FAQ
The following is a list of questions that come up often regarding Osteopathy and treatment. If you have a question that is not included in the FAQ list, please do not hesitate to contact me and submit your question - it is likely there are others with the same question.
Much like the manifestations of dysfunction, the benefits of Osetopathy are endless. Common benefits can include pain reduction; improved range of motion; improved breathing mechanics, digestion, thermal regulation; cessation of headaches and congestion; improvement in sleep and mental clarity. Patients have reported anecdotal improvements such as feeling "in place"; "lighter"; "balanced".
Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal. Patients will not be asked, or required to strip down into undergarments. As a practitioner, I will do my best to work around your comfort level, however, loose clothing works best to perform range of motion assessment and treatment.
Initial treatments are 45 minutes to an hour. Like taking your vehicle to the mechanic for the first time, a thorough, in-depth head to toe evaluation must be conducted to learn how your body moves, and where improvements can be made. Subsequent treatments are 20-25 minutes where the full-body approach remains, but it is condensed to adress areas of persistent or changing restrictions.
Treatment is meant to be relaxing and rythmical. Gentle, non-invasive manipulations are applied to adress root causes of dysfunction.
After the conclusion of each treatment, findings are communicated to the patient as well as the plan going forward for addressing and correcting the findings. Although intense stretching and excerise programs are not prescribed, some general movements to improve mobility may be recommended.
Everyone is different, therefore everyone's response to treatment is unique. It is important to remember we are making structural changes to your framework. These changes may bring about feelings of soreness and/or fatigue. Increases or decreases in physiological responses such as digestion and thermal regulation are also possible. However, once your body adjusts to these changes soreness will subside, tensions will equalize and you will be left in a better position than where you were prior to treatment.
Once again, every patient is different with unique circumstances regarding the origin and progression of their symptoms. Chronic issues may take longer to correct, acute injuries are typically a quicker fix. How a patient spends their time in between treatments is another determining factor. The patient may need to undertake behavioural changes in activity level; postural habits; mobility routines in order to compliment and promote treatment. Incremental improvements after each treatment should be expected when dysfunction is addressed appropriately.