Osteopathy is a safe and effective approach to health care which works in combination with the individuals own homeostatic mechanisms to help restore homeostasis and optimal health. It understands the relationship between structure and function within the body and that all aspects of the body must work together to maintain health.

In practice an osteopathic practitioner will assess the whole body as a unit and not just the

area that is causing symptoms. For example if you may complain of knee pain, the

osteopathic practitioner will assess the function of the knee but also look for any

compensations within the body that are a result or a cause of any dysfunction in the knee.

Once the osteopathic practitioner has assessed the whole body they will use a combination

of techniques such as joint articulation, myofascial release, visceral and cranial, as

appropriate for each individual. The result is that the knee will have less stress placed

upon it, allowing for healing and a decrease in pain, while also improving the functional

biomechanics throughout the body which may improve that difficult digestion and

decrease those headaches that seemed to have nothing to do with the knee pain.

 

What to expect on Your First Visit

 

Your first visit usually consists of an interview to discuss any physical challenges you may

be having,  range of motion assessment and  manual therapy that is consented upon

by the patient. After the treatment, a review of findings a discussion of a treatment plan.

Initial visits usually are 60 minutes. During your appointment your Osteopathic Practitioner

will discuss with you a progress plan and give you some homecare to help manage your condition

assist with getting you back to wellness.

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What do I wear during an Osteopathic Treatment?

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Please bring clothes you would normally exercise in.

 

How can Osteopathy play a role in health care in BC and whom can it help?

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Osteopathy forms a very useful adjunct to health care options already on offer in British Columbia. Results with chronic pain scenarios, for just one example, happen more quickly than with most other approaches, proving to be less painful and less arduous for the patient - and are much more cost effective.

Osteopathy is concerned with the restoration of the structure and function of the human body using 'hands-on' techniques, often referred to as Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy.

The following list is an example of the types of people, conditions and complaints that osteopathic practitioners see regularly, although the list is not exhaustive.

 

Types of patient:

• Adults

• Athletes

• Retirees

• Expectant and post-partum mothers

• Children

• Babies

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General descriptions of pain:

• Disc - strain, hernia, prolapse

• Inflammation and swelling

• Tendinitis

• Tenosynovitis

• Muscle spasms, strains and pulls

• Ligament strains

• Joint - pain, swelling, clicking, locking

• Trapped nerves and nerve pain

• Arthritis, wear and tear, degeneration

• Bursitis

• Sharp pain

• Acute

• Chronic

• Hypermobility

• Hypomobility

• Stiff

• Tight

• Ache

• Tender

• Numb

• Burning

• Tingling

• Local

• Referred

• Pre and post operation

 

Musculo-skeletal problems:

• Spinal stenosis, spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondylolisthesis

• Neck (disc, muscle, ligament, joint)

• Headaches

• Migraines

• TMJ, Jaw

• Thoracic (disc, muscle, ligament, joint)

• Rib (muscle, ligament, and joint)

• Floating rib impingement

• Thoracic outlet syndrome

• Chest pain (not cardiac)

• Frozen shoulder and impingement syndromes

• Rotator cuff and shoulder bursitis, tendinitis and muscle tears

• Acromio-clavicular pain

• Collar bone

• Student, tennis and golfers elbow

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Trigger finger or thumb

• Wrist tendinitis

• Arthritic thumb

• Raynauds phenomenon

• Lumbar (disc, muscle, ligament, joint)

• Sacro-iliac (ligament, and joint)

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Sciatica

• Coccyx pain

• Hip bursitis, pain, and degeneration

• Hamstring, quadricep, calf muscle strains

• Iliotibial tract

• Groin pain

• Groin strains

• Knee degeneration and pain (meniscus, ligament, bursa, joint, muscle)

• Patella disorders

• Swollen ankles

• Shin splints / pain

• High or fallen arch problems

• Plantar fasciitis, pain on sole of foot or heel

• Achilles tendon pain

• Toe pain

• Foot pain

 

Visceral problems after pathology has been excluded:

• Asthma and breathing problems

• Swallowing, indigestion, hiatus hernia

• Constipation

• Period pain

• High blood pressure

• Kidney and bladder disorders

• Pelvic floor, stress incontinence

• Ear-ache

• Dizziness

• Tinnitus

• Sinus pain 

 

Are Osteopathic treatments covered by MSP or extended benefits and how much does it cost?

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Treatment with an osteopathic practitioner is not covered by MSP. However more and more extended benefits companies will now cover osteopathy so please check with your company for the specifics of your plan. The cost of treatment will vary slightly between practitioner so please check with the individual for their fees.

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