Manual Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on optimizing the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems to promote overall well being, Manual Osteopaths uses hands on techniques to assess and treat various conditions, they use different other techniques as soft tissues therapy, mobilizations, muscle energy techniques, fascia stretch therapy, strain counterstain. In Osteopathy, therapists consider the body as a unit, they treat the system in order to heal the symptoms.
Manual Osteopaths treat a wide range of conditions as back, neck pain and joint issues. Moreover, they treat chronic and acute pain. They may specialize in addressing specific conditions such as sport injuries in focusing on movements patterns and body structure.
OSTEOPATHY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a gentle form of hands-on manual therapy, that takes a holistic (whole-body) approach to treatment and healing by understanding the close relationship between structure and function of the body, as it works as one cohesive unit, through a process of removing mechanical restrictions found in structural tissues (joints, muscles, fascia), viscera (organs), and the fluid systems (blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal). By releasing restrictions and creating optimal alignment throughout the tissues, the body can start to self-heal and self-regulate.
Osteopathy involves extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to assess and treat the client. Manual osteopaths use a variety of techniques, including musculoskeletal joint mobilizations, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, visceral manipulation, and craniosacral therapy.
What can osteopathy help with?
Osteopathy can treat many common conditions including, but not limited to:
Asthma, TMJ pain or sinus infections, headaches and migraines, digestive discomfort, women’s health issues, poor posture, fibromyalgia, nerve entrapments (carpal tunnel, sciatica, etc.), sprains and strains, sports injuries, circulation issues, infant and children’s issues (constipation, torticollis, latch issues, head shape, sleep issues, etc.), arthritis, herniated discs, frozen shoulder, post-surgical scar release, general muscle tightness and soreness (chronic or acute), improving flexibility and stability, and much more!
What are the benefits of osteopathy?
Some of the benefits of osteopathic treatments include increased circulation, better alignment and posture, better quality of motion in joints and muscles, reduced pain in muscles and joints, increase speed of healing and recovery from trauma such as surgery, colds, flu, accidents and falls. Many patients report better sleep, more energy and fewer aches and pains.
What age is osteopathy suitable for?
Osteopathy is suitable for all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Each osteopathic treatment is tailored to the client’s individual needs.
Is osteopathic treatment safe?
Osteopathy is one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available to treat neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. Techniques use in treatment are individualized based on client needs and sensitivity to treatment.
If you’re tissues are tense and sore, it may take some time and discomfort to get them stretched out and relaxed, especially when the condition has been present for an extended period. Some osteopathic techniques may feel more uncomfortable than others but are never designed to cause pain.
What to expect after treatment?
Negative side effects from treatment are uncommon, and most clients feel some improvement after just one session and can continue with daily activities without issue. For some clients, benefits of treatment may not be truly felt until a few days after their session. You might experience some tiredness or tenderness and soreness for up to 24-48 hours after treatment, but this generally dissipates quite quickly.
Common symptoms include the feeling of having done a big workout the day before or feeling slightly bruised in certain areas. This is due to the body mechanics adapting to changes the manual osteopath has integrated. Your rate of recovery will depend on many factors, such as age, daily activities, sensitivity to treatment, hydration levels, and the health issue at hand.
How long is an osteopathic treatment?
Typically, an osteopathic treatment is 60 minutes. However, treatments can range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on individual assessment and treatment plans.
How often do I need treatment?
To maximize progress while correcting body mechanics, treatments should be booked no longer than 2 weeks apart, but no more than twice per week to allow the body time to integrate changes that have been made within the body’s systems. Clients wishing to book treatments at larger intervals, say 4-6 weeks apart, do so to either maintain progress once new mechanics have been integrated, or do so to keep their symptoms at a baseline level without correcting deeper chronic issues.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments you will need will be assessed by the manual osteopath, as every client is different. Some factors include acute injury versus unresolved chronic dysfunction, engagement in home care exercises or self-treatment techniques between appointments, use of alternate therapies or modalities, etc.
Is osteopathy covered by extended health benefits insurance?
In Canada, 90% of insurers cover osteopathic treatments. While osteopathic treatments are not covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), many extended health care insurance benefits do cover these services, but the amount of coverage varies. Always verify the details of your specific health care insurance plan before you book, if you intend to submit any claims to your insurance provider.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. A physician’s referral is not required to book an appointment with a manual osteopath.
Can I see a manual osteopath during pregnancy?
Yes. Osteopathy can not only assist the body through each stage of pregnancy but can be a key tool for those trying to conceive as well. Treatment will be focussed on helping the body adapt to postural changes and physical demands placed on the body, in an effort to make pregnancy much more comfortable. Strains through the pelvis can be managed or released through osteopathic treatment, which can lead to an easier labour and delivery. Osteopathy can be very beneficial postpartum to guide the tissues through the healing process and restore alignment and stability.
How is osteopathy different from chiropractic care?
Chiropractors mainly focus on using high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation techniques when treating clients. Comparatively, manual osteopaths use gentle, low force, repetitive techniques such as osteoarticular mobilization, muscle energy release, myofascial release, visceral manipulation, and craniosacral therapy. Chiropractic sessions are typically shorter than osteopathic treatments, as HVLA techniques can be performed in a matter of minutes, whereas osteopathic techniques require longer due to their slower, repetitive nature. Chiropractic treatment is most commonly used for acute pain, and osteopathic treatment is best known for chronic pain, however osteopathy can be equally beneficial for acute problems too.
Is osteopathy compatible with other forms of therapy?
Yes. Osteopathy compliments other forms of therapy by offering unique and gentle manual techniques that help determine the source of the dysfunction while creating ease in the body’s network of systems. Clients often see multiple therapists, either for separate issues or the same chronic problem. Osteopathy pairs well with other modalities such as acupuncture, laser, chiropractic, massage, physiotherapy, and even naturopathy, among others.
We currently offer this service at our Perth, Bells Corners, Carleton Place and Hunt Club locations.
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