F.A.Q

Osteopathy is a manual form of therapy that emphasizes the relationship between the structure and function of the human body. This therapy follows a belief in the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate. Osteopathy takes into account the different connections between the systems composing your body: anatomical, physiological, psychological, and environmental. An understanding of “the map” of the body through anatomy is essential in finding the root cause of pain or dysfunction.

Osteopathic treatment is extremely gentle. Practitioners respect the response of the body during treatment. One usually feels better after an osteopathic treatment although this may occur two to three days afterward. It is possible to feel a bit achy or sore initially. This can be caused by positive changes taking place in the body. For example, an area of the body that was not moving well initially may experience different sensations caused by improved circulation and nerve supply when better mobility is restored.

The Osteopathic Practitioner focuses on the joints, muscles, and spine. Their main objective is to restore natural and symmetrical motion to allow the proper function of the muscles, joints, nerves, and vessels, creating an optimal environment for healing. Osteopathic intervention can help treat arthritis, back pain, headaches, tennis elbow, digestive issues, and postural problems. Treatment can also assist with sleep cycles and the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic symptoms.

While all three disciplines treat similar issues, chiropractic and physio treatments are focused on a smaller area of the body. Osteopathy employs a holistic approach with a focus on freeing the path of communications and integration between the different structures and systems of the body that allow the body to heal.  Apart from manipulation, osteopaths use other techniques such as stretching, pressure and mobilization. Manual Osteopaths are also trained in cranial osteopathy or craniosacral therapy, which involve very subtle and gentle adjustments without any “clicking” of the joints. These techniques are seldom used by chiropractors.

Osteopathic treatment is covered under many individual extended health benefit plans. Each plan varies in terms of total amount covered, the presence of a co-pay, or whether osteopathic treatment is covered at all. It is best to contact your extended health benefit company to ask about your personal coverage for Osteopathic Manual Treatment. 

Each person is different depending on how long they have had their condition, what sort of lifestyle they lead, and their state of health. During the first month of your treatment plan, 3-4 treatments spaced out approximately one week apart is recommended. You are reassessed at every visit and your treatment plan is tailored to meet your individual needs.

OSTCAN requires that its member associations uphold a membership requirement that includes a minimum 4 years of osteopathic education. This education must total a minimum of 4200 hours, and include a minimum of 1000 hours in Supervised Clinical Practice & Training meeting the Type 1 standard as outlined by the World Health Organization Benchmarks for training in Osteopathy.