Osteopathy is a natural health philosophy that uses manual therapy to promote the body’s ability to heal itself by restoring motion and structural integrity. In this sense Osteopathy is about finding the health of the patient instead of focusing on disease.

Osteopathy views imbalances in the body’s structures as a main contributor to the development of disease. Treatment aims to return the body to its normal functions by removing these imbalances which then allows the proper nutrition to, and drainage from, the body’s tissues.

This form of therapy approaches the body as a whole functioning unit, not a collection of individual parts. Treatments address the musculoskeletal system but also considers the nervous system, fluid dynamics, organ tissues and every patient’s health and individual life experience.

Osteopathy is based on the principles laid out by founder Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800s.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy is a hands-on, gentle and rhythmic form of physical therapy. Treatments consist of a health history review or update, structural evaluation, and delivery of manual therapeutic treatment.

The practitioner will be physically interacting with the patient and using corrective forces to make adjustments as needed. Patients will remain clothed and move through a series of positions on a treatment table, from sitting to laying on their side, stomach or back.

Following the principle that the body acts as a whole, the practitioner may not have to work directly on the area of the subjective complaint to influence the healing and restore function to that area.

Each treatment is based on how the patient is presenting that day, and typically last about 20-30 minutes depending on the needs of the patient that particular day. This means that no two treatments will be the same.

Generally, people will feel relaxed after treatment, however everyone will respond somewhat differently. Treatment aims to change the relationship of the structures in your body to improve neurovascular supply. As your body responds, it is normal to feel sore for 24-72 hours and you may notice some physiological changes.

After treatments it is recommended to refrain from intense physical activity for a day or two to allow the body to adjust to the changes. Walking during this time is highly encouraged.

When coming in for treatment I ask that you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. You will remain clothed the entire time. I will be moving your limbs through their ranges of motion and for that reason tight fitting clothing can interfere with treatment.

For people with long hair, a high bun is preferred. Please remove any loose jewelry and/or accessories.

The goal of treatment is to find the health and increase the constitution and vitality of the patient. Therefore, virtually anyone can benefit from Osteopathic care. Generally, people first come in for a musculoskeletal issue like a sore shoulder or back pain. However, Osteopathic care can be beneficial for anything the body is struggling with such as digestive issues, headaches, circulatory issues or general stress. Osteopathic treatment aims to bring you back to good health regardless of the issue.