Osteopathy

What is Osteopathy?

Manual osteopathy could be described in simple, lay terms as “holistic manual medicine”. Manual osteopathy is a system of health care that focuses on osteopathic diagnosis and treatment of the physical body’s structure in order to optimise physiological functioning. Manual palpation and Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) are used in conjunction with biomechanical, orthopaedic and neurological clinical assessment.

Manual osteopathy is best known for treatment of neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders such as back and neck pain, sciatica, sporting injuries and postural strain. Put simply, optimising structural balance allows the physiology to perform optimally.

How Does Osteopathy Work?

It is still believed that many disease or illness began with structural problems in the spine. Long nerves connect the spine to various organs in the body. According to Dr. Still, when there is a problem with the spine, the nerves send abnormal signals to the body’s organs. Still called these spinal problems “osteopathic lesions” (“osteo” for bone and “pathic” for diseased), and created osteopathic manipulation techniques (OMTs) to treat them. These treatments, he believed, would return the nerves to their normal function and allow the blood to flow freely throughout the circulatory system. With structure restored, the body’s own natural healing powers would be able to restore full health.

Osteopathy recognizes the relationship between structure and function. A simple analogy is the garden hose. If it is twisted (distorted structure) it can’t function optimally. Similarly if our human structure is compromised due to posture, injury, traumatic or lifestyle patterns then our physiology is compromised. Circulation, nerve supply, hormone secretion etc are compromised. So when our body is “tuned well” it performs well.

An osteopath’s role lies in diagnosing and treating the factors that inhibit health thus restoring balance in the body through natural, non-invasive, hands-on techniques.

Stretching and releasing connective tissues, e.g. muscles, tendons and fascia that inhibit mobility

Strengthening unstable joint through muscle conditioning

Enhancing circulation and lymphatic drainage

Improving nerve supply

Educating about diet, exercise and lifestyle choices.

Who Can Benefit from Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is for everyone:

• Infants, children, adults, and seniors
• Athletes (professional & amateur)
• People with sedentary jobs or lifestyles
• Those recovering from trauma or injury
• Women during pregnancy and post-partum

Why choose osteopathy:

Focuses on long-term quality of life, not just symptom relief

Gentle, non-invasive, and personalized care

Helps restore balance, function, and overall wellness

Encourages active participation in your health

What Happens When You Visit an Osteopath?

1. Case History
Your osteopath will take a thorough health history, discussing your main concerns, past medical issues, and any treatments you’ve received.

2. Physical Assessment
A careful physical examination is performed to ensure your safety and identify areas affecting your health. The osteopath looks at all systems and structures related to your concern.

3. Treatment Plan
After reviewing the findings with you, a personalized treatment plan is created.

4. Hands-On Treatment
Treatments are provided using gentle, hands-on techniques, with follow-up sessions scheduled as needed.

Does Your Extended Health Plan Cover Osteopathy?

Many extended health plans cover osteopathy. Some of the providers we accept include:

• AGA Financial Group Inc.
• Alberta Blue Cross
• Beneva
• BPA
• Canada Life / Canada Life PSHCP
• Canadian Construction Workers Union (C.C.W.U.)
• Chambers of Commerce (Johnston Group)
• CINUP (Johnston Group)
• ClaimSecure
• Coughlin & Associates Ltd.
• Cowan (Express Scripts Canada)
• Desjardins Insurance
• Equitable
• First Canadian (Johnston Group)
• GMS Carriers 49 and 50 (Express Scripts Canada)
• Industrial Alliance
• Johnson (Express Scripts Canada)
• Johnston Group
• LiUNA Local 183 & Local 506
• Manulife Financial
• Maximum Benefit (Johnston Group)
• MDM Insurance Services
• People Corporation
• Simply Benefits
• TELUS Adjudicare
• Union Benefits

Tip: If you don’t see your plan listed, please contact your Extended health plan to help verify coverage.