Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)

Osteopathy is a hands on manual assessment and adjustment of the tissues that comprise your musculoskeletal framework. It is non-invasive, drug free, gentle, and accessible to nearly all individuals, regardless of age or ability.

About

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic form of manual therapy and adjustment, where the body is viewed as a whole, integrated, dynamic unit of function, requiring all tissue and structures to be aligned properly together to allow for optimal function and health.

Through gentle manipulations, osteopathic practitioners work to remove obstructions that restrict the proper flow of blood, lymphatics and nerve impulses within the body, restoring the proper and natural balance to these systems. Osteopathy provides a safe, natural, and non-invasive treatment tailored to the individual; no two treatments are ever the same.

Osteopathy is also a skill, mindset and thought process. Its foundation is the axiom that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing dynamic unit of function. All parts and systems of the body are interconnected and interdependent on the others. An Osteopathic Manual Practitioner uses their hands to assess structures such as bones, muscles, fascia and joints, and using their extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, interprets the position, mobility and quality of these components. Adjustments are made to improve the flow of blood, lymphatics and nerve impulses; improving the qualities of circulation, mobility and constitution. Successful osteopathic treatment can lead to a reduction of restricted mobility, stiffness and pain.

What is an Osteopathic practitioner ?

An Osteopathic Manual Practitioner endeavours to find and treat the source of pain or altered function in a person’s body; it is not simply a matter of treating symptoms. Often clients seeking help from an OMP will have already tried other modalities of therapy, but can feel like the root of the problem still persists. It is here that the osteopathic philosophy can be applied in therapy to help discover the source of dysfunction.

Michael Dennis (M. OMSc)

Master of Practice Diploma in Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences

What to Expect

Each treatment will be custom tailored to the individual for the needs of that day. No two treatments will ever be identical, as the osteopathic practitioner will assess and treat the unique issues your body presents at the time of your arrival. Often, the experience will be slow and rhythmic, and will never include high velocity thrusts.

All treatments will take the individual’s mobility and range of movement into account. Over the course of an osteopathic treatment, it is typical to be asked to sit, and to lie on one’s back, side and stomach. Accommodations can be made for everyone, in every position, so there should be no concern if an individual has limited mobility.

What to Wear

Patients are asked to arrive wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing, and can use the facilities on site to change their wardrobe, if desired. Apparel such as dresses, skirts, jeans, and bulky, heavy sweaters make it difficult for the practitioner to perform their assessment in a timely fashion, and should be avoided if possible. Please, no bare feet.

How will I feel after a treatment?

It is normal to feel a little ‘different’ immediately after receiving osteopathic treatment, as it takes time for the body to integrate the adjustments that have been made. Most people feel relaxed and calm, even sleepy afterwards. Typically an adjustment will be incorporated into your body anywhere from a few hours after treatment, up to one or two days afterwards. This is perfectly normal, and any questions about osteopathic treatment can be discussed with your practitioner during your initial consultation and assessment.

How frequently should I seek treatment?

Ongoing osteopathic care builds on the successes of previous treatments, providing for an upbuilding of one’s constitution and health, and allows the practitioner to unravel injuries and find the root of dysfunction. If an injury has been present for weeks, months or even years, it may take some patience and time to be remedied.

Initially, an interval of one to two weeks is the typical time between treatments; this allows the changes and adjustments to be integrated and incorporated without over-taxing the natural rhythms and systems of your body. However, every individual is different, and it will sometimes be deemed appropriate to change the interval between treatments, depending on the situation.

Osteopathy's Foundation

Osteopathy was discovered by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the mid 1800’s. An American Civil War physician, Dr Still sought to develop non-medical and non-pharmacological treatments for patients. His core osteopathic principles are followed by Principle Based trained Osteopathic practitioners today.

The Core Principles of Osteopathic Treatment:

The body is a dynamic unit of function
Structure and Function are reciprocally interrelated
The body is self-healing and self-regulating
Rational treatment is based on the above principles

Symptoms Osteopathy Can Treat :

Acute / Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Generalized Muscle and Joint Pain
Digestive Problems
Postural Issues
Headaches and Migraines
Congestion and Sinus Issues
Sleep Problems and Stress
Sport-Related Injuries
Weakened Constitution and Fatigue
Much More!

Our Happy Clients!

"Michael is definitely a healer. I had pulled a muscle in my back and was having a hard time sitting down, let alone standing up straight. Within an hour of my treatment I felt noticeably better, and was able to increase my range of motion and actually play with my kids. Michael is definitely the best Osteopath I've seen. He takes a sincere interest in your health and wants you to get to a healthy place. If you're looking for an Osteopath, I highly endorse Michael; you won't be disappointed"

Preet

5-stars

"Michael resolved a long-standing problem I had with mobility in my arm and shoulder resulting from a fracture. Following regular osteopathic therapy, I regained mobility to fulfill simple movements -i.e. reaching back to grab a seatbelt, raising my arm to put on clothing, gardening, etc. - with no residual pain, stiffness or awkwardness. With monthly tune-ups, I feel more energized and confident about avoiding any set-backs. I highly recommend Michael. He is empathetic, knowledgeable, and professional. You feel calm and reassured in his care."

Victoria Baud

5-Stars

"Michael was able to accomplish in 2 sessions what physiotherapy could not resolve over 3 months of treatment for an injury to my hand. Excellent care."

Marie