What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a hands-on, holistic manual therapy that addresses the alignment of the body for optimal function and health. It emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself when the components are in proper alignment. Throughout our life, our body is exposed to forces that affect our alignment, whether through traumatic impact, repetitive motion or the effect of gravity over time. Osteopathy addresses musculoskeletal, circulatory and nervous system imbalances through slow, safe and controlled movement. It is a useful tool for finding relief from physical pain and discomfort, and for optimizing your health.
What happens in an Osteopathic Treatment?
Because the body is a whole, dynamic unit, no part works in isolation from another. For this reason, every articulation is important to assess and understand as it fits into the whole picture of the structure that is you.
My approach is gentle, yet powerful. Using motion testing, (both active and passive) I determine which areas of the body are most restricted. I work through the layers of tissue from skin, to fascia, to muscle to ligament to bone and everything in between to free the pathways for nerve and blood supply. All movements are slow and controlled. By appealing to the nervous system, I encourage the body to make the space that is required for the tissues to work as they are designed.
How do I dress for my treatment?
It is best to wear clean, loose-fitting, comfortable clothes you can move in for an osteopathic treatment.
How long is a treatment?
An initial assessment is 45 minutes long, which gives us the time to discuss your health history and any questions or concerns you may have before commencing treatment, followed by a thorough assessment and treatment.
Follow-up treatments can be up to 30 minutes long, however, treatments are results-based, and not time-based. I work until there has been an adequate change for the nervous system to integrate. It is important that I do not do “too much” at once, so the body can stabilize the changes made. I prefer to see you more frequently and make smaller changes over time so your body can stabilize the changes. Think evolution over revolution.
How many treatments do I need?
This will vary depending on each case. Some people will get immediate relief after one treatment, however it is important to consider that the longer an issue has been around, the longer it may take to change. It is generally beneficial to schedule 3-5 weekly visits when we first start working together in order to feel the momentum of the changes we are making. You can think of the work like peeling back the layers of an onion. We slowly peel away the layers of compensation in your structure in order to address deeper or longer standing structural patterns.
When things are going well, I recommend seasonal visits, like a tune-up to keep things running smoothly.
What is the best activity for me after treatment?
Avoid strenuous activity after treatment. The ideal way to integrate your treatment is to go for a mindful walk (If possible). Walking is a balanced, bilateral motion, and it is what our bodies are designed to do best. If you drove a car to the treatment, consider going for a walk around the block before getting in the driver’s seat.
For 3 days after treatment your body will be re-calibrating. You may feel sore as if you did a workout, or you may feel things shifting and changing. For this reason it is important to be gentle with your body after treatment.
If you are a very active person who exercises every day, try to schedule your workout before treatment rather than after on the same day.
Do my health insurance benefits cover osteopathy?
Most insurance companies in Canada cover osteopathic treatment. If you have benefits, you may submit your receipt for reimbursement. I do not offer direct billing.
Do you work with ICBC claims?
No, unfortunately this is not possible for Osteopathic Manual Practitioners.
What does your title M.O.M.Sc. stand for?
The title M.O.M.Sc stands for: Masters of Osteopathic Manipulative Science
This title is a designation given to graduates of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and members of Osteopathy Canada.
For context in the osteopathic world:
The title D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) is reserved for graduates of American schools, in which the training is within a medical school context.)
The title D.O.M.P (Diplomate of Osteopathic Manual Practice) is widely used by other Canadian Osteopathic Institutions. The duration of a D.O.M.P program varies based on the institution and the student’s prior education.
What association are you with?
I am a member of Osteopathy Canada. https://ostcan.ca/
This membership allows my patients to claim benefits for osteopathic treatment with most insurance companies in Canada should you be covered.
