MANUAL OSTEOPATHY / OSTEOPATHIC MANUAL THERAPY
Most people have heard the term but wonder 'what the heck is that?'; 'does it have something to do with bones?'.
Osteopathy is a manual technique of assessment and treatment that was developed by a physician and surgeon Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the mid-1800s. It's is a form of natural medicine that treats your body as a whole functioning unit. It respects the relationship of body, mind and spirit in health and disease while laying emphasis on the body's intrinsic tendency for self-healing. Osteopathy assesses and treats movement restrictions in your body that can contribute to dysfunction and imbalances. It is unique because it focuses on the root causes of pain and dysfunction rather than simply looking at only the symptoms.
Stewart’s Manual Osteopathic Treatments focus on two main processes in the body; Function and Structure.
Functional Treatment:
These clients will present with more functional symptoms like: digestive issues, neurological ( central nervous system / vagus nerve), sleep disturbances, poor posture, head aches, post concussion, issues with the ability to focus, multitask or deal with stress, the feeling of low energy, systemic pain or achiness to name a few.
This treatment is done with the client fully clothed and lying on their back on the table. Some of the techniques that Stewart applies during this treatment are: Cranio-Sacral or Cranio-Osteaopthy, Indirect Myofascial Release, Held Compressions, Visceral Manipulation, Therapeutic Visualization etc.
Structural Treatment:
These clients will present with more structural symptoms from injury, trauma, surgery or overuse pain and dysfunction.
This treatment is also done over the clothes and the client will start on their back and be asked to turn to their sides throughout the treatment. Some of the manual techniques that Stewart applies during this treatment are: Indirect Myofascial Release, Joint Compressions, Matrix Repatterning, Visceral Release etc.
After a treatment (what to do and expect)
-Be sure to drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours (approx. 2L or 8 x 8oz glasses.).
-You want to flush out and rehydrate areas that were once restricted.
-Be easy on yourself for 24 hours. This means no physical, strenuous activity.
-Your body needs time to adjust to the new structural positioning.
-You may experience new symptoms, that are possibly old symptoms arising as the next layers are revealed.
-These new symptoms are nothing to be alarmed about, simply take notice of them and realize that the treatment is having an effect.
-You may also experience fatigue and/or flu-like symptoms ie. nausea; again these are symptoms associated with the body realigning.
-The effects of the treatment can be felt immediately and up to a couple of days after the treatment.
-Be aware of these changes for the next treatment (possibly jotting them down in a notepad or in your calendar) as Stewart might be asking you about them.
Do you have extended health insurance benefits for Osteopathy?
Stewart is member of the National Manual Osteopathic Society (NMOS) and also
Ontario Osteopathic and Alternative Medicine Association (OOAMA).
The following Insurance companies recognize the (NMOS):
Great West Life (Canada Life), Sunlife, Empire Life, Green Shield, Manulife (OTIP), Desjardins, Equitable Life of Canada
The following Insurance companies recognize the (OOAMA):
Chamber of Commerce, Desjardins, Blue Cross, Benefit, Green Shield
**It is only possible to Direct Bill with Blue Cross and Green Shield for Osteopathy in Ontario.
**It is always recommended to check with your Extended Benefits Provider to confirm your specific plan and options before your initial Treatment.( Possible Doctors Script/Note )
**It is important to note that the above listed technique modalities Stewart uses in an Osteopathic Manual Treatment are all individually under the Scope of Practise for Registered Massage Therapy according to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. The treatment approach can be modified so that the receipt could be written for Massage Therapy. Please tell Stewart BEFORE the treatment starts if this is the option you prefer.
