FAQ
What should I expect at the first appointment & what to wear?
The first appointment is all about gaining a deeper understanding of your body and looking at all the factors that may be contributing to your present condition. A thorough health history and a comprehensive full body assessment will be completed prior to moving into the first treatment. The treatment approach will vary from person to person but may include joint mobilizations, muscle energy, myofascial release, visceral manipulation, lymphatic drainage, and craniosacral techniques. An individualized treatment plan and how we can move forward to reach your goals will be discussed and any questions you have will be answered. You are fully clothed during your osteopathic treatment so wearing loose fitting clothing that allows you to move freely is essential. This will help your therapist examine and treat you more effectively.
What does an osteopathic Treatment consist of?
An osteopathic treatment considers all bodily systems and works with your own energy. The gentle palpation begins the treatment as your body begins to feel safe, relaxed, and settle into its parasympathetic state. Osteopathic therapists use their highly sensitive palpation skills to listen to your body and feel for subtle imbalances and tensions within your system. From here your therapist begins to work to release these restrictions, layer by layer. Osteopathic therapy is very present and immediate to what the body needs today. Osteopathic therapy calms the central nervous system, improves circulation of fluids and assists in immune function.
What should I expect After Treatment?
After treatment most people describe feeling very relaxed and experience some level of reduced pain. As the body processes the shifts that occurred during the treatment it is possible to experience continued symptoms, fatigue, or soreness. Sometimes the symptoms may become worse before getting better usually within the 24-48 hour window following treatment, known as the rebound effect. Osteopathic treatment continues to integrate in your body for a few days. You will be encouraged to take it easy and rest to allow your body the necessary energy and time it needs to heal.
Is osteopathic therapy covered by insurance?
Osteopathic therapy is covered by extended health care plans. You can reach out to your private insurance provider to gain further information regarding your coverage. Most insurance companies will reimburse either the entirety or part of the costs
How is osteopathic therapy Different from other therapies?
While there are some similarities between the manual therapies, osteopathy has some unique treatment approaches and techniques. Osteopathic therapy is based on a whole body approach. It does not focus solely on symptoms but rather on the underlying structural, emotional, and energetic factors involved. Osteopathic therapy addresses imbalances in the musculoskeletal (bones, muscles, fascia, joints), viscera (organs), and nervous and circulatory systems.
How often should I come for treatment?
Frequency of treatment will vary from person to person and depends on the nature of the issue. Osteopathic treatment can be used as a preventative therapy where treatment once or twice a month is recommended. When experiencing an acute issue such as neck or back pain, often one to three treatments will result in noticeable improvement. Once the initial issue begins to settle and symptoms decrease, frequency of visits will be reduced. Periodic check ins can be helpful to reduce the frequency and intensity of flare ups. Because the body needs time to process, heal, and integrate changes that occur during treatment, likely only one session per week would be advised.
A present issue isn’t necessary to receive and benefit from osteopathic treatment. Osteopathic therapy has been shown to improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote balance of the central nervous system which encourages the body as a whole to function well.