What Is Osteopathy, And How Does It Work?

Learn what a osteopathic manual therapist is, what they treat, when to see one, and what you can expect from a treatment.

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What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a safe and effective patient-centred manual therapy (hands-on treatments) which works in combination with the individuals own body mechanisms to help restore balance and optimal health.

We support the body’s ability to restore and maintain health by using skilled palpation (feeling through our hands) and manual techniques to influence muscles, joints, nerves, connective tissue, circulation and internal organs.

Osteopathic Manual Therapists (OMT) treat people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. If you are experiencing pain or dysfunction, or want to take preventative measures to improve your health, Osteopathy can help you reach your health goals.

When to see an Osteopathic Manual Therapist

OMT's treat a wide varieties of conditions in newborns, children, adults and elderly. Whether you're suffering from long term pain or short term pain, an osteopath practitioner can aid in your recovery.

Adults

Infants

Children

Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches and migraines
Sciatica
Shoulder pain
Hip pain
Knee pain
Sports injuries
Joint stiffness and mobility issues
Postural dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction (jaw pain)
Chronic pain conditions
Repetitive strain injuries

Feeding and latching difficulties
Breastfeeding challenges related to tension or positioning
Tongue-tie and lip-tie support (as part of a collaborative care team)
Torticollis (head preference)
Flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)
Colic and excessive crying
Reflux and digestive discomfort
Gas and constipation
Sleep difficulties
Birth-related strain or tension
General body asymmetry
Difficulty turning the head equally to both sides

Growing pains
Postural concerns
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Sports injuries
Joint pain
Muscle strains and sprains
Coordination and movement concerns
Recovery from falls and minor injuries
Scoliosis support
Hypermobility-related discomfort
Repetitive strain from sports or activities
Jaw tension (TMJ dysfunction)
Sleep-related musculoskeletal discomfort

How do we treat?

Osteopathic Manual Therapists will use the following in their treatments;

Musculoskeletal and nervous system assessments – Your OMT will use a range of tools to identify what might be happening in the body.
Manual therapy – A range of ‘hands-on’ techniques that may give relief from musculoskeletal pain, discomfort and may help tissues in the body.
Clinical exercise programs – Activities and movement strategies for use at home, work or in other settings. Exercise may help you return to activities you enjoy, for example after an injury or surgery.
Body function assessments - Movement, postural, positioning advice and ergonomic assessments.
Patient education and advice - Lifestyle, stress management, diet or other factors that may influence your pain, injury or movement.