Osteopathic Therapy Services
Our Assessment:
At PhysioActive our Manual Osteopathic Practitioners will assess you based on your overall health and presentation. We will map out a plan designed to get you feeling better right away. Osteopathy is a distinct discipline, but physiotherapists undergo extensive training and have specific skills to suit your needs. It is specifically tailored to you. All of our physiotherapists are trained to provide individualized care. If you injured your knee, the therapy would be very different depending on whether you had a minor sprain, injured your meniscus, or completely ruptured your ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). General rules are just that, general. Telling someone to rest until the symptoms go away doesn’t make sense when rehabilitating the body anywhere else so why is it prescribed when rehabilitating the most critical part of our body—the brain?
We assess you as a whole person. We don’t just look at the injury or area of pain; we examine all the contributing factors that may have led to your injuries in the first place.
Our Treatment:
Osteopathy at PhysioActive, involves using hands-on therapy to treat the underlying restrictions or limitations to allow your body to heal optimally. Our Osteopathic treatment usually involves treating locally, regionally and globally based on our thorough evaluation. The treatment will correct any restrictions that may be limiting, nerve or blood flow, restricting joints, or affecting fascia that alters your movement. Ultimately the care plan will address the body’s limitations and the treatment will always keep your goals in our sights. Our multi-modal approach (which incorporates education, hands-on or manual therapy, exercise, and treatment-enhancing modalities) has been shown in evidence to optimize outcomes.
We don’t use standardized protocols. Every treatment plan is tailored to you, as every patient is different and thus requires different interventions to optimize healing. We succeed where others fail. One of our greatest joys is helping clients who have been unsuccessful in treating their concussions with standard approaches to care. Our clients are so happy with their improvements and only wish they had come to us first.
Our Technology
At PhysioActive, we incorporate the most up-to-date and evidence-based technologies to complement your hands-on therapy. Our osteopathic practitioners will use laser therapy, electrotherapy, PEMF, or magnetic biostimulation. We also use the Game Ready ice and compression system to speed up your healing, reduce your pain more quickly, and get you back to what you love sooner. PhysioActive uses various energies, including sound, light, electricity, shockwave, technology, apps, video feedback, motion analysis, heat, or cold to enhance your rehabilitation experience. The use of technology is just an enhancement to the terrific hands-on therapy, education, and exercise program you will receive as part of your physiotherapy experience.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic healing process involving manual medicine. It uses a unique hands-on approach to determine the cause of the problem by removing “blocks” that prevent your body from healing itself and resolving symptoms.
Osteopaths:
- Determine the underlying factors that cause the problem
- Assess and treat the physical and mental health of the patient
Types of Care
At PhysioActive, we use osteopathy to provide different kinds of care depending on an individual patient’s needs. Whether osteopathy is helping you maintain your health, treat pain and ailments, or provide symptomatic relief, PhysioActive professionals are here to help you.
Preventative Care: Many patients seek evaluation and treatment to maintain their current levels of good health. Anyone can benefit from osteopathic care, as it enhances your overall health. The earlier a pathological process can be identified and treated, the less likely it is to develop into a serious condition.
Corrective Care: This is always the focus of every evaluation and treatment. Osteopathy focuses on the causes of problems and ailments, not just the symptoms. This differs from some other manual approaches, which can be symptom-based. For example, a person suffering from headaches may have imbalances in the pelvis, spine, or internal organs that are showing up symptomatically as a headache. Other approaches may look only at the head and neck, but the true cause could be elsewhere. Unless identified and corrected, the headaches will not be resolved.
Signs & Symptoms
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Sciatica
- Joint Pain (Knees, Hips, Elbows)
- Arthritis
- Sports Injuries
- Postural Problems
- Tendonitis
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
- Digestive Issues
- Breathing Problems
- Stress-Related Tension
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Pregnancy-Related Pain
- Infant Colic
- Menstrual Pain
- TMJ Disorders
- Whiplash
- Sinusitis
- Vertigo and Balance Disorders
- Post-Surgical Recovery
- Mental Health Issues (e.g., anxiety, depression)
- Chronic Pain
Osteopathy’s holistic approach treats the whole person, not just the symptoms, making it an effective therapy for a wide range of conditions. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, osteopathic treatment might be the key to finding relief and improving your quality of life.
Osteopathy for Babies and Children
Newborn Check:
An osteopathic newborn check-up offers an opportunity to bring your baby in for an examination and gentle cranial treatment as soon as you feel ready. By releasing any strains from pregnancy and birth early on, we can help reduce the chances of your baby becoming unsettled and optimize development.
Sometimes, a single treatment will be enough to do this, and we will not recommend further treatment.
If it seems that your baby would benefit from more treatment, we will clearly explain our findings and some of the possible signs and symptoms you should look for as your newborn grows and develops. A newborn is so malleable that it is a real pleasure to release any strains and realize the impact we are having on a new life. It is so very rewarding.
The sooner an osteopath is able to diagnose and treat your baby, the easier it is for the balance within the child to be restored.
A structured primitive reflex test can be completed by our physiotherapist at the parents’ request. This is a scientific way of picking up and subtleties of slowed development as early as possible. This allows early intervention and improved outcomes.
Babies
The baby’s head has the remarkable ability to absorb the stresses of normal labour. (This is the only way a babies head is able to exit a mother’s pelvis; Both the head and pelvis must be as malleable as possible to perfectly fit one another allowing successful vaginal birth to occur. However, many babies are born with or develop oddly shaped heads and bruising. This normally recedes in the first few days, as the baby cries, sucks and yawns, but sometimes the un-moulding process is incomplete. As a result, the baby may have to live with the discomfort within its head and body and neighbouring structures (in this case the brain). Forceps and suction can also cause cranial trauma and stiffness.
Crying, irritable baby:
Symptoms:
- Needs to be rocked to sleep
- Prefers being carried
- May suck more for comfort
Reason: The baby may be uncomfortable due to retained moulding and a subsequent feeling of pressure in the head. . Needs to be constantly moved/rocked to settle. Sometimes this can be an upset tummy from irritation or the vagus nerve (the nerve to the digestive system) at the exit from the skull. On rare occasion, dural tension can compromise abdominal function.
Feeding difficulties:
Symptoms:
- Takes a long time to feed
- Fidgety feeder
- One feed may merge into the next
- Clicking noises while feeding
- Sore nipples in breastfeeding mothers
Reason: Feeding is difficult due to mechanical stresses through the head, face, and throat. Nerves to the tongue may be irritated where they exit the skull, making sucking difficult. The tension in the jaw or tongue or neck can create restrictions of movement needed for latching, sucking and breathing during breastfeeding.
Digestive problems
Symptoms:
- Regurgitation of milk.
- Prolonged crying due to trapped, painful wind, often worse in the evening.
- May curl up or go rigid, constantly moving arms and legs.
- Baby prefers to be upright and carried.
Reason: Nerves to the stomach and diaphragm is irritated as it exits the skull or neck, and this can affect digestion. The diaphragm massages the gut during breathing (see video) and also acts as a sphincter to prevent regurgitation. If the diaphragm is not functioning properly or if this is tight or its nerve affected, movement through the stomach and bowel may be impaired causing pain and irritability.
Inability to relax
Symptoms:
- Baby sleeps for short periods – catnaps.
- Maybe a very light sleeper.
Reason: The tension on the bony and membranous casing of the skull keeps the baby’s nervous system in a persistently alert state. As a child grows, the effects of reduced cranial mobility can lead to other problems. The child may begin to bite himself, toys or others or start head-banging. It can also affect the body’s reserves and depletes the immune system, leaving the child more open to infections.
Ears and sinuses
Symptoms:
- impaired hearing
- facial congestion
- subsequent delay in speech development,
- blocked runny nose and mouth breathers.
Reason: Retained molding may affect the movements of the bones, in particular, the temporal bone where the eustachian tube resides or around the face reducing drainage of the ear canal and sinuses. Moist, dark environments lead to bacterial growth and infections. This is why antibiotics work, but if the cranial movement is not resolved the bacteria grows back quickly and the child suffers from repeated ear infections.
Childhood aches and pains
Symptoms:
- Aches begin between the ages of 7 and 8.
- Growing pains.
- Vulnerability to sprains.
Reason: Retained moulding may cause a focal area of pressure in the skull, as the bony joints form at the age of 7 – 8 years. Postural tensions in other areas of the body leave it vulnerable to strain and fatigue.
Treatment is generally an enjoyable experience; however, reactions to treatment are variable. There is usually a feeling of relaxation and babies often fall asleep. On a rare occasion, babies are unsettled by treatment. This is a temporary situation and is usually caused when the release of retained molding is incomplete. It is not always possible for all the compression to release in one session, especially if the symptoms have been severe. On average 4 – 6 treatments are sufficient but can vary depending on the severity of the problem.
FAQs for Those Considering Therapy from an Osteopathic Practitioner
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What does an osteopathic practitioner do? Osteopathic practitioners focus on the holistic treatment of the body, recognizing that all of your body’s systems are interconnected. They use gentle, hands-on techniques to assess and treat issues related to the muscles, bones, and joints, your organs as well as the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. By improving the function of these systems, osteopathic practitioners help your body heal itself naturally, addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of your discomfort. In essence, your osteopath will make everying move and work better. -
What conditions can osteopathic treatment help with? Osteopathic treatment is versatile and can address a wide range of conditions. Common issues treated by osteopaths include back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, sports injuries, and digestive problems. Osteopathic care can also be beneficial for chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as for improving overall health and wellness. Because osteopaths take a whole-body approach, they can often help with conditions that haven’t responded well to other forms of treatment. -
What should I expect during my first osteopathic session? Your first session with an osteopathic practitioner will involve a comprehensive assessment of your health. This includes taking a detailed medical history and discussing your current symptoms, lifestyle, and overall well-being. The practitioner will then perform a physical examination, which may involve observing your posture, movement, and palpating (gently touching) areas of concern. Based on this assessment, the practitioner will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment may include manual therapy techniques, such as stretching, joint mobilization, and massage. -
Is osteopathic treatment painful? Osteopathic treatment is generally very gentle, and most clients find it relaxing and comfortable. The techniques used are designed to work with your body, not against it, so pain or discomfort is rare. In fact, many people feel immediate relief during or after treatment. However, because osteopathic treatment involves adjusting the body’s tissues, you may experience some mild soreness or fatigue afterward, similar to what you might feel after a workout. This is a normal part of the healing process and usually resolves quickly. -
How many sessions will I need? The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your specific condition and how your body responds to treatment. Some clients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others with more complex or chronic issues may require ongoing care. During your initial consultation, your osteopathic practitioner will discuss your treatment plan and provide an estimate of how many sessions might be needed to achieve your goals. They will also regularly reassess your progress and adjust your plan as needed. -
Should I Start with Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Massage, Physiotherapy, or Personal Training? Choosing the right path to improve your health and well-being can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At PhysioActive, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your unique needs, ensuring that you receive the care and support that’s right for you.
1. Osteopathy: For a Holistic, Whole-Body Approach
Osteopathy is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a therapy that considers the entire body, addressing how your muscles, joints, nerves, and organs are interconnected. Osteopathic practitioners use gentle, hands-on techniques to treat the root causes of discomfort and promote overall wellness. This approach is particularly beneficial if you have multiple areas of concern or want a comprehensive, non-invasive treatment that supports your body’s natural healing processes.
2. Chiropractic: For Spinal Health and Joint Alignment
If your main concern is related to your spine or joints, chiropractic care might be the best starting point. Chiropractors specialize in correcting misalignments in the spine, which can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and other health issues. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, or joint discomfort, chiropractic adjustments can help restore alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and improve your body’s overall function.
3. Massage Therapy: For Muscle Tension and Relaxation
Massage therapy is ideal if you’re struggling with muscle tension, stress, or general discomfort. Massage therapists use various techniques to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress, making it a great choice if you’re experiencing muscle soreness or just need to unwind. Massage can also complement other treatments, such as physiotherapy or chiropractic care, by preparing your muscles for more intensive therapies.
4. Physiotherapy: For Rehabilitation and Functional Improvement
If you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or managing a chronic condition, physiotherapy is often the best place to start. Physiotherapists focus on restoring function, improving mobility, and strengthening the body through targeted exercises and manual therapy. This approach is especially effective for sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, and conditions like arthritis, helping you regain strength and return to your daily activities.
5. Personal Training: For Fitness and Long-Term Health
Personal training is an excellent way to achieve your fitness goals and maintain long-term health, but it’s important to start on the right foot. We recommend having a physiotherapist evaluate you first with a movement screen. This evaluation will help identify any underlying issues, such as muscle imbalances or movement patterns that could lead to injury.
Our physiotherapists will work closely with your personal trainer to adapt your program so that it’s tailored to your specific needs—working for you, not against you. By determining which muscle groups to focus on and incorporating global movement patterns, we can help you stay pain-free, improve your functional skills, prevent injuries, and prepare for a lifetime of safe, effective exercise.
Choosing the Best Path for You
At PhysioActive, we understand that everyone’s journey is different, and the right starting point depends on your individual goals, health history, and current condition. During your initial consultation, we’ll assess your needs, listen to your concerns, and recommend the most appropriate therapy to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
If you’re unsure where to begin, our client care managers are here to guide you. They can help you navigate your options and connect you with the right therapist or trainer for your needs. Contact us today to start your journey toward better health and discover how our multidisciplinary approach can support you every step of the way.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
Manual (‘Hands On’) Therapy
