Osteopathy: From Personal Experience to Professional Transformation

The Beginning of My Osteopathic Path

My journey into osteopathy is deeply intertwined with both my personal experiences and professional evolution. I began my career in podiatry in the UK, specializing in biomechanics, where I also took several allopathic courses in osteopathy. Along the way, I had the privilege of learning from a seasoned osteopath in Manchester, whose wisdom has guided me throughout my career.

Growing up, osteopathy was a significant part of my life. After losing my hearing as a baby due to a measles outbreak, my mother sought out regular osteopathic treatments for me. This early exposure sparked my lifelong passion for osteopathy, which I continued to embrace throughout my athletic and adolescent years.

A Turning Point: Discovering Osteopathy in Canada

In 1986, I moved to Ontario, Canada, to teach at Toronto General Hospital's Chiropody School, later helping establish the chiropody clinic at McMaster Hospital. During this time, I contacted Philippe Druelle, D.O., to inquire about osteopathy in Canada. Little did I know, this conversation would change my life.

In 1998, I joined the Toronto campus of the Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques (CEO), beginning my formal osteopathic education. This moment marked a profound transformation in my approach to healthcare, as osteopathy seamlessly became an integral part of my professional life.

Osteopathy, especially the courses I attended at CEO Toronto and Montréal, taught me that treating athletes is far from a textbook process. I learned that injuries often develop over time and are not simply the result of a single incident. “Exploring the form through function” was a core lesson taught by Philippe Druelle, D.O., and it has shaped how I combine intuition with clinical knowledge to assess and treat patients effectively.

I was fortunate to learn from exceptional instructors like Diane La Flamme, D.O. and Marie Culford, D.O., whose expertise shaped my approach to osteopathic treatment. I developed skills in using reciprocal tension testing and creating the spheres test, which have allowed me to treat athletic injuries from a fresh perspective. This unique approach sets the CEO apart from other osteopathy schools, both in Canada and internationally.

Currently, I am specializing in the management of concussions, a field that has become increasingly important in osteopathic care. Thanks to the teachings of Mr. Philippe Druelle, D.O., and Mme. Genevieve Forget, D.O., through the Endocranial Spasms course series, I’ve integrated osteopathic and podiatric skills, significantly improving my practice—particularly in treating concussions and other complex conditions.

A Message for Future Osteopaths

To current and prospective osteopathy students, my message is simple: osteopathy has the potential to open doors you may never have dreamed of. The knowledge you gain in anatomy and physiology, combined with the creativity osteopathy fosters, offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re working with babies, supporting mothers, treating athletes, or working with concussion patients, osteopathy allows you to integrate imagination and innovation into your practice. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving field that allows you to make a profound impact on the lives of others and shape your unique path. The opportunities are limitless—embrace them!

A Journey of Learning and Legacy

What sets osteopathy apart is its limitless learning potential. The journey doesn’t end at graduation—it’s just the beginning. There’s no ceiling to osteopathic knowledge; it’s a lifelong journey of exploration and growth.

As I look back on my practice, I have come to understand that with each passing year, my treatments become more subtle and effective. I've uncovered a deeper appreciation for osteopathy through ongoing postgraduate courses at CEO and its affiliated campuses. There’s no greater fulfillment than waking up each day eager to make a difference in my clients’ lives, knowing every session holds the opportunity to impact their well-being.

The faculty and supervisors at CEO have passed on their invaluable legacy to all of us who’ve walked through their doors. Now, it is my mission to carry that legacy forward. My goal is to continue treating clients well into my nineties because osteopathy is not just a profession—it’s a lifelong passion and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Robert Taylor
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner & Chiropodist
Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques, Class of 2005