Manual osteopathy utilizes hands-on techniques, such as manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, stretching, and other physical manipulation methods to improve the body’s structure and function.
These techniques diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic pain, digestive problems, respiratory disorders, headaches, back pain, neck pain, and psychological issues.
Manual osteopathy aims to correct structural and functional issues in the musculoskeletal system to reduce pain, increase mobility, and promote healing.
You will spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at the first appointment.
During this time, your case history will be detailed, including questions about your presenting problem, general health, past medical history, family history, and social history. This information-gathering is important for the therapist to understand your overall health and create a personalized treatment plan.
For the comfort and benefit of your assessment, wear comfortable clothing, such as T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, or yoga pants, as it will allow the therapist to assess your body and its structures visually.
Avoid wearing jeans, pants, or belts.
A Complete Body Assessment Do not expect the therapist to only focus on your presenting symptom. They will complete body assessments and address any structural and soft tissue abnormalities found during the evaluation. Most patients feel improvement after their first session. You may experience fatigue, pain, or body aches for the first 48 hours after treatment, but this is a normal part of the healing process.
Having a balanced diet and consuming enough fluid before and after the treatment is important.
Recovery and Follow-Up Sessions
The recovery process may take 4-6 follow-up sessions, although sometimes only 1-2 sessions are needed. Many factors influence the recovery process.
Yes, depends on circumstance
Although Manual Osteopathy is a gentle technique, there are gentler techniques to address pain if someone has osteoporosis or osteopenia. Please contact our Manual Osteopathic Therapist to discuss the options.
Please consult a manual osteopathic therapist to rule out any contraindications. Dr. Raj Salaria is not registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
In British Columbia, most extended healthcare plans cover manual osteopathic therapy services. In addition, many manual osteopathic therapists in the province offer direct billing options for patients with insurance coverage, which means that the therapist will bill the insurance company directly on the patient’s behalf.
This can simplify the payment process and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. First, however, it is important to check with your specific insurance provider and manual osteopathic therapist to confirm if direct billing is available and what the process entails.
Manual osteopathic therapy is a type of manual therapy that aims to treat the musculoskeletal system, restore proper function to the body, and improve overall health. This therapy uses manual techniques such as stretching, massage, and manipulation to target specific areas of the body that are causing pain or discomfort.
Manual osteopathic therapy focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its interrelation with the body’s organs and systems. This holistic approach sets it apart from other forms of treatment that may focus only on treating specific symptoms or conditions.
Manual osteopathic therapy can help with various conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and musculoskeletal injuries. It is also commonly used to address stress, tension, and other general health concerns.
your posture, movement, and other physical factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
They will then use various manual techniques, such as gentle pressure, stretching, and manipulation, to help release tension, improve the range of motion, and restore proper function to the affected area.
You may feel some discomfort or pressure during the therapy, but it should not be painful.
Manual osteopathic therapy should not be painful. The therapist will use gentle techniques and adjust the pressure based on your comfort level. If you experience any pain during the therapy, you should communicate with your therapist immediately so they can adjust the treatment accordingly.
The number of sessions needed can vary depending on the severity of your condition and other factors such as age, overall health, and response to treatment.
Some people may see results after just one session, while others may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired results. Your therapist can provide a more specific estimate based on your individual needs.
Yes, manual osteopathic therapy can be combined with other forms of therapy for a more comprehensive approach to treatment. Your therapist can work with you to develop a treatment plan incorporating manual osteopathic therapy and other therapies, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care, as needed.
Manual osteopathic therapy is generally considered safe for people of all ages and health conditions. Still, discussing any concerns with your therapist before starting treatment is essential. Some conditions, such as certain types of cancer or recent surgeries, may contraindicate manual osteopathic therapy.
Your Manual Osteopathic Therapist will assess your situation to determine if manual osteopathic therapy is appropriate.
Like any form of therapy, there are potential risks associated with manual osteopathic therapy. For example, some people may experience temporary discomfort or soreness after a session. In rare cases, manual therapy may cause a new injury or worsen an existing one. Your therapist will discuss potential risks and work with you to minimize them.
Manual osteopathy, chiropractic, and physiotherapy all aim to treat musculoskeletal conditions and improve overall physical health. While there are similarities in the techniques used by these professionals, there are also some key differences.
Manual osteopathy is a hands-on therapy that uses gentle manual techniques to address imbalances and restrictions in the body’s musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems. Manual osteopaths use a whole-body approach to assess and treat the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, intending to restore the body’s natural ability to heal. Treatment may include joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and exercise prescription.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Chiropractors use manual techniques to manipulate the spine and other joints in the body, aiming to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore overall function. Chiropractors also use other treatment modalities such as therapeutic exercise, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating physical impairments, disabilities, and pain.
Physiotherapists use various manual techniques, exercise prescriptions, and other modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation to treat different conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory systems. Physiotherapy aims to restore function, reduce pain, and improve overall physical health.
Overall, while all three modalities use manual techniques, they differ in their specific approach, methods used, and areas of focus. Therefore, it is important to seek a practitioner with the appropriate training and credentials in the type of therapy you desire.
A1. It is generally gentle and shouldn’t cause pain. If you experience discomfort, inform your osteopath immediately.
It’s not usually necessary. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement.
A4. Many people find relief from chronic pain through osteopathic treatments, though individual experiences vary.
This depends on your individual condition and goals. Your osteopath will recommend a treatment plan after your initial assessment.
