What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy was founded in 1874 by A.T. Still, an American physician in the United States. Still believed that everything that was necessary to sustain human life was already present within the human body. This view prompted Still to find non-medicinal and non-surgical avenues to enhance the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Osteopathy uses 'hands-on' techniques to influence the way the body works. By working with the muscles, tendons, joints, connective tissue and ligaments, treatment can provide relief to the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and also the circulatory, respiratory and immune systems of the body. In this way, it is seen as a form of manual therapy, which can influence all systems of the body towards a more efficient and holistic state of health.

There are various stresses and strains that can occur within the body - in bones, organs or tissues. Other impediments may include emotional patterns that are responsible for maintaining the body in a certain adaptation of defense. These are quite often responses to stressful incidents of the past, present, or of a repetitive nature. Over time, the body gradually loses its ability to efficiently self-regulate due to aging, trauma, illness, surgical scarring, childbirth, or the cumulative effects of mental, emotional, physical stress.

In most cases there has been a combination of the above and the results manifest themselves locally in the body or more frequently, the symptoms are experienced far from the original occurrence. By using a meticulous methodology, an osteopathic practitioner is able to determine the origin and effects of these experiences, and create and administer an appropriate treatment plan to resolve them.

What do we do?

Osteopathic treatment does not target symptoms only but treats the parts of the body that have caused the symptoms that you are experiencing. Osteopathic practitioners have a holistic approach and believe that your whole body will work well if your body is in proper balance. In carrying out treatments, Osteopathic practitioners use a wide range of techniques. Some techniques include soft tissue work to address muscle, ligament and facial tension, cranial techniques to mobilize the bones of the skull, joint mobilization to realign bones, and visceral work to normalize organ function. The breadth of the osteopathic approach allows the treatment to focus on every individual's precise needs.

The general objective of treatment is to:

• Relieve your pain by reducing its intensity, frequency and duration. In many cases, the goal is to eliminate it completely.
• Improve your functional state
• Help you transition through various life stages or events (pregnancy, school exams, job change, surgery)
• Prevent deterioration of your present state of health.
• Maintain your present state of health.

What To Expect During Your Treatment

Your medical history is taken

Before we begin with treatment, we will take a full health history. Time is taken to listen to you and ask questions to make sure we understand your health history and your day-to-day routine. We will ask questions relating to various systems of the body, previous injuries, and current stresses, as these may give clues to help our assessment of your complaint.

An assessment is performed

A physical examination is performed, including assessment of posture, range of motion tests, reflexes, blood pressure, as well as a review of any reports from diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, MRI's or ultrasound.

A treatment is provided

After reviewing the examination findings with you, a treatment is implemented and a plan for future treatment is discussed. Treatment is different for every individual. The choice of what techniques to use will depend on the area being treated and the person receiving the treatment.

What Do Osteopathic Practitioners Treat?

Osteopathic practitioners assess and treat people of any age from the elderly to the newborn and from pregnant women to those active in competitive or recreational sports. The following are some examples of conditions and problems that osteopathic manual practitioners may be able to help treat.

Musculoskeletal System

• neck and back pain
• sciatica
• headaches and migraines
• jaw pain, TMJ syndromes, and dental occlusion
• pain resulting from motor vehicle accidents
• bursitis, tendonitis and over-use injuries
• sports injuries

Children's Issues

• colic
• spitting up
• sucking difficulty
• delayed development
• birth trauma
• otitis media

Systemic Problems

• neurological syndromes
• digestive disorders
• genitourinary problems
• circulatory problems

Gynecological system

• Menstrual pain
• Pain due to endometriosis
• Pregnancy - back pain, digestive upset, edema and swelling
• Scars

Respiratory Illness

• asthma
• bronchitis
• pleurisy
• allergies

Ear, Nose and Throat Problems

• chronic ear infections
• recurrent sore throats
• frequent colds
• sinusitis
• tinnitus

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

Please wear or bring something that you are comfortable in. Loose fitting clothing or shorts and a t-shirt is best.

Will treatment be uncomfortable?

During a treatment, you will be told what to expect. Likewise, if you experience discomfort during treatment, it is important to communicate what you are feeling so that it can be determined whether the response is a normal response to what is being treated. On occasion, you may feel a little stiff or sore after treatment. This is a normal, healthy response to the treatment. It is often recommended to drink extra water after a treatment to help with re-hydrating the body and the elimination of toxins.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you need depends on the condition and person we are treating. We aim to keep your appointments to a minimum. Treatments are generally administered once every one or two weeks and on many occasions the length of time between treatments is increased. This is to allow the body to adapt to treatment.

Are treatments covered by extended benefits?

Most Ontario insurance companies recognize Osteopathic services. Check with your insurance provider to determine whether you have coverage.