Osteopathy is a hands-on, holistic approach to health that focuses on restoring balance and alignment in the body. It’s based on the principle that the body’s structure and function are closely connected—when your muscles, joints, bones, and tissues are in harmony, your body is better able to heal itself and function optimally.
Osteopathic Manual therapy is the practical implementation of the principles of Osteopathy. Members of OSTCAN are known as Osteopathic Manual Therapists
Our osteopathic manual therapists use skilled touch to assess and treat the body, considering how posture, movement patterns, lifestyle, and past injuries may be contributing to pain or dysfunction. Treatment is tailored to the individual, and aims to improve mobility, relieve discomfort, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
How an Osteopath Practices
Osteopaths are trained to look at the body as a whole. They don’t just focus on the area that hurts—they assess how different systems, such as the musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems, work together. By identifying restrictions or imbalances, they help restore movement and function to the body.
Treatment techniques may include:
- Gentle joint mobilization
- Soft tissue massage and stretching
- Myofascial release
- Cranial osteopathy (gentle techniques for the head and spine)
- Lifestyle and posture advice to support long-term results
What to Expect in a Treatment Session
Your first visit will begin with a detailed health history and assessment, including a discussion about your symptoms, medical background, and lifestyle. The osteopath will observe your posture, movement, and perform gentle physical tests to identify areas of tension, restriction, or imbalance.
A treatment session is typically performed with you lying or sitting comfortably, and may involve a combination of gentle hands-on techniques to release tension, improve joint mobility, and encourage better circulation. Most patients find treatment relaxing, and you may experience immediate relief, though some conditions benefit from a series of sessions for the best results.
Osteopathy can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Back, neck, and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Postural problems
- Sports injuries
- Pregnancy-related discomfort
- General tension and stress
At Sage Naturopathic Clinic, our osteopaths work collaboratively with our naturopaths, massage therapists, and other practitioners to provide truly integrative care.
