plans under separate benefit categories.
What is the difference between osteopathic therapy (DOMP) and osteopathic medicine (DO)?: In Canada, a DOMP (Diploma of Osteopathic Manual Practice) is a manual therapist trained in osteopathic assessment and hands-on treatment. In the United States, a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a fully licensed physician with prescribing authority. Dr. Raj Salaria holds a DOMP designation and is a registered member of CMMOTA. He does not prescribe medication.
What does a manual osteopathic treatment feel like?: Techniques range from very gentle (craniosacral therapy uses about 5 grams of pressure) to moderate (myofascial release and joint mobilization). Most patients find treatment comfortable. Dr. Salaria adjusts pressure based on your condition and tolerance. Some patients experience deep relaxation during craniosacral work. Joint mobilization may involve clicking or popping sounds, which is normal.
Do I need a referral for osteopathic therapy?: No referral is needed to book an appointment. However, some insurance plans require a physician referral for osteopathic coverage. Confirm with your insurer before booking if you are unsure about your coverage requirements.
Is manual osteopathic therapy covered by insurance?: Yes, manual osteopathic therapy is covered under most extended health benefit plans in BC. Coverage typically appears under "osteopathy," "manual osteopathy," or "manual therapy" depending on your insurer. Annual limits and per-session maximums vary by plan. Direct billing is available for some insurers through the clinic.
Can osteopathy help with digestive issues?: Yes. Dr. Salaria uses visceral manipulation to address digestive complaints including chronic constipation, bloating, acid reflux, and breathing restriction. The organs are connected to the musculoskeletal system through fascia and nerve supply. When an organ loses its normal mobility - from surgery, inflammation, or postural habit - visceral manipulation can restore normal organ movement and reduce referred tension patterns.
How many sessions will I need?: Acute conditions typically benefit from weekly sessions for 3 to 4 weeks. Chronic conditions usually start with biweekly sessions, extending to monthly maintenance as symptoms improve. Complex presentations may require a longer initial phase. Dr. Salaria reassesses at each visit and adjusts the plan based on how you respond.
Does Raj treat patients at both the Chilliwack and Abbotsford clinics?: Yes. Dr. Raj Salaria, DOMP, practices at both The Healing Oak's Chilliwack and Abbotsford locations. He is the only osteopathic practitioner at The Healing Oak, so both locations are served by the same practitioner with the same assessment approach.

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Duration: 45-60 minutes

What Is Manual Osteopathic Therapy?

Manual osteopathic therapy is a hands-on approach to assessing and treating the body as an integrated system. Rather than isolating a single joint or muscle, the osteopathic practitioner evaluates how the musculoskeletal system, organs, nervous system, and connective tissue interact and where restrictions in one area create dysfunction in another.

A patient presenting with chronic headaches, for example, may have a cervical spine restriction driving the pain, but that restriction may originate from a ribcage limitation affecting thoracic mobility, which traces back to an old abdominal surgery that created fascial adhesions. Osteopathic assessment follows the chain to find the primary restriction, not just the site of pain.

Manual Osteopathic Therapists (DOMPs) in Canada are not the same as Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) in the United States. DOs in the US are fully licensed physicians with prescribing authority. DOMPs in Canada are manual therapists trained in osteopathic assessment and hands-on treatment. They do not prescribe medication or perform surgery. When looking for osteopathic care in BC, confirm your practitioner holds a DOMP designation and is registered with a recognized professional body such as CMMOTA.

Dr. Raj Salaria, DOMP, practices at The Healing Oak's Chilliwack and Abbotsford clinics. Before training in osteopathy, he worked for 15 years as a family physician in India, having graduated from Government Medical College, Amritsar. That medical background means he filters osteopathic findings through a clinical lens - recognizing when a symptom pattern warrants referral, when manual therapy is contraindicated, and how a patient's full health history affects treatment decisions.

Treatment Techniques

Dr. Raj Salaria incorporates multiple osteopathic techniques based on what the assessment reveals. Treatment is not a fixed protocol. Each session is adapted to what the body presents that day.

Craniosacral Therapy

A gentle technique that works with the subtle rhythmic motion of the craniosacral system (the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord). The practitioner uses light touch (typically 5 grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel) on the skull, spine, and sacrum to detect and release restrictions. Craniosacral work is particularly effective for headaches, migraines, TMJ dysfunction, concussion recovery, and stress-related conditions. Patients often describe deep relaxation during treatment and improved sleep afterward. It is gentle enough for elderly patients and anyone who cannot tolerate deeper manual techniques.

Visceral Manipulation

The organs (viscera) are connected to the musculoskeletal system through fascia, ligaments, and nerve supply. When an organ loses its normal mobility (from surgery, inflammation, infection, or postural habit), it creates tension patterns that pull on surrounding structures and can produce pain in seemingly unrelated areas. Visceral manipulation uses gentle, specific hand placement over the abdomen and thorax to restore normal organ mobility. Conditions that commonly respond include chronic constipation, bloating, acid reflux, breathing restriction, and pelvic pain. Post-surgical adhesions (appendectomy, C-section, gallbladder removal) frequently respond to visceral work. For patients whose treatment plan includes lymphatic support, manual lymphatic drainage is also available at The Healing Oak.

Osteo-Articulation

Joint mobilization and manipulation techniques that restore normal movement to restricted joints. This includes the spine, ribs, pelvis, shoulders, hips, and extremity joints. Techniques range from gentle rhythmic mobilization to high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments depending on what the joint needs and what the patient tolerates. Dr. Raj Salaria uses osteo-articulation for back pain, neck stiffness, rib dysfunction, sacroiliac joint problems, and peripheral joint restrictions (shoulders, knees, ankles). His medical background means he understands which joints are safe to mobilize and which require imaging or referral first.

Advanced Myofascial Remodelling

Fascia is the continuous web of connective tissue that wraps every muscle, organ, nerve, and blood vessel in the body. Restrictions in fascia create tension patterns that transmit force far from the site of restriction. A fascial pull from an old ankle sprain can contribute to hip pain, low back dysfunction, and even headaches through the continuous fascial chain. Myofascial remodelling uses sustained manual pressure and stretch to release these restrictions and restore normal fascial glide. It is slower and more sustained than typical massage. The goal is structural change in the tissue, not temporary relaxation.

Conditions Treated

Pain and structural conditions

Chronic low back pain and disc-related symptoms
Neck pain and cervical dysfunction
Headaches (tension, cervicogenic, migraine)
Sciatica and piriformis syndrome
Whiplash and motor vehicle accident injuries
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Rib pain and intercostal strain
Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff restriction
Plantar fasciitis
Postural imbalance and upper crossed syndrome

Visceral and systemic conditions

Chronic constipation and bloating
Acid reflux and hiatal hernia
Breathing restriction and rib cage immobility
Post-surgical adhesions (C-section, appendectomy, abdominal surgery)
Respiratory conditions

Neurological and complex

Concussion recovery (cervical and cranial component)
Fibromyalgia (modified pressure, fascial and craniosacral work)
Chronic fatigue
Nervous system dysregulation and stress
TMJ dysfunction (cranial and cervical contribution)

Pregnancy-related

Low back pain and SI joint instability
Rib and thoracic pain
Pubic symphysis dysfunction
Postpartum recovery and pelvic floor tension
Diaphragm restriction

Dr. Raj Salaria works at both the Chilliwack and Abbotsford clinics, which makes him accessible across both service areas. He is the only osteopathic practitioner at The Healing Oak, so both locations are served by the same practitioner with the same assessment approach.

Insurance and Coverage

Manual osteopathic therapy is covered under most extended health benefit plans in BC. Coverage typically falls under "osteopathy," "manual osteopathy," or "manual therapy" depending on your insurer.

Annual limits and per-session maximums vary by plan. Check your benefits booklet or call your insurer to confirm your osteopathy coverage.

Direct billing is available for some insurers through the clinic. If your insurer is not set up for direct billing, you pay at the time of your appointment and submit the receipt for reimbursement.

Some plans require a doctor's referral for osteopathic coverage. Confirm with your insurer before booking if you are unsure.

What to Expect

Before your first visit: No referral needed for most plans (some insurers require one for coverage, not for booking). Book directly online or call either the Chilliwack or Abbotsford clinic. If you have recent imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT) or diagnostic reports, bring them. Dr. Raj Salaria's medical background means he can interpret these directly.

Initial assessment (60 minutes): Dr. Raj Salaria begins with a detailed health history including your primary concern, injury history, surgeries, medical conditions, and medications. The physical assessment includes postural observation, active and passive movement testing, palpation of tissues and joints, and craniosacral rhythm assessment. This is thorough - he is looking at the whole body, not just where it hurts.

During treatment: Treatment is hands-on and typically involves multiple techniques in a single session. You may start with craniosacral work, move to visceral assessment, and finish with joint mobilization depending on what the assessment reveals. Pressure ranges from very light (craniosacral) to moderate (myofascial, articulation). Dr. Salaria communicates throughout and adjusts based on your feedback.

After treatment: Mild soreness is common for 24-48 hours, similar to post-exercise soreness. Some patients experience a strong treatment response (fatigue, emotional release, temporary symptom increase) as the body integrates the changes. This is normal and typically resolves within a day. Drink water and avoid intense activity immediately after.

Session frequency: Acute conditions may benefit from weekly sessions for 3-4 weeks. Chronic conditions typically start with biweekly sessions, extending to monthly maintenance. Complex cases may require a longer initial treatment phase. Dr. Salaria reassesses at each visit and adjusts the plan based on how you respond.

Related Services

Manual osteopathic therapy at The Healing Oak works alongside other modalities for conditions that benefit from multiple approaches:

Registered Massage Therapy - for soft tissue work, muscle tension, and relaxation alongside osteopathic structural treatment
Acupuncture - for pain management, nervous system regulation, and conditions where TCM and osteopathy complement each other
Naturopathic Medicine - for systemic contributors to pain, inflammation, and visceral dysfunction
Manual Lymphatic Drainage - for post-surgical swelling, lymphedema, and fluid retention. Dr. Raj Salaria is also trained in manual lymphatic drainage techniques.
TMJ Treatment - for jaw dysfunction where cranial and cervical contributions need osteopathic assessment alongside intra-oral work
Registered Clinical Counselling - for chronic pain with a psychological component

Dr. Raj Salaria works at both locations and can coordinate with any practitioner at the clinic. No referral needed.

Offered at The Healing Oak - Multidisciplinary Health & Wellness Clinic in Chilliwack & Abbotsford, BC. No referral required. Direct billing available.