Why Osteopath
Have you found yourself asking: What is this osteopathy that my insurance plan covers and how is it different from Physiotherapy or Chiropractic? Good Question
What Is Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a patient centered form of manual health-care that involves different aspects of the person’s neuro-musculoskeletal system including the muscles, joints, nerves and other skeletal tissues. It recognises the important link between the structure of the body and how it functions. Osteopathic practitioners (university level) are trained in musculoskeletal diagnosis, management and treatment involving standardized medical examinations of the different human systems, which forms the clinical rationale for treating a patient’s condition. Osteopathic treatment varies from practitioner to practitioner, but generally involves manual therapy techniques including; massage, stretching, joint mobilisation and manipulation, dry-needling as well as management via exercise prescription. Unlike traditional medicine which is reactive and focuses on treating symptoms, osteopathy aims to target the underlying causes of your dysfunction through manual therapy as a proactive approach to address prevention.
What To Expect In Your Osteopathy Session?
1. Take your medical history
2. Provide a physical examination (orthopaedic and neurological testing)
3. Explain the presenting complaint and reasoning behind presentation
4. Formulate a treatment protocol involving manual therapy
5. Provide post treatment clinical re-evaluation
5. Give suitable at-home management structures (exercise prescription) to follow between appointments and to aid in long-term care and prevention
Common complaints Osteopathic manual practitioners see:
– Hips, back and shoulder pain
– Headaches and migraines
– Sports injuries and soreness
– Repetitive strain injuries
– Acute trauma and chronic pain dysfunctions
– Nerve pain and dysfunction
– Postural complaints
Osteopathic treatment can offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Reduced pain and stiffness: Addressing joint restrictions and muscle tension can alleviate pain in the back, neck, joints, and other areas.
- Improved mobility and range of motion: By enhancing joint mobility and addressing fascial restrictions, osteopathy can help you move with greater ease.
- Enhanced athletic performance: Improved mobility and reduced pain can benefit athletes by optimizing their performance and reducing the risk of injuries.
- Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage: Osteopathic techniques can promote better circulation and lymphatic drainage, leading to improved overall health.
Boosted immune function: Research suggests osteopathy may positively influence the immune system.
The 4 main principles of Osteopathy:
1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated
4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.
Book an initial assessment at our Spadina Location with our experienced osteopathic manual practitioner Yuma Hemphill
Book an initial assessment at our Oakville Location with our experienced Osteopath Caitlin MacLeod
Request a call back