Ortho-bionomy Training and Careers
Learn How to Become an Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner
Based on principles of osteopathy, orthobionomy is a gentle, non-invasive body therapy that can help alleviate chronic muscle tension and stress, soothe the joints, increase flexibility and relax the entire body.
No forceful manipulation or deep muscle probing is utilized. Ortho-Bionomy can be incredibly effective in the release of acute and chronic pain associated with structural tension or imbalance. These techniques increase circulation and provide a greater sense of well-being.
Students of orthobionomy training learn how to move and position the body to help facilitate changes in stress and pain patterns, emphasizing the comfort of the patient.
In session, the orthobionomy practitioner stimulates the body’s natural abilities to self-correct and self-balance using movements and gentle compression. Treatment is usually delivered on a massage table, in a chair or even while standing up. Without force, the practitioner will position the body in the direction of comfort so as to encourage its natural reflexes, which, in addition to reducing pain, calms the mind.
Sessions typically last an hour, and the number of sessions needed depend on the severity of a patient’s condition and how the patient reacts to treatment. Along with bodywork, orthobionomy practitioners teach students home exercises and practices that can further induce the body’s self-healing processes, creating greater balance and alignment.
Training and Education
What You’ll Study in Orthobionomy School
Orthobionomy is often referred to as the homeopathy of bodywork. Just as homeopathy is done with the gentlest, smallest dose of a remedy to effect cures, orthobionomy uses the least amount of movement possible to re-stimulate the body’s natural reflexes and relieve pain.
You will find orthobionomy training classes available through massage schools and homeopathy schools as well as orthobionomy seminar programs. Typical orthobionomy training course work will cover the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Postural Re-education
- Basic spine and extremities
- Exploration of movement patterns
- Clinical practice
Average Length of Study
Typically, orthobionomy training requires 500 hours or around 18 months of combined classroom and hands-on practice time. Depending on the massage or homeopathy school program, you can enroll as a full-time student or take weeklong or weekend orthobionomy training seminars to fulfill continuing education requirements in your natural health profession.
Tuition for massage and homeopathy school programs in orthobionomy ranges from $200 to $450 per class. Some schools will offer financial aid to help students cover tuition costs.
At the end of your orthobionomy training, you qualify as a registered orthobionomy practitioner. Because the practice is considered a subfield of massage therapy, many orthobionomy students earn their state or national licensure through massage school or are currently licensed massage practitioners seeking continuing education credits.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that employment of massage therapists will grow at a rate of 22 percent through 2024, which is faster than average. In a large part, the public’s ongoing interest in using natural healing alternatives, particularly bodywork, to relieve pain, injuries and stress will attribute to the high rate of job growth for massage therapists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2016-17 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for massage therapists is $38,040. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors. Specialized massage therapists, like orthobionomy practitioners, who find the right market for their skills can increase their earning potential.
Is an Orthobionomy Career Right for You?
A career in orthobionomy requires advanced training in anatomy, physiology and bodywork as well as a keen understanding of the philosophy that less movement can effect greater healing. As in any massage therapy practice, you also need to have the business and marketing expertise to build a successful practice with a solid client base.
Sources: Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, LocalHealers.com, Ortho-Bionomy.org, Overmyer, Luann. “Journal of Ecologically Sustainable Medicine”
Find a Holistic Health School
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll connect you with schools that offer Holistic Health programs.