Manual Osteopathy, or Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT), is a gentle and effective treatment for everyone that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners encourage this self-healing capacity through realigning the structures of the body.

This form of treatment considers the interrelationships between all systems of the body. This includes soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, viscera), hard tissues (bones), fluid mechanics, and the neurovascular structures and supply to all areas of the body.

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners follow the principle that imbalances in the body’s structure contribute to the development of disease. The goal in treatment is to support the body’s ability to heal by removing these imbalances, facilitating proper nutrition to, and drainage from, the body’s tissues.

In a treatment practitioners physically interact with a patient, moving the patient’s body through various ranges of motion, noting restrictions and asymmetries, and applying corrective forces when and where they are needed.

It is important to note that there are two branches of osteopathy, a manual (non-medical) branch, as well as a medical branch. The manual version of osteopathy is practiced in Ontario by Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OMPs) and is the focus of this FAQ. Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) are largely American-trained physicians who have a full medical scope of practice. They may opt to use manual osteopathic techniques in their practice.

Osteopathic Treatment aims to improve the overall health and vitality in a patient, helping people to feel better, sleep better, and stay healthy.

After treatment individuals may notice changes anywhere in the body. These changes happen as a result of improving neurovascular supply to the body’s tissues, in turn helping the body get back to a balanced state of health.

Osteopathic Manual Therapists respect and work to support all the systems of the body:

• Nervous System

• Endocrine System

• Respiratory System

• Muscular System

• Circulatory System

• Integumentary System

• Reproductive System

• Excretory System

• Lymphatic System

• Immune System

A given treatment may have a specific focus, however individuals are treated as dynamic complex interconnected systems, and as such each treatment is capable of helping to support all the above systems.

Osteopathic Manual Therapists do not seek to treat any specific pathology, diagnosis, or “condition” of their patient, but instead look to address and correct any underlying structural dysfunctions (mainly asymmetries and restrictions in motion). Osteopaths hold firm to the idea that structural imbalances are the root cause of disease processes in the body. Through addressing these imbalances, Osteopathic Manual Treatments can have a positive impact on individuals by supporting the body’s inherent ability to heal and self regulate.

Some conditions that may benefit from care:

• Acute or Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

• Digestive Upset

• Breathing Difficulties

• Postural Issues

• Muscle Spasms

• TMJ Disorders & Pain

• Ear, Eyes, Nose & Throat (EENT) Issues

• Headaches

• Sleep Disorders

• Sports Injury

• Repetitive Strain

• Concussions

• Mobility Problems

• Immune System Issues

• Fertility Concerns

• Post Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

*This is not an exhaustive list, and outcomes are based on numerous factors intrinsic and specific to the individual receiving treatment.

Treatments consist of a health history review or update, structural evaluation, and delivery of manual therapeutic treatment. Patients remain clothed and move through various positions on a table similar to a massage table, from sitting to laying on their stomachs or backs. Treatments are not time based; they are unique to each individual and are generally 20-30 minutes in length. Some individuals may require a longer appointment time and that can be discussed in person.

Wear loose fitting clothing. This doesn’t need to be your finest yoga gear, but should be something that you’d feel comfortable moving around in. Please avoid tight jeans or skirts/dresses. Treatment is delivered fully clothed and it is important that you are comfortable throughout the treatment.

You will be taking your shoes off. Please ensure that you are wearing socks or stockings, or plan to bring a pair of socks with you.

Please note you can change at the clinic if you are not able to wear loose fitting clothing to and from your appointment.

Assessment and treatment is very gentle and should be pain free. Prepare to be surprised at how subtle it might feel, while being effective in easing discomfort and having you feeling better than when you came in.

Every individual is different, and it is therefore difficult to say how YOU will feel after treatment. Treatment aims to change the relationship of the structures of your body in order to improve neurovascular supply to your tissues. Sometimes making these changes is pain-free, and patients only experience positive effects and relief from their symptoms or discomfort; other times treatments can cause some short-term discomfort.

It is normal to feel a little soreness for 1 or 2 days post-treatment, however anything more than mild discomfort for longer than that should be re-examined and possibly re-treated. If for some reason this is the case, follow up appointments within the same week are provided at no additional charge.

Treatments aim to make small, corrective changes to one’s overall posture. The best thing, though not necessary, is to include a 30 minute walk into your daily plans for the few days following treatment; this will help your body integrate the adjustments. It is also wise to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for two days post-treatment.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy aims to restore balance to the mechanical structures of the body in order to remove blockages and congestion, and restore the natural self-healing and self-protecting mechanisms that already exist in each of us.

Though treatments may include techniques similar to those experienced during other types of therapy, the principles-based approach of classically trained osteopathic practitioners allows us to use these tools uniquely for each individual. What does this mean? As all bodies are different, each treatment must also be different. A single technique might work for one individual’s concerns, and not work for another. A thorough understanding of functional anatomy and the mechanical relationships existing within the body allow classically trained Osteopathic Manual Practitioners to approach each patient as needed.

Some of the tools and techniques that may be used during a treatment include, but are not limited to:

• Myofascial (Soft Tissue) Techniques

• Muscle Energy

• Oscillatory Osteoarticular Release

• Strain/Counterstrain

• Facilitated Positional Release

• Craniosacral Approaches

• Ligamentous Articular Release

• Visceral Techniques

• Lymphatic Drainage Treatment

• Trigger Point & Ganglia Reflex Treatment

• Inhibition Techniques

The osteopathic philosophy considers the relationship between body, mind, and spirit, the health of each affecting the other. Consider the posture of someone who is very sad and how that posture over long periods of times might lead to discomfort in the body. This treatment approach addresses the physical body, which often has positive effects on other aspects of a patient’s health, such as general well-being. In this way Osteopathic Manual Therapy may affect the “energy” (mental or emotional wellbeing) of a patient, however we see our way of accomplishing this by aiding the physical structure, health, and wellbeing of the body in order to serve the other aspect of that individual’s experience of overall health and wellbeing.

This answer is different for every patient and in every scenario. The goal is to make small and manageable changes with every visit that aim to help people gain health and feel better in a progressive manner. Some people might find relief after a few treatments, others may need several visits over the course of a number of months, and some people may benefit from continual treatment over several years. This is determined on a case by case basis, as no two people are the same.

Treatment frequency is also determined on a case by case basis. Patients who are dealing with an acute situation may need more frequent but shorter treatments spaced out a number of days apart, and those who are dealing with long-standing chronic issues will tend to need less frequent treatments over a longer period of time (usually 2-4 weeks between treatments). This can be discussed at your initial appointment to give you a sense of what to expect from a course of treatment for your particular situation. Generally speaking, the first 2-4 appointments will likely be spaced about a week apart while we see how your body responds and adjusts to osteopathic treatment.

Practitioners identify problem areas by identifying asymmetries and restriction of motion. These assessments are made first visually by observing a patient’s centre of gravity, their movement patterns, and their posture. Then practitioners investigate and further explore these asymmetries through passive motion testing and palpation.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

This hands-on approach releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University.

This approach can be seen as an incredibly gentle approach to osteopathic manual therapy. The focus of this approach is to liberate and balance the nervous system.

CranioSacral Therapy may be appropriate for those suffering from:

• Migraines, Headaches

• Chronic Pain

• Motor-Coordination Impairments

• Central Nervous System Disorders

• Orthopedic Problems

• Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

• Alzheimer's

• Spinal Cord Injuries

• Scoliosis

• Difficulties with Conception & Pregnancy

• Pediatric Challenges

• Learning Differences, ADD, ADHD

• Autism and Sensory Processing

• Chronic Fatigue

• Emotional Difficulties, Depression

• Stress and Tension-Related Problems

• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) and Dental Challenges

• Immune Disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Post-Surgical Dysfunction

• Sleep Challenges

Osteopathic Practitioners work alongside primary care physicians when addressing a medically diagnosed condition. You may be asked to obtain clearance from your physician before starting osteopathic treatment.

‘Viscera’ relates to the internal organs of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and intestines. Visceral Manipulation, or VM, is a gentle manual therapy that aids your body’s ability to release restrictions related to these structures and relieve unhealthy compensations that cause pain and dysfunction.

Visceral Manipulation may be appropriate for those suffering from:

• Whiplash, Seatbelt Injuries & Neck Pain

• Sports Injuries including Concussions & Mild Traumatic Brain Inuuries

• Orthopedic Problems

• Spinal Dysfunction

• Lower Back Pain & Sciatica

• Headaches & Migraines

• Carpal Tunnel

• Joint Pain

• Swallowing Dysfunctions

• Digestive Disorders

• Post-operative Scar Tissue Pain

• Women’s & Men’s Health Issues including Chronic Pelvic Pain

• Emotional Difficulties, Depression

• Immune Disorders including Chronic Fatigue

• Difficulties with Conception & Pregnancy

Osteopathic Practitioners work alongside primary care physicians when addressing a medically diagnosed condition. You may be asked to obtain clearance from your physician before starting osteopathic treatment.

No referral is necessary. Patients suffering from a chronic medical condition are advised to speak to their family doctor before moving forward with treatment. Should anything arise in an initial intake session or subsequent follow up that is of medical concern to us, we will ask that you check in with your doctor before administering further treatment.

Osteopathy and Manual Osteopathic Treatments are covered by most private insurance packages these days. Please check with your insurance provider to verify coverage. You will be issued a receipt which will include an insurance billing number. This can be used to submit for reimbursement.

New: Starting in February 2024 select insurance companies supported by Telus eHealth will be accepted for direct billing. Inquire at your next appointment if you would like to take advantage of this service.

Providers that are covered include:

• Alberta Blue Cross

• Beneva

• BPA

• Canadian Construction Workers Union (C.C.W.U.)

• Chambers of Commerce (Johnston Group)

• CINUP (Johnston Group)

• ClaimSecure

• Coughlin & Associates Ltd.

• Cowan (Express Scripts Canada)

• D.A. Townley

• Desjardins Insurance

• Equitable Life

• First Canadian (Johnston Group)

• GMS Carriers 49 and 50 (Express Scripts Canada)

• GroupHEALTH

• GroupSource

• Industrial Alliance

• Johnson (Express Scripts Canada)

• Johnston Group

• LiUNA Local 183

• LiUNA Local 506

• Manion

• Maximum Benefit (Johnston Group)

• People Corporation

• Simply Benefits

Manual Osteopathic Practitioners do not prescribe medications; we are educated and trained to work exclusively without the use of drugs or surgery by using manual methods for assessment and treatment.

An osteopathic manual treatment should be considered a complementary therapy which can sometimes help alleviate symptoms so that the need for some types of medications may be diminished.

If you have been prescribed medication, please continue to take it as directed by your physician. If you feel that you may need to change the dose of any medication, make sure to do so only under the supervision of a doctor.

Exercises are not usually required in combination with osteopathic treatments. Postural and habitual issues caused by repettitive work, spot, or leisure activities may require gentle stretching or mobilization which can be done regularly between appointments. If this is the case, these movement practices can be discussed if treatment alone is not resolving the issue.

‘Osteo’ is often immediately thought of as having to do with bone, which in common medical terminology is most often the case. However, in this instance the founder of Osteopathy (Andrew Taylor Still) was making reference to an older meaning of the word which refers to ‘structure’, wanting to evoke the idea of all structures of the body, not just the bones.

The ‘pathy’ part of osteopathy has often been misinterpreted to mean disease (leading many to believe that osteopathy is the study of diseases of the bone). In fact, in this instance the use of the suffix ‘pathy’ is more to do with pathos, or ‘suffering’.

Therefore, “Osteopathy”, taking the nuanced uses of ‘osteo’ + ‘pathy’ into consideration gives us a term which is trying to convey the idea of the suffering of the structures of the body. Osteopaths have traditionally viewed discord in the structures of the body as the root cause of disease and ill health.