Osteopathy
What is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the relationship between the structure of the body and the way it functions. It is based on the principle that the health of an individual depends on their muscles, bones, ligaments and connective tissues functioning in cohesion. Manual Osteopathic practitioners use a range of techniques, including physical mobilization, massage, and stretching to assess and treat various musculoskeletal conditions and improve overall health and wellbeing. The goal of these treatments include relief from muscle tension, increased mobility of joints, promote healing from injury, correcting posture by realigning the body and improving mental health. The goal of Osteopathic treatment is to get you back to optimal health and to unlock your body’s full potential with a safe, effective, and non-invasive approach.
How to prepare for treatment?
Fill out the online intake form prior to your first visit and make an online profile.
If you have any diagnostic image reports (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI), please upload to your online profile/bring a copy to your appointment .
Wear loose comfortable clothing that you can move around easily in. (Loose pants, shorts and shirt are best)
Avoid eating a big meal 2-3 hours before treatment.
Arrive on time so that you can benefit from the full length of your appointment.
After any treatment, it is encouraged to hydrate the body, get plenty of sleep, and if you choose to exercise keep it gentle: take a walk, stretch, gentle yoga. Epsom salt baths are also encouraged for muscle relaxation and detoxification.
What to expect?
Prior to your first Manual Osteopathy session you will need to fill out a detailed intake form followed by a thorough evaluation of your major complaint, including a review of your medical history and a physical examination, this is a mandatory process called Indicial Assessment. The practitioner will ask questions about the nature of the injury, how it happened, any symptoms you are experiencing and to rate it on a pain scale from 1-10. Osteopathy takes a whole body approach and focuses on treating the root cause of the issue, so questions may be asked about previous physical traumas, your diet, lifestyle and daily life.
As a part of your physical examination, the practitioner palpates areas of your body to feel for what is happening on the inside, they skillfully touch and listen to the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissue and feel for qualities such as congestion, scarring, dehydration, swelling, changes in temperature, tone and tonicity. Sometimes during assessment it can feel like they are barely touching you and suddenly feel stuff inside your body shifting and gurgling. They may also ask you to move different parts of your body as they feel for any restrictions.
Based on the initial assessment findings, the practitioner will develop a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of manual techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization, stretching, joint mobilization, manipulation and cupping therapy. The therapist may also use modalities such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to help manage pain and promote healing.
Its important to know that a part of treatment usually involves active participation of the patient, you may be asked to gently engage different muscles or move your joints through different motions as instructed by your practitioner. You may also be asked to change positions from seated to laying down or even laying on your side.
In general, Osteopathic treatment is safe, effective, and non invasive, and can be a helpful option for people with a variety of conditions including back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches/migraines.
The number and frequency of sessions required varies depending on the injury or condition. Our Manual Osteopath Practitioners do not diagnose or practice medicine, nor do we attempt to treat disease. If you are concerned about any medical pathology and/or disease, always consult your physician prior to exploring treatment.
What Can I expect after the treatment?
Many people feel good following a treatment, experiencing some amount of relief from pain.
Manual Osteopathy is not usually painful, although its not unusual to feel sore, stiff or tired in the first few days after treatment. This really depends on many factors including what areas of the body are treated, the mobilizations being performed as well as the state of your own body’s inflammation, hormonal cycle, and emotional status.
You may experience tenderness in some muscles or joints, but not everyone experiences these effects.
If Cupping Therapy was a part of your treatment, the circular marks tend to dissipate within 5-10 days. It is normal to feel itchiness over the marks. Keep the treated area covered, dry and warm. Avoid wind, cold, and dampness.
Patients who have received Cranial Osteopathy sometimes report feeling “lightheaded” after treatment.
Remember that healing is not linear, and feeling sore or tired after any manual bodywork treatment is totally normal. We encourage you to rest after treatment, a light stretch, a warm bath, or a walk is recommended, try to avoid excessive exercise post treatment. Give your body the time and space to absorb the benefits of the treatment.