Manual Osteopathy
A manual therapy with a holistic approach, this gentle yet effective method treats and prevents injury and illness.
A manual therapy with a holistic approach, manual osteopathy centers around the use of hands on treatment to provide patients with relief of pain, injuries and illness.
Based on the interconnectedness of the body’s many systems and structures, Manual Osteopathy aims to restore proper balance, biomechanics and function to assist the body to heal and return to pain free function.
Manual Osteopathic treatments performed here in our downtown Vancouver clinic are based on the philosophy that the body is a unit, structure and function are interrelated, and each structure in the body supports our overall wellbeing. Osteopathic practitioners assess many biological, psychological and environmental factors in order to thoroughly treat patients' pain, injuries and dysfunction.
Growing in popularity across Canada, Manual Osteopathy can effectively treat or prevent a broad range of issues in children and adults, from pain, discomfort and injury, to respiratory problems, digestive conditions, fatigue, and chronic diseases.
*Stuart Aberdein is an Osteopathic Practitioner with extensive training from Australia. He is a member in good standing with OsteopathyBC.
**Currently, Manual Osteopathic treatments are accepted by most insurance companies except for Canada Life and Great West Life Insurance. It is always best to check with your provider first.
***Please note that direct billing is not available for osteopathy treatments. Claims for osteopathy must be submitted manually.
coverage
Rather than viewing the body’s parts or symptoms separately, Manual Osteopathic Practitioners consider the overall alignment, function, and interdependence of joints, muscles and other soft tissues, spine, bones, nerves and organs. Manual Osteopathic Practitioners aim to assess and treat not only the site of pain, but also any other structures that may be contributing to the issue.
Similar to other manual practitioners, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors and RMT’s, manual osteopaths employ the use of direct treatment techniques like massage, trigger points, stretching, active release, joint mobilizations, and exercise rehab prescription.
How it works
What to expect
How to prepare
Post-session
At the beginning of your appointment, your Osteopathic practitioner will consult your intake form and address your individual concerns, ensuring you are comfortable before proceeding with hands-on assessment and adjustments.
Manual osteopathy treatments are tailored specifically for each patient and their particular needs and preferences. A little more dynamic than a massage, you can expect a session where someone is doing most of the work for you! While there are also some similarities to chiropractic treatments, you won’t experience any high-velocity or forceful manipulations of the spine.
Techniques that might be used in a manual osteopathy session include:
- Stretching
- Massage
- Trigger point / deep tissue release
- Joint mobilizations
- Myofascial release
- Active release
- Exercise rehab
In addition, manual osteopath's will also provide exercise rehab and lifestyle advice in order to comprehensively address injuries and pain.
How it works
What to expect
How to prepare
Post-session
For your first appointment please ensure that you have filled out your intake form. If you can, wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement. Eat a light snack before your appointment or have one handy in case you feel you need nourishment afterwards.
How it works
What to expect
How to prepare
Post-session
t’s common to feel deeply relaxed and peaceful after a session. Take time to stay present with these sensations as they carry forward into your day or evening.
It’s also important to stay well hydrated after a treatment. While it’s okay to carry on with your daily activities or exercise routine post-session, we recommend taking it easy. You may experience a little fatigue, and in some rare cases very mild flu-like symptoms (aching, headache) — all signs of your body’s natural healing and detoxification process. Occasionally patients may also experience some post-treatment soreness over the following 24-48 hours. This is a completely normal reaction to treatment and is at times an important component to the healing process; however, your practitioner will do everything possible to avoid this from occurring.
How it works
What to expect
How to prepare
Post-session
