WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?

            Osteopathy is a holistic non-pharmacological, non-invasive manual medicine. It is a type of alternative
            medicine that emphasizes on physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bone.  Osteopathy is treating
            the body as a whole system and looking at the connection between pain and dysfunction from an entire
            body viewpoint. In Canada, most practitioners are referred to as “manual osteopaths”. The manual
           osteopath relies on their sense of palpation (touch) to evaluate dysfunctions in the body.
           The two essential components of Osteopathy are 1) the structural assessment and 2) all the different
           techniques for the treatment. The aim of the structural assessment is to identify specific somatic
           dysfunctions. Diagnostic criteria for somatic dysfunctions focus on the tone and possible abnormalities
           of tissue texture. Areas of asymmetry and misalignment of bony landmarks are also evaluated, along
           with the quality of motion, balance, and organization. The term Osteopathy currently includes >20 types
           of manual treatments administered by osteopaths.
 
                     WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHIROPRACTOR AND AN     OSTEOPATIC MANUAL PRACTITIONER? 

               It is a common question that clients usually ask, and I will try to give you a clear insight into the main
               similarities and differences. Although Other disciplines, such as physical therapy or chiropractic, use
               almost similar techniques, usually an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner applies a more hands-on
               approach and puts more emphasis on observation of movement and structural integration.
               interact and how to blend treatment techniques for the greatest therapeutic effect.



           WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY APPOINTMENT?

                       The practitioner should be able to see and assess the areas of the body causing you concern. If
                       you feel uncomfortable undressing to your underwear, it would also be suitable to wear
                      comfortable flexible clothing such as shorts and a vest top.



            WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?

                                If you have any x-rays, test results or relevant medical notes bring these with you.  If you can’t
                               easily remember all the medications or supplements you are on, you should also bring these
                     along too.



            CAN I GET MY TREATMENTS COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?

 

               Extended health benefits often include the services provided by

                      Osteopathic Practitioners. Please contact your insurance provider prior to your appointment to find out                               what coverage you have. After you have paid for your appointment, you will be issued a receipt, which                           can then in turn be submitted to your health insurance company for you to be reimbursed.  

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   HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

      Each person is different depending on how long they have had their symptoms, what sort of
   lifestyle they lead, and their state of health. Most people usually start their treatment plan
        with three to four treatments, spaced one to two weeks apart. Some people with less serious
       conditions may feel better right away. Other people with more difficult or chronic conditions
   usually benefit from ongoing 'maintenance' treatments every month to six weeks. You are
             reassessed at every visit and your treatment plan will be tailored to meet your individual needs.
 


             WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY APPOINTMENT?

At the start of your first appointment, your Osteopathic Practitioner will ask you questions about your medical history and lifestyle, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing. This is very important as it will help them to make an accurate assessment and suggest appropriate treatment. Your Osteopathic Practitioner will need to examine the area(s) of your body causing discomfort. Sometimes the cause of the problem may be in a different area to the pain, (For example, pain in your lower arm may be linked to the nerves in your neck) so they may need to examine your whole body. They will need to feel for any tightness in the muscles and stiffness in the joints and may need to touch these areas to

identify problems. They will explain what they are doing as they go along.

 

         IS OSTEOPATHY GENTLE AND SAFE?

 Manual osteopathy is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies
available for the treatment of neuro, musculoskeletal and joints complaints. Although manual
osteopathy has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential
adverse effects. Many patients feel immediate relief following manual osteopathy treatment,
    but some may experience mild soreness or aching (24-48 hours post-treatment), just as they do
after some forms of exercise or massage.