Who should see an osteopath?
That’s the beauty of osteopathic manual treatment – just about anyone can benefit from it. Most people seek treatment to address pain but end up feeling better overall because their whole body is now functioning as an integrated unit.
Whether you have severe pain from an injury, dull pain from repetitive tasks, or just want to feel better, osteopathy improves a wide variety of issues:
Acute pain due to injury
Chronic pain
Repetitive stress injuries (i.e. – sports-related, etc.)
Work-related pain (from prolonged sitting or standing, heavy lifting, etc.)
Back pain
Joint pain
Breathing issues
Digestive issues
Menstrual pain
General wellness
And everything in between
What precautions are you taking to protect patients from COVID-19?
While we’re in a pandemic, it shouldn’t mean you can’t receive the treatment you need to improve your health. Protecting your safety is my number one priority. To start with, arrive wearing a mask and sanitize. There’s more, but even a simple thing like not having a waiting room, can protect you.
Don’t osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic all do the same thing?
That’s a popular misconception because we all assess and treat problems related to muscles, joints, bones and nerves. The difference is how we each treat these problems.
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment by assessing your body’s patterns to find the one that may be the root source of your pain rather than honing in on where it hurts. Osteopathy is about the biomechanics of bones and muscles (and all tissues) together, and how they’re integrated with, and support the physiology of your entire body. It’s about restoring motion to allow body’s natural healing mechanisms to do what they need to do. Remember, it’s all connected. In complete balance, health prevails.
I really can’t define how other specialists work with you, but here’s my take:
Physiotherapists generally focus on a specific problem area related to your mobility. Treatment generally involves less manual manipulation and may include other rehabilitation techniques like exercises and applying heat.
Chiropractors usually focus on the specific area where you’re experiencing pain. They treat it by improving body alignment through the manipulation of joints, generally the spine and limbs.
Whomever you work with, make sure you share a complete health history, tell your practitioner of any and all therapies you’re being treated with, and give a clear picture of what’s going on with your health at all times - even if something seems trivial - your safety and health is MOST important.
How many treatments will I need?
As a general guide, weekly treatment is best until your body starts to reintegrate and become acclimated to a new state of normal. But frequency of treatment will really depend on your overall health story as well as your unique body patterns and any strains they may be creating.
What should I wear during a treatment?
Wear anything that doesn’t restrict your movement and provides optimal flexibility. Err on the side of comfort. Athletic wear is highly recommended but not necessary. You can definitely arrive in and be treated in ‘street clothes’ — I just ask you to remove your belt if you’re wearing one, and to take off your glasses, as both can injure you during treatment.
Can I use my benefits to pay for my treatment?
Most plans will cover osteopathic manual treatment but how much is covered will depend on your plan. Please check with your provider prior to booking a treatment with me.