What is Manual Osteopathic Therapy?
Manual Osteopathic Therapy assesses and addresses each of the components that make up the structure of the body.
Whether the issue lies with organ disorders, biomechanical dysfunctions related to neuromusculoskeletal complaints, joint problems or an impairment in the circulatory system, a manual osteopathic therapist determines the root cause of a maladaptive condition by identifying structural misalignments that create pain and impairment.
The therapist then uses manipulations and gentle oscillatory movements to bring the affected parts of the body back into balance.
In addition to correcting imbalances and relieving pain, manual osteopathic therapists can provide exercise, nutritional and lifestyle advice to complement treatment and allow you to achieve your health goals faster.
What is a treatment like?
Assessment
During your first visit, your therapist performs a complete orthopaedic assessment including digital/visual postural analysis, range of motion testing, advanced orthopaedic testing, and a variety of other specialised techniques.
Armed with the information this provides, your therapist formulates a treatment plan. Treatment is delivered in various positions on the treatment table.
Typical treatment attire for patients: loose or athletic pants and tops, or if you are comfortable, pants with a sports bra for women, and no shirt for men.
Treatment
Treatment techniques include:
- myofascial remodelling – treats restrictions of the muscles, fascia and connective tissues, normalizing these important structural tissues
- lymphatic drainage – gently assists the lymphatic system in maintaining the body’s fluid balance, blood circulation, and immune mechanisms
- osteoarticular corrections – gentle manipulation of joints to relieve restriction and restore proper motion
- visceral manipulation – gentle but direct work on the organs and viscera and their ligamentous/fascial attachments to relieve pain and improve function. Imbalances in the viscera and its connective tissue can be directly related to posture and postural imbalances and can impact multiple systems including the musculoskeletal, nervous, vascular, respiratory and digestive systems.
- cranial osteopathy – addresses the vitality and mobility of the dural membranes and cerebrospinal fluid, which nourish and protect the brain and spinal cord, and the bones of the head and spinal cord as well as the membranes and fluid that surround and support the brain and spinal cord and attach directly to the bones. Dysfunction of any part of this system can have local effects such as headaches, migraines or pain along the spine from the neck to the lower back, and nervous system symptoms like nerve impingement or organ dysfunction such as digestive, respiratory or gynaecological complaints.
What conditions is manual osteopathy therapy recommended for?
Conditions commonly treated with manual osteopathy therapy include:
- traumatic injury, fall, accident or sports injury
- neck and back pain
- sciatica
- colic
- migraines
- fibromyalgia
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- chronic fatigue
- menstrual disorders
- digestive problems
- plantar fasciitis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- tennis elbow
- frozen shoulder
- postural imbalances
- postpartum
- post-surgical
- recurrent pain after conventional treatment
- scoliosis
- whiplash
- post-operative pain or adhesions
- tendonitis
- cramps, nausea and intestinal pain
- heart palpitations
- respiratory problems like asthma
- injury prevention and the maintenance of good health.
Is manual osteopathy covered by my insurance plan?
Manual osteopathic treatment is covered by many insurance plans. Please check with yours to see what your coverage is, as individual plans vary. It is important to note that osteopathy is not a service that can be directly billed to insurance companies. You will be given an invoice and you will need to submit it to your insurance yourself.
The following insurance companies have manual osteopathic coverage:
Alberta Blue Cross – Manulife – Greenshield – Equitable – Sunlife – Desjardin Insurance – The Co-Operators – Johnston Group – Chamber of Commerce – Maximum Benefits – CINUP – Group Medical Services – Equitable Life – NexGenRX – Empire Life
How often will I need treatments?
Varies with the length of time you have had your complaint, the severity of your injury, and your overall health. Some conditions respond quickly and others take more time.
fees:
Manual Osteopathic Therapy initial session
(includes thorough assessment and treatment and is 75 min long)
$150 +GST
Manual Osteopathic Therapy returning
(the therapist will re-schedule the client to return for a 60 min or a 30 min session according to findings)
60 min $125 +GST 30 min $70 +GST
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This treatment can be provided by:
