F.A.Q
Answering your questions on osteopathic treatment
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you are new to osteopathic manual treatments, I understand that you might have some questions. Below are the answers to the questions that are most commonly asked. Should you have additional questions or require more information please feel free to email me at: danielle@ighclinic.ca
Question: "What can I expect from my initial treatment?"
Answer: The first visit will be approximately 60 minutes in length where we will discuss what injury or ailment you are seeking treatment for. The appointment will also involve reviewing your detailed health history including past injuries that can often play a large role in present issues you may be experiencing. Following this, an assessment will be done to examine and observe simple movements of your posture and mobility and examine the health of your joints, tissues and ligaments. A treatment plan will be discussed with you and with your consent, the remaining time will be focused on your first treatment.
Question: "How can I benefit from osteopathic treatments?"
Answer: Osteopathy addresses and helps remove the underlying cause of the pain caused by tension, restrictions and stiffness in muscles, organs and joints. Restrictions can manifest themselves in other areas of the body for example the abdominal area where your organs are and the cranial area. The treatments are non-invasive using soft manual therapeutic touch. Osteopathic treatments address the root cause of ailments. Below are some of the conditions treated:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Chronic back or neck pain and pain caused by trapped or pinched nerves
- Frozen shoulder or rotation cuff injuries
- Gastro-intestinal problems such as constipation, IBS, colitis, reflux, heartburn, colic, etc
- Insomnia / Migraines or headaches
- Pediatric treatments for infants with colic-like symptoms, cramping, poor sleep or bowel movements, etc.
- Piriformis syndrome / Plantar fasciitis
- Respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, sinusitis, etc
- Sciatica / Sprains & strains
- Sluggish immune system causing repeat colds, sinus infections, fatigue
- Tendinitis / Thoracic outlet syndrome
- TMJ / Torticollis
- Traumas resulting from motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries
- Whiplash
Question: "How often will I need treatments?"
Answer: Subsequent follow up visits are typically weekly or biweekly if needed, lasting approximately 4-8 weeks. How the body responds to treatment varies from patient to patient. Each treatment plan is based on your goals and how chronic or severe the condition and pain are.
Question: Will it hurt?
Answer: Osteopathic treatments are not usually painful though the nature of the presenting condition may be such that some discomfort cannot be avoided. Techniques used and the pressure needed to release tension is often very gentle.
Question: "How old does a person need to be to receive osteopathic treatments?"
Answer: Any age. Osteopathic manual treatments are effective from birth until palliative care stages.
Question: "Which regions of my body get treated"
Answer: Since the body is a unit, we literally treat head to toe. Osteopathic manual practitioners examine and treat the body holistically. For example, chronic pain in the shoulder can be caused by fascial restrictions in other parts of the body that tether that shoulder. Or, poor movement of your clavicle can impede movements of your shoulder blade thus affecting its range of motion. We look for the root cause as the symptom areas are not necessarily where the problem manifests itself.
Question: "Will my extended healthcare plan cover the costs of osteopathy treatments?"
Answer: Yes. Most extended health care plans cover osteopathic treatments and as a registered member of OCDO (Ontario Council of Drugless Osteoosthy) this association is recognized by insurance companies. Please review your individual insurance policy to see what manual therapies are covered by your plan.
