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The principle of Manual Osteopathy, or Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT), is that the body’s systems are interrelated and that imbalance in any system can lead to the development or progression of disease. The OMT credential requires a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, as well as the fluid mechanics, for every region of the body, and of the influence of these systems on each other
The OMT practitioner’s goal is to identify and resolve any imbalance or misalignment that is contributing to their patient’s health issue. OMT is hands-on: during an osteopathic treatment session, the practitioner physically interacts with their patient, moving parts of their body to explore range of motion and identify problem areas. When the practitioner detects a restriction, they make mechanical adjustments and may apply gentle corrective forces as needed. The practitioner also stimulates the flow of fluid into and out of body tissues, to enhance their nutrition, waste drainage and healing
There are two branches of osteopathy: a manual branch and a medical branch. The manual branch is practiced in Ontario by Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OMPs): this is the type of osteopathy practiced at Osteopathic Balance. The medical branch is practiced by Doctors of Osteopathy (DO), usually American-trained physicians who use osteopathic techniques in their practice
Regular osteopathic treatment is preventative and can fix everyday wear and tear issues of which you may be unaware: pain is often the last cue for such issues. You do not need a specific reason to seek treatment. Consider osteopathic therapy as a lifestyle choice to improve your body’s suppleness and vitality
At the same time, Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT) can have long-lasting impact on a broad range of conditions. An OMT therapist respects the diagnosis that a patient presents on assessment and applies their expertise to detect and correct any structural dysfunction that underlies the condition. Conditions that may benefit from osteopathic therapy include but are not limited to:
• chronic pain
• concussion-associated issues
• digestive problems
• ear, nose and throat issues
• fertility concerns
• fibromyalgia and connective tissue disorders
• headaches
• immune reactions
• jaw clicking and pain
• mobility problems and stiffness
• muscle spasm
• poor posture and associated problems
• rehabilitation during and after physiotherapy
• repetitive strain
• shortness of breath
• sleep disorders
• sport injuries
• trigger points and reflex problems
Outcomes to treatment depend on patient-specific factors: an osteopathic therapist will discuss your expectations during your initial consultation
Your first visit will consist of an in-person review of your health history, a structural evaluation, and delivery of manual therapeutic treatment. This initial consultation is about 60 minutes long
The health history review is the start of an ongoing conversation that includes your lifestyle and routines. It is not necessary for you to bring documentation of your health record
The manual treatment component involves moving you through various positions on a cushioned table similar to a massage table. For an effective assessment, you should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Osteopathic Balance provides gendered, secure change rooms for this purpose
Most importantly, it is an opportunity for you to discuss your expectations of osteopathic treatment with your therapist
Your osteopathic therapist makes incremental corrections in a given treatment session. These corrections are subtle but have a lasting impact, progressively improving your health and helping you feel better
The trained Osteopathic Manual Practitioner is equipped with a variety of techniques and their choice of technique is determined by each patient’s particular condition. Osteopathic treatment cycles are unique to the individual and depend on their initial assessment and their adaptation to treatment. Generally, the first 2-4 appointments are set a week apart while the therapist assesses your response to treatment
Some patients require longer and more frequent appointments to find relief from symptoms. For example, an acute condition requires frequent but short sessions set a few days apart while a chronic condition will benefit from ongoing bi-weekly or monthly sessions applied over several months or longer
The duration and frequency of appointments can evolve during the course of treatment especially for chronic conditions. Evaluating treatment effectiveness is part of your osteopathic therapist’s practice: they will discuss treatment effectiveness with you to help set expectations and achievable goals. Your expectations play a crucial role in your relationship with your osteopathic therapist and the success of treatment
Osteopathic therapy is gentle – a series of small, corrective changes over time. Usually these changes are pain-free and provide relief from symptoms during or very soon after a session. Sometimes, changes introduced during a session can cause short-term discomfort
A little soreness is normal for one to two days after treatment. However, if discomfort feels worse than ‘mild’ and persists, the treatment strategy is re-examined and the condition may be re-treated. Where for some reason this is the case, Osteopathic Balance will provide a follow-up appointment within a week at no extra charge
Each patient responds differently to treatment and how they feel afterward is not predictable. Standard practice is to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for two days after an osteopathic treatment session. Taking a 30-minute walk in the days following a session is also advised to help the body integrate the adjustments that were made
Osteopathic Manual Therapy is applied while the patient is sitting or lying on a cushioned treatment table. Wear loose comfortable clothing and socks. No jeans or tight-fitting clothes, and shoes must be removed. Osteopathic Balance provides gendered, secure change rooms for this purpose
Osteopathic Manual Treatment is covered by most private insurers, including Desjardins, Manulife and Sunlife. Check with your provider to verify coverage under your insurance package. You will be asked to pay for services at the time of your appointment after which you will be issued a receipt with a billing number to submit for reimbursement
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