Osteopathy is a manual therapy and the goal is to restore mobility and proper mechanics to all areas of the body. This includes joints, muscles, the nervous system and fascia. The osteopath looks at the whole body, assessing front to back and top to bottom to ensure the body works as well as possible. An osteopath can be likened to being a human mechanic. Osteopaths detect areas of restricted movement throughout the body by using palpation (their hands) and testing active movement.
Osteopathy was first introduced Andrew Taylor Still in 1874. Still, a frontiersman and physician was frustrated by conventional medicine of the time. He understood the concepts of cause and effect, the relationship of structure and function, the holistic nature of individuals and the interrelatedness of parts.
WHAT IS CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY?
Cranial Osteopathy is a specialist area of osteopathy that concentrates on restoring the fine movements of the bones of the head (the cranial bones) and releasing tension in the fascia that surrounds the brain and nervous system (the dura). The brain is immersed in a fluid called cerebro-spinal fluid that bathes and protects the tissues in and around the brain. Cranial osteopathic techniques can encourage and improve the circulation of cerebro-spinal fluid, helping the body restore itself to health.
Cranial osteopathy was developed by the American osteopath William G Sutherland in the 1930s. Contrary to popular belief, Sutherland found the cranial bones were not actually fused but were capable of minute movements. By experimenting on his own head using gentle compression he showed that he could detect and help many problems. He developed refined and subtle techniques using gentle pressure to encourage the release of tension and strains in the cranium and the dura surrounding the head and nervous system and throughout the body. Later in life Dr. Sutherland not only talked about bones and membranes but the subtle fluctuations of fluid within the whole.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY AND CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Cranial osteopathy is a treatment of the whole body and helps improve health and relaxation. It is part of an osteopathic treatment and usually other osteopathic techniques are used to specifically treat other areas of the body. Cranial osteopathy is part of a complete osteopathic education and is not seen as separate or more than the whole approach known as traditional manual osteopathy. Craniosacral therapy although developed by an osteopath only treats the cranial sacral system. Courses are short and not part of a formal osteopathy program.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RESTORE MOBILITY?
Restricted mobility in both joints and fascia can change mechanics causing degenerative changes such as DDD and OA, tight tissue may also compress nerves and blood flow causing pain and decreased nutrition to tissues.
HOW ARE PATIENTS ASSESSED?
Following a though history and details of presenting symptoms a standard orthopedic and neurological evaluation is preformed to ensure osteopathic treatment is appropriate. If further medical investigation or medical follow up necessary they are referred back to their family physician with a letter of explanation.
Osteopathic assessment consists of postural observation, mobility testing and hands on palpation.
WHAT DOES TREATMENT CONSIST OF AND ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS
Numerous techniques are used that restore mobility to spinal and peripheral joints and fascia. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds the all structures in the body and if compressed can restrict mobility. Spinal mobility can be restored using muscle energy and functional/ ligamentous techniques, thus avoiding thrust manipulation that could compromise the vertebral artery in the neck or weakened spinal joints due to osteoporosis.
Is Osteopathy Regulated in Nova Scotia
No, osteopathy is not regulated in any Canadian province. The Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths acts to develop and enforce standards of Osteopathic care. Only members of the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths can bill private health plans. www.novascotiaosteopaths.ca
WHAT PATIENTS WOULD BENEFIT FROM OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT?
We treat all ages and many different conditions, however we see many patients who have plateaued with other treatments. These include chronic spinal conditions, headaches, TMD and post whiplash/ MVA. We also treat babies and children. Click conditions treated for a more comprehensive list.
Osteopathy is a comprehensive approach to healing that is ideally suited for children as it is very gentle and soothing. According to osteopathic principles, the structure of the body is viewed as being integral to optimal motion and functioning of all body tissues. Structural problems that arise from a difficult pregnancy or birth, or general childhood falls and bumps, can result in restrictions in the motion of the body tissues. As children and infants are still developing, many issues, such as birth trauma, if left untreated could lead to problems down the road once development is complete. If these injuries are addressed, potential future complications can be minimized.
The other critical consideration of osteopathy is balancing the autonomic nervous system, otherwise known as the fight or flight response. Acknowledging the role of the mind-body connection and the role of physical and mental stress in physical health is crucial to healing. Balancing the autonomic nervous system can have a great impact on the endocrine (hormonal) and immune systems, maximizing the healing process. This mind-body connection also extends to consider the impact of our primary social relationships on well being.
Pediatric Conditions that can benefit from osteopathy:
Colic, excessive crying, feeding difficulties, birth trauma (c-section, forceps, prolonged labour), ear infections, sinusitis, chronic abdominal pain, scoliosis, cerebral palsy Learning disorders such as ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Pervasive Developmental Delay, Downs syndrome (There is a great amount of anxiety in these children and by addressing this tension, these children become more receptive and comfortable.) Visit www.osteohome.com for more information on osteopathic treatment for children.
IS TREATMENT COVERED BY PRIVATE HEALTH PLANS?
Yes, many private health plans such as medavie blue cross, sunlife, great west life and manual life cover osteopathy, provided members are registered with an approved association. We are members of the NSAO (Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths). They usually cover $300 -$500/ calendar year. MVA insurers will also cover costs provided we have a doctor’s referral.
Registered osteopaths
Sally Shaw DO (MP)
Julie Sainsbury, B.Sc, B.Ost Med, DO, ND (UK), D.O.M.P.
Jocelyn Glover, BSc Kin, BSc AHN, D.O.M.P.
Brendan Girones, BOst (UK), D.O.M.P.
Physiotherapists and massage therapists currently using osteopathic techniques.
Ken Long PT (finished 5 years of osteopathic study)
Judith Forget RMT (Second year of osteopathic study)
