Collaborate. Learn. Grow.
Welcome to Ontario Osteopathic Study Group
Our Mission
Common Purpose
Common Purpose
To inspire and encourage all Osteopaths to “dig on” in the advancement of Osteopathy is to honor both its principles and its promise. The human body holds within it a healing capacity far greater than we yet understand. By going beyond what we believe is possible, we discover that health is not imposed from without, but awakened from with
To inspire and encourage all Osteopaths to “dig on” in the advancement of Osteopathy is to honor both its principles and its promise. The human body holds within it a healing capacity far greater than we yet understand. By going beyond what we believe is possible, we discover that health is not imposed from without, but awakened from within. It takes courage to practice something one can never truly master—yet it is in that very humility and persistence that Osteopathy reveals its deepest truths.
Common Purpose
Common Purpose
Common Purpose
Osteopathy is a philosophy, science and an art - rooted in the profound legacy of healing established by its founder, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. To fully grasp the depth and potential of Osteopathy, we must continuously strive to 'dig on.' Together, our mission is to expand our knowledge and understanding of Osteopathy, empowering us to help our patients heal and lead vibrant, healthy lives.
Values
Common Purpose
Values
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and responsibility, ensuring that our actions align with the principles we teach and the trust placed in us.
Inclusivity
We create a welcoming environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to learn and grow.
Compassion
We approach our work and our patients with ge
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and responsibility, ensuring that our actions align with the principles we teach and the trust placed in us.
Inclusivity
We create a welcoming environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to learn and grow.
Compassion
We approach our work and our patients with genuine care, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person.
Open-mindedness
We remain curious and receptive, embracing diverse perspectives and seeking deeper understanding through continuous learning.
Passion
We are deeply driven by a love for Osteopathy and the pursuit of knowledge. With open hearts and unwavering curiosity, we embrace diverse perspectives, seek profound understanding, and commit to lifelong learning. Our passion fuels us to go beyond the expected, inspiring growth, excellence, and transformation in ourselves and those we serve.
Excellence
We strive for the highest quality in education, practice, and service, continually challenging ourselves to grow and improve.
Accountability
We take ownership of our actions, decisions, and commitments, standing by them with responsibility and integrity.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of working together, fostering teamwork that strengthens both individual and collective success.
Community Engagement
We are dedicated to building connections that extend beyond our walls, contributing to the well-being and advancement of our wider community.
Commitment
We show up with consistency and dedication, honoring our responsibilities to our patients, students, and peers.
Perseverance
We face challenges with resilience and determination, knowing that true growth comes through persistence and courage.
Welcome to Ontario Osteopathic Study Group Osteopathic Practice
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on the intricate connection between the body's structure and function. By addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms, it seeks to enhance overall health and well-being, treating the whole person.
Our Services
To inspire and educate fellow Osteopaths in our ongoing pursuit to deepen our understanding of the human body's incredible ability to heal, guided by the principles of Osteopathy.
Intention
- Meet 3 times a year
- One Friday every 4 months
- Present a known or new topic lead by one practitioner
- Table work in relation to the discussed topic
Meet Our Team
Ligamentous Articular Strain Course
Ligamentous Articular Strain Course with Wm. Thomas Crow, D.O., FAAO
Hosted by the Toronto School of Osteopathy x Ontario Osteopathic Study Group
With Deep Gratitude
Thank you, Dr. Crow, DO, for the incredible LAS course and the invaluable learning experience it provided. The insights you shared were truly profound, and I remain deeply grateful for every opportunity to learn from you.
BASIC PERCUSSION HAMMER COURSE
Course Description
Based on the life, exploration, and Osteopathic practices of Robert C. Fulford, D.O., this course describes the power of healing concepts which expand on the teachings of A.T. Still, MD, DO. Dr. Fulford developed new techniques using the percussion hammer, which he pioneered. This course will allow participants to grasp the far-reaching Osteopathic healing concepts that were the essence of the old doctor. Dr. Koss has continued this study to incorporate evidence-based information that prove the scientific findings discovered by Dr. Fulford many years before.
Course Background
This course is based on the life work of Robert C. Fulford, D.O. in Osteopathy, life energy, vibration, and the use of the percussion vibrator. This course introduces these basic osteopathic philosophic and practice principles that Dr. Fulford perfected in his over 55 years of exploration and clinical practice. This is the same course Dr. Fulford himself taught in the last decade of his life. An extra day has been added to include new evidence based information and to present the basic concepts and palpatory skills needed to understand the percussion techniques and principles as taught by Dr. Fulford.
Course Goals
1. To understand the life, philosophy, and osteopathic medical practice of Robert C. Fulford, D.O.
2. To introduce Fulford's concept of vibration, Love, and Breath in osteopathic philosophy and practice.
3. To introduce concepts of subtle energy an life energy in the philosophy and practice of osteopathy.
Course Objectives
1. Present Dr. Fulford's life, history, and practice of osteopathy.
2. Understand the life energy, fascia, and piezoelectric effects in the anatomy.
3. Develop the palpatory skills in evaluation and treatment of subtle energy and life forces.
4. Understand vibration as the basic foundation of life, health, and healing.
5. Introduce and provide supervised practical experiences in the use of the percussion hammer and in osteopathic treatment.
6. Care and maintenance of the equipment.
7. Provide clinical cases and scenarios of the diagnosis and use of Dr. Fulford's Philosophy and treatment principles.
8. By the end of the course the participant will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and apply vibratory treatment with the use of the percussion hammer as taught by Dr. Robert C. Fulford
BASIC PERCUSSION HAMMER COURSE
Presenter Dr. Richard W. Koss DO
Richard Koss was awarded a BS in Physical Education Summa Cum Laude from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1976. He continued a Fellowship and Teaching Assistant in Anatomy and Physiology at Springfield. Dr. Koss received his D.O. degree from AT Still University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri in 1982 and subsequently performed a rotating internship at Normandy Osteopathic Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He joined the US Air Force in 1983 and served in Family Practice as a Flight Surgeon, Chief of Air Transport, Chief of Emergency Services, and Chief of Family Practice. He returned to Kirksville in 1987 to pursue a residency in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. He joined the faculty at AT Still University in 1990 as OPP Assistant Professor. He then joined the faculty in the OMM Department as the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center in Fort Worth, Texas as Department Vice Chair. He passed Specialty Board Exams for both the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine with Special Proficiency in 1991 and is double Board Certified. Dr. Koss is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Osteopathy, the Osteopathic Cranial Academy, the Northwest Academy of Osteopathy, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, and Life Member of the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association.
Dr. Koss took his first percussion hammer course from Robert C. Fulford, D.O. in 1987 and again in 1988, and began as a table trainer in 1989. Dr. Koss presented a paper on the Bioelectric Properties of Fascia at the 1990 AAO Convocation in Cincinnati, Ohio. From 1990 until Dr. Fulford's passing in 1997, Dr. Koss designed and taught both Basic and Advanced Percussion Hammer Courses with Dr. Fulford. Dr. Koss serves as a Board Member of the Kirksville Osteopathic Alumni Association, Vice Chair of the Osteopathic Education Service of the American Academy of Osteopathy, and a Board Member of the Northwest Osteopathic Foundation.
Since 1999, Dr. Koss has been in private practice, specializing in OMM and medical acupuncture. He serves as adjunct clinical preceptor for students and residents. He continues to provide instruction of Osteopathic Philosophy and Principles and Dr. Fulford's principle of Osteopathy and the use of the percussion hammer all over the world.
Contact Us
Ontario Osteopathic Study Group
For more information please call or email Jacob Simonini
