Previously Ottawa Holistic Wellness

Osteopathy Page - Complete Wellbeing - Centretown Ottawa

Osteopathy is a gentle hands-on treatment that is safe for people of all ages, from infants to seniors.

In Ontario, most Osteopaths are referred to as Osteopathic Manual Practitioners. The term “Osteopath” is a protected title, and only practitioners that have received training in the United States may use it.

 

What Conditions May Osteopathy Treat?

Osteopathy has been shown to benefit:

  • Lower back discomfort
  • Neck restriction or spasm 
  • Concussion symptoms
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Inflamed tendons
  • Joint injuries
  • Jaw (TMJ) problems
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Digestive problems
  • Road traffic accident injuries such as whiplash
  • Post-operative recovery and scar tissue release
  • Paediatric conditions such as colic, poor ability to nurse and flat head syndrome

Osteopathy may assist in many other physical issues, so please feel to contact us for more information.

 

How Do Osteopathic Manual Practitioners Work?

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners use their hands and other parts of their bodies to gently manipulate the joints and soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, viscera and fascia.

Cranial Osteopathy

Many osteopathic practitioners receive further training in this subtle approach. It can aid in correcting imbalances in the nervous system, release tensions and tightness and allow the body to function more optimally. Examples of conditions that may be helped by Cranial Osteopathy include colic in babies and concussion.

Visceral Osteopathy

This is another technique that osteopathic practitioners can use. It is the gentle manipulation of abdominal organs and the viscera, the sheets of tissue that connect our organs. Symptoms that may be helped by Visceral Osteopathy include digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel (IBS / IBD), scar tissue from abdominal surgeries such as Gall Bladder removal, Appendectomy, Hernia operations or C-Section.

A few Osteopathic Manual Practitioners may also combine other physical treatments such as P-DTR.

Therapeutic Exercises for clients to practice at home may also be incorporated into a treatment session.

 

How Does Osteopathy Work?

The underlying principle of Osteopathy is to help the release the self healing mechanism of the body. We have an innate ability to heal ourselves given the opportunity. Sometimes this ability is blocked by physical restrictions or an imbalance in the nervous system. Osteopaths can release these blockages allowing this self healing mechanism to resolve the problem. 

 

What Can I Expect During Appointments?

During your initial visit, our osteopathic manual practitioners will take a detailed case history and perform a thorough physical exam. They will provide an explanation of the findings and a treatment plan, followed by an osteopathic treatment.

A follow-up appointment will include a review of your progress since your previous visit and a brief physical examination to assess the current state of your body.

You will then receive a physical treatment and, if indicated, some exercises to do at home.

After treatment, you may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days as the body adjusts to the treatment.

 

How Many Appointments Will I Require?

This depends on your individual problems. Acute injuries usually require between 4-6 visits to achieve significant improvement. More chronic conditions may require an extended period of treatment, but these may be more widely spread.

Many people choose to come for regular maintenance on a monthly or 2 monthly basis, especially if they are placing demands on their body such as sports, physical work or occupations where they sit or stand for long periods.

 

Can I Claim For Osteopathic Treatments?

You can claim Osteopathic treatments under all government and the majority of private health insurance plans.

Your Osteopathic Practitioner will need to be registered with an organization such as the OAO or SOCATO in order for you to be able to claim.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that you always double-check with your insurance provider that your policy covers Osteopathy and specifically the association with which your osteopathic practitioner is registered. (Canada Life and Blue Cross does not currently cover Osteopathic practitioners registered with ACMA, this includes Kavneet, Haythem and Claudia).

You can also claim Osteopathic appointments on your taxes.

Our Osteopathic Team