What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a gentle, non-invasive form of manual therapy that supports the body’s natural ability to heal, adapt, and regulate itself. Using precise hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue manipulation, neuromuscular and joint mobilization; osteopathic manipulative treatment works to relieve restrictions that may impact nerve function, circulation, and lymphatic flow.
Each treatment is tailored to how your body presents on that day; no two sessions are ever the same. Osteopathy views the body as a dynamic, interconnected system that constantly adapts to movement and internal change. By working with these natural processes, osteopathy helps restore balance, improve mobility, and support overall health and performance.
Osteopathic manual therapy is grounded in four core principles:
The body is a dynamic unit of function (mind, body, and spirit)
Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated
The body is self-healing and self-regulating
Effective treatment is based on these foundational principles
What to Expect
Your Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (OMP) will begin by reviewing your health history and discussing current concerns. A hands-on assessment will follow, focusing on asymmetries, restriction of motion, tissue texture changes, and sensory changes; a process known as ARTS.
Treatment is individualized and may include gentle manipulation of fascia, muscles, ligaments, and joints, based on how your body presents that day. Afterward, your OMP will outline a personalized treatment plan and determine whether osteopathy is appropriate for your case, or if referral to another provider is recommended.
In most cases, 4 – 6 follow-up visits are often recommended, spaced 2 – 7 days apart. This approach allows for progressive change and to evaluate your response to care. Progress and goals are reviewed at each visit to ensure treatment remains aligned with your overall health, function, and recovery.
Do Treatments Hurt?
Osteopathic assessment and treatment is a gentle, manual approach designed to calm the body’s sympathetic “fight or flight” response. Most patients feel only light pressure, though areas of dysfunction may produce moderate discomfort.
Unlike the “no pain, no gain” mentality often associated with exercise, effective osteopathic treatment does not rely on pain. After a session, it is normal to experience temporary fatigue, mild discomfort, or soreness lasting 24 – 72 hours.
How Should I Prepare For My Appointment?
Treatments are performed fully clothed, so please wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing (avoid jeans or skirts). Long hair should be tied up, and shoes, belts, jewelry, watches, and glasses removed for safety and comfort.
To minimize distractions, all electronic devices must be silenced and put away, unless special circumstances are discussed beforehand. Please also avoid wearing fragrances or soiled work attire.
When Should I Arrive For My Appointment?
Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. We recommend arriving 10 – 15 minutes early to allow for parking, completing new patient forms, and using the restroom.
Appointment lengths vary (5 – 25 minutes) depending on individual needs. If you arrive late, only the remaining time in your scheduled slot can be provided.
Cancellation Policy
Appointments cancelled without 24-hour notice, missed appointments, or repeated rescheduling will be charged the full fee. Future bookings may also require a deposit. Exceptions may be made in cases of severe illness, family emergency, or unavoidable circumstances.
If you are unwell, please call the clinic as soon as possible. Patients who arrive with cold or flu-like symptoms will be asked to reschedule, and the visit will be treated as a late cancellation.
Insurance Coverage
Osteopathic treatment is covered by most insurance plans.
It’s recommended to check with your insurance provider for what is covered under your extended health plan to be sure Osteopathy is covered.
What Should I Do After My Appointment?
Following treatment, it's important for your body to process and integrate the adjustments naturally.
It's recommended that patients go for a walk for 10 - 30 minutes and take a break from any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the remainder of the day. Though it’s understandable that this may be unavoidable due to scheduling.
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
Osteopathic treatment is tailored to each patient; there is no set routine, as every condition and person is unique. The aim is to create manageable changes that support the body’s natural ability to self-heal and self-regulate.
Some patients experience improvement after only a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing or long-term care. For new patients, 4 – 6 follow-up visits are often recommended, spaced 2 – 7 days apart in the early stages to monitor how the body responds.
Acute issues may require shorter, more frequent visits (2 - 3 follow-up per week), while chronic conditions often benefit from less frequent but longer-term care (every 2 – 4 weeks). Your treatment plan will always be customized to your health, history, and goals, and discussed during your initial visit.
Can I Receive Other Therapies While I Am Getting Osteopathic Cate?
It’s recommended that new patients receive osteopathic care exclusively at the start of their treatment plan. This allows the practitioner to better identify the root cause of symptoms and accurately assess how the body responds to treatment, ensuring the best possible management and outcomes.
Does the Osteopathic Manual Practitioner Treat Specific Conditions?
Osteopathy does not target specific conditions, as treatment is based on supporting the body as a whole, dynamic unit of function. Patients with a wide range of health needs, such as cerebral palsy, scoliosis, spina bifida, joint replacements, chronic pain, or those who use a wheelchair are welcome.
Patients with service dogs are also always welcome, and every effort is made to ensure accessibility and comfort.
WSIB and MVA claims cannot be billed under Osteopathy.
Can Anyone Receive Osteopathic Care?
Osteopathic treatment has no age limits. At this time, Jeffrey provides care for patients 8 years and older.
Are Home Visits Available?
No, all treatments are provided at the available clinics mentioned on the About page. Home visits are not offered at this time.