How often should I come for Manual Osteopathic treatment?

How often you come for osteopathic treatment depends on what’s your personal goals, found during your assessment, and the overall condition and resilience of your body. In the early stages, more frequent sessions are often helpful to support meaningful change.

As your body begins to respond and adapt, the practitioner will typically space out treatments. These periodic visits can help maintain mobility, ease, and overall well-being.

You don’t need to be experiencing pain to benefit from osteopathy. Treatment can support healthy circulation, reduce tension, and promote balance in the nervous system. These benefits will help your body function and feel its best.

Can I come for treatment when I’m in acute pain?

Yes! Many acute conditions can benefit from osteopathic manual therapy. If you're experiencing sudden pain, restricted movement, or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out.

I commonly treat:

• Acute back or neck pain

• Joint stiffness

• Digestive discomfort (e.g. bloating, cramping)

• Sudden postural issues or movement restrictions

Early treatment can often reduce pain, calm the nervous system, and prevent longer-term compensation patterns.

However, some situations require medical attention first. Please seek emergency care or consult your physician if you are experiencing:

• Severe trauma (e.g. suspected fracture, head injury)

• Sudden neurological symptoms (e.g. numbness, weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control)

• Signs of infection (e.g. fever, vomiting, unexplained swelling)

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or other urgent health concerns

If you're not sure, feel free to contact me. I can help determine whether osteopathic treatment is appropriate, or guide you to the right next step.

Will Manual Osteopathic treatment hurt?

Manual Osteopathic treatments are generally gentle and not meant to be painful. However, when working on areas that are already sensitive, you might feel some discomfort during the session. Throughout the session, I will always check in and make sure you're as comfortable as possible.

It’s common to feel some changes in your body for a day or two after treatment. This could be a sense of relief, increased mobility, or sometimes mild soreness or fatigue. These responses are usually part of your body’s natural adjustment process and tend to settle within 1–3 days. If anything feels unusual or doesn't ease up, feel free to reach out to your practitioner to discuss it.

What do I wear to my appointment?

I will treat you in whatever you feel comfortable wearing. You’ll remain fully clothed throughout the entire appointment. For treatment, I might ask you to remove items like your shoes, glasses, and belt. You’re always in control of your treatment, and I will make sure to listen to your preferences and respect your comfort throughout the process.

Do I need to see my doctor for a referral to Osteopathy?

Some insurance plans may require a referral or prescription from your doctor in order to reimburse you for osteopathic treatment. It's a good idea to check with your extended health care provider to see if this applies to you. If you're paying out of pocket, you don’t need a doctor’s referral and can book your appointment directly.

Is Osteopathy is covered by my private extended health-care insurance?

Osteopathy is a private health care service, which means it isn’t covered by provincial health plans. However, it’s often included in extended health care benefits. To find out exactly what’s covered, it’s best to contact your insurance provider directly. Many plans will reimburse all or part of the cost of osteopathic manual therapy.