Osteopathytreatment in Richmond Hill

Osteopathy is a natural and physical medicine which aims to restore function of the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance. Osteopathy is a manual form of healing which emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the body. Osteopathic principles believe in the body’s ability to heal itself.

Founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, an American physician and surgeon, approximately 150 years ago, Osteopaths are widely know and are given the title DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) in the U.S. Dr. Andrew Still was not satisfied with allopathic (mainstream) medicine and its approach of treating a portion of the body which made him search for better, safer, non-invasive and more effective healing methods. Dr. Still named his new school of medicine “osteopathy,” reasoning that the bone (osteo) was the starting point from which he was to ascertain the cause of pathological conditions.” Osteopathy consists of 3 parts: Classical/TBA, Visceral Manipulations, and Cranio-Sacral Therapy thereby allowing treatment of the entire body, mind, spirit and all systems.

The principles of Osteopathy

The body functions as a unified whole with an inherent vitality that is self-healing and self-regulating.

Structure and function being interrelated, alteration of the body’s structural framework and connective tissue system can lead to illness and disease, the correction of which is part of rational osteopathic healthcare.

The philosophy of Osteopathy is what sets it apart from other medical disciplines. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain minimization, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Osteopathy care covered by OHIP?
Osteopathic Manipulative Practice is not covered under OHIP. However, many extended health care plans do cover a portion of Osteopathic treatments.

Do I need a referral to see an Osteopath?
No. The rules are the same as Massage Therapy which means that you do not have to be referred to an Osteopath by a family physician or anybody else – you can consult them directly. However, some third party insurance carriers may require a referral from a family physician for insurance claim re-reimbursements.

Does Osteopathic care hurt?
Majority of Classical Osteopathy treatments are pain free, with some exceptions due to the inflammation within the joints and the muscles, on occasion, there may be some temporary discomfort during or after a treatment. However, by continuing the assigned treatment plan, you will feel more relaxed and will eventually be able to move pain free! Visceral Manipulations and Cranio-Sacral Therapy are completely pain free.

Do I need to disrobe or take off any articles of clothing during my appointment?
No, all Osteopathic procedures are completed while the patient is fully clothed.

What is Classical Osteopathy / TBA?
A popular therapeutic procedure performed by an Osteopath is known as a Total Body Adjustment or “TBA” for short. An Osteopathic adjustment is a low-risk procedure where the Osteopath applies a controlled force to each joint that is restricted or is not moving properly. The purpose of the TBA is to restore mobility to all joints of the body, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal by increasing blood and lymph flow.

Osteopathic TBA is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort as there is no sudden force applied to the joint, instead it is closer to a gentle rhythmic stretch. The Osteopathic Manual Practitioner adapts each procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient.

What is the “cracking” noise I hear during an Osteopathic adjustment?
When an Osteopath performs an adjustment, a pressure difference is created within the synovial joint. Gases are released which cause an audible sound to be heard. The bones themselves are not breaking or cracking. It’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles!

What are Visceral Manipulations?
Visceral manipulations are safe, gentle mobilizations of organs in the patients’ body. This procedure is done completely pain free by the Osteopath if the patient presents with symptoms related to any organ, whether it may be constipation, indigestion, colic pains or menstrual cramps. In some cases pain elsewhere in the body can be thought of as radiating pain from a slightly malfunctioning organ, just because your shoulder or hip is in pain, does not mean that is where the real problem lies.

What is Cranio-Sacral Therapy?
Out of the 3 components of Osteopathy this procedure is the lightest, it is so light and gentle that the patient may feel negative pressure. This procedure is highly effective in patients with stress, depression, inflammatory conditions and is done to promote the general health of the brain, spinal cord, heart and all other tissues as it promotes proper fluid production and flow throughout the body. This modality is based on anatomy of the brain, spinal cord and diaphragm. The diaphragms’ happen to correspond to Chakras, so in some sense this therapy has an energy healing component. Majority of Osteopathic treatments include a portion of this modality at the end of the session to promote general health and well-being.

Is Osteopathic treatment safe?
Osteopath’s use drug-free, non-invasive techniques to restore motion to all components of the human body including dysfunctional spinal or extremity joints, while treating the involved muscles, nerves and surrounding soft tissues as well as promote proper flow of fluids like blood, lymph and cerebrospinal fluid.

How long will I need Osteopathic care?
The duration of Osteopathic care varies with respect to your symptom(s), age, prior health history, and the severity of your issue. No two patients are alike, as physical, mental and emotional response to treatments differs between individuals. In addition, an Osteopath may recommend acute, preventative, and/or maintenance care, thus making a certain number of visits necessary. A common treatment plan involves roughly 5 treatments of one hour for full recovery.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Osteopathy?

Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Joint misalignment, inflammation or pain
• Sprains and strains related to neck and back
• TMJ dysfunction
• Disc bulge / herniations
• Frozen shoulder
• Sciatica
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Carpal tunnel
• Pinched or inflamed nerves
• Pregnancy and related conditions
• Scoliosis and other postural issues
• Proper flow of fluids like blood and lymph
• Headaches / Migraines
• Vertigo and Concussions
• Pain or discomfort in any area of the body
• Numbness and tingling
• Inflammatory conditions like arthritis
• Degenerative conditions
• Indigestion / Constipation / Diarrhea
• Asthma, allergies
• Stress, overwhelming emotions, depression
• High or low blood pressure
• Low levels of energy
• Trouble sleeping
• PTSD, Autism
• Promote health of:
• Liver (eg. Fatty liver, alcoholic, detox)
• Stomach (eg. Ulcers, gastric reflux)
• Gallbladder (eg. stones, colic pain, digestion, or lack of gallbladder)
• Spleen(immune function)
• Kidneys(eg. stones, filtration, inflammation)
• Intestines(eg. proper digestion, bloating, IBS or IBD)
• Pancreas(eg. sugar levels, diabetes)
• Thyroid(eg. hypothyroid and hyperthyroid)
• Heart (eg. Blood pressure and general health)
• Lungs (eg. Proper expansion and absorption of Oxygen)
• Bladder (eg. Frequent urination, incomplete emptying)
• Uterus/Ovaries (eg. Cysts/polyps, cramps, heavy periods)
• Prostate (eg. Inflammation, Erectile dysfunction)

Please feel free to contact or book a free consultation with our Osteopath about any problem/condition/complaint that you have. Please feel free to bring any and all: test results, scans, X-rays, MRIs or diagnosis to the consultation or treatment.