Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Osteopathic manual therapy is a gentle hands-on assessment and treatment that focuses on removing restrictions and restoring movement and function to the entire body in order to restore the body’s natural balance, optimal function, and healing ability. Osteopathy is holistic in nature in that it views the body as a total interconnected unit.
Osteopathic manual practitioners have a deep understanding of the anatomical, biomechanical and physiological interrelationships of the body.
Osteopathic Manual therapy requires a highly refined sense of touch to identify and treat areas of dysfunction that have alterations in tissue texture and tone that may disrupt the overall physiological function and health of the person. Typically, priority in treatment is given to areas of greatest rigidity. The goal of treatment is to facilitate corrections and a full expression of health by working in conjunction with the natural self-regulation and self-healing mechanism of the body. Osteopathy considers the whole person with treatment individualized to determine the underlying cause of the health concern; not just focusing on symptoms.
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Possible benefits may include:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Reduced stiffness and muscle tension
Reduced pain
Improved mobility and function,
improved breathing
Improved circulation
Improved mood
Improved energy
Improved sleep
Improved digestion
Improved body awareness and self-care
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Examples of conditions (not limited to) that osteopathy assists in treating:
Anxiety/stress
Chronic pain
Respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma)
Sinusitis
Back pain
Neck pain
Sciatica/SI joint pain
Urinary Incontinence
Headaches
Migraines
Insomnia/sleep difficulties
TMJ/jaw pain
Digestive problems-Irritable bowel/constipation/bloating
sports injuries
Post Concussion Syndrome
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The goal of osteopathy is to help facilitate the innate healing ability of the body. Osteopathy is not symptom or condition focused rather it involves treatment of the whole person to help restore natural balance. Because of this, the initial treatment plan requires 5-6 sessions 1-3 weeks apart to notice meaningful results while longer standing problems often require more treatment. However, some people do notice changes in 2-3 sessions. The longer you have been experiencing a problem, the longer it may take to resolve. Ultimately, it is specific to each individual and so the osteopathic manual practitioner will provide an idea of number of treatments, timing and re-assess along the way.
Osteopathy can help to support a lifelong journey of wellness so tune-ups are ideal. Tune-ups can be anywhere between 4-6 weeks to approx 2-3 months.
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Each individual is unique so no treatment or techniques is the same as it depends what is appropriate and available for you that day based on assessment findings. There is a methodology in treatment where priority is given to areas of greatest rigidity. Most osteopathic techniques involve a light touch and are gentle in nature. Osteopathy includes gentle manipulation of the skeletal system (bones/joints), soft tissues (muscle, ligaments, fascia), viscera (organs), cranial sacral system.
Examples of techniques include:
Cranial osteopathy (cranial-sacral techniques
Soft tissue/myofascial release techniques
Visceral manipulation techniques
Joint and spinal mobilization
Muscle energy
Fluidic techniques (eg. lymphatic pumping)
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Health history: We will discuss your current health symptoms as well as your lifestyle and past medical history.
Observation of Posture and Gait
Hands-on assessment: A physical assessment will be conducted to help determine primary problem areas. A hands on assessment through palpation and gentle mobility testing of various body structures to evaluate joint biomechanics, tissue restrictions, tone and mobility. Functional strength and range of motion testing may be used as well.
Upon completion of the assessment, I will discuss the treatment plan with you with recommendations
Referral to medical doctor (eg. blood work, x-rays) if there is any indication from your symptoms/assessment that further testing is needed prior to osteopathic treatment.
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Loose, lightweight clothing is recommended during treatments.
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Osteopathic treatment fees are eligible for coverage under most extended health benefit plans. My professional designation is D.O.M.P. (Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice) from the Canadian College of Osteopathy and I am a member in good standing of the OAO (Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners). These are the credentials required for coverage by most plans in Ontario.
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Osteopathy is based on the following principles.
Structure Governs Function- when an area of the body is not moving well it will disrupt the function of not only that local area but also may disrupt global health and function of the individual.
The body is a functional unit- this means that one part of the body or one system (circulatory, nervous, visceral (organs), musculoskeletal, emotional) does not act in isolation. The body acts as a unit and there is constant communication between systems to maintain health. If one system or area is in dysfunction this will impact the other areas of the body. The body has an important connector called fascia that essentially unites the body.
The movement of fluids is essential- this refers to the importance of maintaining a free pathway for all fluids of the body-lymph, arterial, venous return. If one area of the body is not mobile it can compromise the movement of this fluid flow which ultimately disrupts the health of the person.
The inherent self regulation property of the body-this refers to the body’s ability to constantly adapt and attempt to maintain homeostasis or balance. The body needs to be mobile to be able to carry out this function. Consideration of the structural and neurovascular pathways that disrupt homeostasis and self-regulation is a key part of treatment. Osteopathic treatment involves supporting the natural mechanisms of the body so that it can heal itself.