FAQs
A: In a first consultation, an osteopathic practitioner will compile a full case history of the patient’s symptoms, as well as information about their lifestyle and diet.
Osteopathic practitioners are trained to examine areas of the body using a highly developed sense of touch, called palpation, to determine conditions and identify the body’s points of weakness or excessive strain. The osteopathic practitioner will also observe the patient doing some simple movements to facilitate diagnosis.
The patient will usually be asked to remove some of their clothing near the area of the body to be examined to allow postural assessment. If you feel more comfortable please bring a loose fitting top and shorts with you.
The osteopath will discuss with the patient the most appropriate treatment plan, estimating the likely number of sessions needed to treat the patient’s condition effectively (usually 4 – 6 treatments at weekly intervals but this can vary from patient to patient depending on the chronicity of the problem). If the condition is unlikely to respond to osteopathic treatment, the patient will be advised on how to seek further care.
Treatment usually lasts about 45 minutes. Osteopathy is a ‘package’ of care that includes skilled mobilising and manipulative techniques, reinforced by guidance on diet and exercise. Key to this is the aim of the osteopathic practitioner to establish the sound patient-practitioner partnership necessary for ensuring quality care.
A: Everyone from children (age 5 years onwards) to their grandparents. Osteopathic care is a choice of many women to relieve pain caused by weight and posture changes during and after pregnancy. Older children often benefit from osteopathic treatment of a wide range of common complaints such as sinus and postural problems. For older patients osteopathic treatment offers the option of drug-free pain relief, eases the physical wear and tear associated with ageing, and can improve mobility and reduce inflammation, all of which enhance overall quality of life and independence.
Osteopathic care to treat strains or injuries resulting from sporting activities is used by professional sportsmen and women and amateur sports enthusiasts alike. Osteopathy can contribute to enhanced performance and facilitate the achievement of long term training goals – alleviating the symptoms of injury, preventing recurrence and assisting rehabilitation.
In short osteopathy is the best alternative for everybody.
If you are unsure whether osteopathic healthcare is suitable for you please contact Alex and he will happy to advise you accordingly.
A: No, but in some instances to claim from your health insurer you may need a referral from your family doctor. Please check with your policy provider.
A: Osteopathic health care is not currently covered by MSPs in British Columbia. However many extended health care plans now cover Osteopathy, please check your coverage with your insurer.