frequently asked questions

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first osteopathic session is all about understanding you—your body, your health history, and your goals for treatment. We’ll begin with a conversation about your medical background, lifestyle, current symptoms, and any areas of concern. This helps create a picture of your overall health. 

 

Next, a hands-on assessment is performed to check posture, mobility, and any areas of tension or imbalance. You may be asked to perform simple movements so we can observe how your body functions. At the heart of osteopathy, we aim to find the root cause of an issue which may not be the area that is presenting with pain; for example, pain in the shoulder may not be where the offence is rooted. Based on the findings, treatment may begin during the first session. 

Comfortable, stretchy clothing is generally recommended for treatment since I will be moving your body around on the table; stretchy clothing won’t impede your movement.  Please do not wear any skirts or dresses for your session.

Treatment aims to free up restriction in soft tissues that would otherwise restrict your nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels from restoring health and balance to all the structures of your body.

 

 

Over the course of treatments, changes are introduced to gradually restore your motion capabilities through gentle hands on techniques. Time is given time between sessions for your body to adapt to these changes. Subsequent treatments involve assessing the body again, to see what has resolved and what has held. 

 

We still address soft tissue structures and assess joint movement but the way we look at the body is governed by our osteopathic principles, so I look at structures in relation to another, comparing and contrasting, to navigate where the offence could be occurring from, using deductive, anatomical reasoning. 

After treatment, people will generally feel relaxed; however, some people may respond differently. As your body integrates treatment, it is normal to feel some soreness or discomfort for 24-72 hours post treatment. I recommend refraining from any strenuous activity 24 hours after your session so as not to over stimulate your body as it adjusts. Walking is encouraged.

Each person is unique, therefore the amount of treatment needed will vary. The goal is to restore the health of the body and issues that have lingered longer in the body may need more treatment to restore health. Oftentimes, more frequent treatment might be needed in the beginning before reducing to as-needed sessions.

Most likely! It’s important to double check your individual insurance coverage.

 

Currently, Osteopathic Manual Practitioners are recognized by the following insurers:

  • Alberta Blue Cross

  • Canada Benefit Providers

  • Chamber of Commerce Insurance

  • CINUP

  • ClaimSecure

  • Claims Exchange

  • Desjardins Insurance

  • Equitable Life

  • Empire Life

  • Greensheild

  • Group Health

  • Group Medical Services

  • Group Source

  • Industrial Alliance

  • Johnson Inc.

  • Johnston Group

  • Manion

  • Manitoba Blue Cross

  • Manulife

  • Maximum Benefit

  • Medavie Blue Cross

  • NexenRX

  • Pacific Blue Cross

  • People’s Corporation

  • Saskatchewan Blue Cross

  • Simply Benefits

  • SSQ

  • Sunlife

  • The Co-Operators

Unfortunately we don’t handle MVA or WCB claims, but that doesn’t mean that individuals involved in an accident wouldn’t benefit from undergoing osteopathic treatment.

Osteopathy aims to restore the health of the patient through the structure and function, reciprocal relationship; therefore, anyone can benefit from seeking osteopathic care. Usually, individuals with aches, pains, and injuries are most likely to seek support but anyone suffering from digestive issues, sleep issues, circulation problems, headaches or general stress may benefit from treatment.