Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that emphasizes the relationship between the structure and function of the human body. Our Ottawa Osteopathic Manual Practitioner works with our physiotherapy team to treat a range of conditions affecting the entire body.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy focuses on the alignment of the skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues, to ensure they are functioning correctly. Factors such as age and injury, can disrupt the alignment of the body’s structures.
There are 3 core concepts to osteopathy:
- The body is dynamic, meaning everything is interconnected.
- The body is able to self-heal and self-regulate naturally.
- Structure governs function - if the structures of the body are aligned, it can function as it is designed to.
By working with the interrelated systems of the human body, Osteopathic Manual Practitioners can return your body to alignment and allow it to heal.
What Types of Conditions Can Osteopathy Treat?
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners can treat a variety of conditions such as:
- TMJ
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic fatigue
- Migraines
- Post-operative pain or adhesions
- Infant conditions: Colic, Torticollis
- Scoliosis
- Skeleto-muscular injuries
What Does an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner Do?
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners focus on facilitating restoration of health to the body. They are able to assess asymmetries and motion restrictions in your gait, movement patterns, and posture. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners use critical thinking to customize treatment plans based on the needs of you, and your body.
They can use physical manipulation, stretching and massage to:
- Increase joint mobility
- Relieve muscle tension
- Enhance the blood and nerve supply
- Aid your body’s own healing mechanisms
Osteopathy is safe on infants as young as 1 week old. Whether your infant is experiencing some of the early troubles (feeding issues, colic), or later troubles (a few months old, e.g. Torticollis, Plagiocephaly), an osteopath uses gentle and safe manual therapy & visceral techniques to help baby, and you!
Osteopathy FAQs
Read on for answers to some of the most common questions our Osteopathic Manual Practitioner gets about their practice at Motion Works Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre.
- Is osteopathy covered under my extended-health insurance?
Yes, it is covered by most insurance plans. But it’s best to call your insurance company to confirm.
- What is the difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy?
Osteopathy involves the exclusive use of manual therapy (hands-on care), which may also include some training (visceral manipulation, etc.) that is not as common in physiotherapy. Physiotherapy utilizes manual therapy, as well as a variety of treatment modalities, and active exercises.
- What can I expect in my first session?
In the first session, expect a comprehensive approach, including history taking, observation, and hands on assessment, as well as a bit of treatment that day.
- How long are the appointments?
Other than the initial assessment, which is 60 minutes, follow-up treatment visit durations vary between 30-45 minutes, depending on the body region and treatment needs.
- How often will I have to come in?
The frequency of treatments varies from patient to patient, and depends on the treatment plan your Osteopathic Manual Practitioner prescribes.
- How is osteopathy regulated in Ontario?
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners in Ontario are self-regulated, but must be affiliated with an osteopathic association.
Are you interested in learning more about Osteopathy?
Our Osteopathic Manual Practitioner can work with you to create a customized treatment plan in order to meet your body's needs.