"Structure governs function” – Dr. Andrew Taylor Still
- which means whenever a part of the body is free to move, it can function correctly.
What is Osteopathic Medicine? In 1874, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still MD DO (1828-1917) founded osteopathic medicine. Dr. Still realized that optimal health requires all the tissues and cells of the body to function together in harmonious motion. He reasoned that disease could have its origins in anatomical deviations from normal no matter how slight they may be. He understood the relationship of the body’s many parts as one functional unit. Keeping this in mind, he then would work to find health by restoring the anatomical deviations back to normal with his hands. Thus Osteopathy was born from the Greek roots ‘osteon’ meaning bone and ‘pathos’ meaning suffering. This was meant to communicate his theory that disease and physiologic dysfunction originated with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Still used this style of medicine to treat many infectious diseases including meningitis, dysentery, whooping cough, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella as well as many other disease processes. Since then, many osteopathic physicians have worked to fully understand and advance the concepts first taught by Andrew Taylor Still.
An osteopathic practitioner works with four principles when treating a patient. Those principles are: 1.There is a relationship between the body’s structure and function 2.The body is a unit with the health of the patient being a combination of mind, body and spirit 3.The body has an innate ability to self-regulate and self-heal 4.Rational treatment is based on the above three principles
What is Manual Osteopathy? Manual Osteopathy is a non-invasive hands-on treatment approach that includes an understanding that there is a close relationship between the structure and function of the body, the body functions as a unit and the body is a capable self-healing mechanism. Jay David's approach at St. Joseph's Osteopathy Clinic is a painless, unique, gentle and caring approach aimed at treating causes not symptoms. By doing so, aims to maximize the patient’s health so that their body can function as optimally as possible.
What can be treated with Osteopathic Mobilization Treatment (OMT)? Anyone can benefit from an Osteopathic Mobilization Treatment (OMT). Manual Osteopaths can complement your current therapies and when appropriate, reduce or replace drugs or surgery. Most patients come in for treatment of pain; however, OMT is great for athletes looking to improve athletic performance and stamina by helping their bodies function more efficiently. OMT can also be used to treat a wide spectrum of problems, including but not limited to: - Neck pains, whiplash - Upper and Lower back - Frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff - Jaw (TMJ) disorders, clicking, clenching - Joint dysfunction: ankle, knee, hip, shoulder etc - Nerve pain: sciatica, tingling, numbness, weakness - Arthritic pain - Traumatic Injury - Overuse Injuries - Golfer’s Elbow - Tennis Elbow - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Ringing Ears (Tinnitus) - Migraine and Tension Headaches - Stress related tension and pain - Fibromyalgia - Chronic Digestive Disorders (IBS) - Poor Digestion
Is Osteopathic MobilizationTreatment (OMT) compatible with other treatments? Many patients are often having other forms of therapy either for different problems or for the same problem. Sometimes patients simultaneously see a pain specialist, physiotherapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, massage therapists, etc. Sometimes patients come to an osteopathic specialists as an alternative to the previously mentioned practitioners. In appropriate situations, OMT can stand alone as its own therapy. In other situations, OMT can complement your current therapy and can help make it more effective.
What is the difference between Osteopathy and Chiropractic? Chiropractors and osteopaths are both medical professionals who treat patients with a focus on the musculoskeletal system, including the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The two professions are very different in the approach of treatment, requiring different levels of certification and ultimately offering different services. Though the root of the word ‘Osteo’ means ‘bone,’ Osteopaths do not actually treat bones. Rather, they use the bones as levers to improve the condition of other structures in the body like muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and organs. By treating these structures, Osteopaths can aid the body’s natural healing ability.
Chiropractors, on the other hand, tend to focus on the spine and the alignment of vertebrae as the primary means of relieving pain and tension throughout the body. The spine consists of the vertebrae, which are bone segments that protect the spinal cord, and the individual nerve branches stemming from it.
More people seem to know about Chiropractors than about Osteopaths. This is because historically, Chiropractors have been more active in promoting and publicizing their work. Osteopaths tend to be more conservative with regards to marketing and promotions.
There has also been some historical hostility between the two fields, which can make sorting out the differences rather challenging. Essentially, both offer valuable and effective treatments, and share a primary objective which is, most frequently, to relieve aches and pain. However, Osteopaths also treat a broader range of function and each can be included in a holistic healthcare regimen.
Why should I choose a Manual Osteopath? In Canada, osteopathic manual practitioners are fully licensed and board certified members of accredited associations. Manual osteopaths can practice all scopes of therapeutic and hands-on treatment and have prescribing rights to high-dose vitamins, amino acids, botanicals and herbs. In addition, manual osteopathic practitioners can incorporate hands-on treatment called osteopathic mobilization treatment (OMT). OMT uses a full evaluation of the patient’s structural anatomy in order to come up with a proper treatment plan. OMT is a natural, gentle, and non-invasive way of treating many pain conditions as well as other problems. The osteopathic approach offers a different way of looking at the body and what is causing the problems that traditional medicine does not look at.
How well is Osteopathy known? Osteopathic practitioners have treated many prominent figures in history including Mark Twain, John D. Rockefeller, former U.S. presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. Many of today’s legendary top athletes such as Lance Armstrong, Manny Pacquiao, David Beckham, Kobe Brant and Alex Rodriguez also have benefitted from Osteopathic treatments.
How long will a treatment take? A new patient initial visit will take approximately 30-45 minutes and will include an extensive review of medical history, physical examination, osteopathic structural examination and treatment. Follow up visits are at least 30 minutes and involve an appropriate examination and treatment.
How many appointments will I need? Each problem and each individual is different so often difficult and almost impossible to say how many appointments will be needed. Generally the patient will know after 3-4 treatments if this is an approach that they will benefit from. If there is no improvement, then the Osteopathic practitioner will consider other options to pursue and not recommend any further treatments.
Are manual Osteopathy treatments covered by insurance? In Canada, Australia and most European countries manual osteopathic treatments are covered by most insurance providers. In Canada more than 90% of insurers cover osteopathic treatments. For patients injured in a motor vehicle related accident in Ontario (Canada) all auto insurers cover osteopathic treatments at an hourly rate as per fee guideline set by Financial Services Commission of Ontario.
Do you take insurance? St. Joseph's Osteopathy Clinic is not in-network with any insurance company and has no control or involvement over reimbursement of your insurance. At this time, we do not bill insurance companies directly nor are we responsible for how much, if any, is reimbursed by your insurance carrier. We will provide invoices for patients to submit to their insurance carriers for reimbursement if they wish. Each patient is responsible for all charges incurred during each visit. Other arrangements for payment need to be made with the office prior to the first visit.
Cancellation Policy Please provide us at least 24 hours' notice of any change in the agreed appointment time. In the case of a late cancellation (less than 24 hours from the arranged appointment), unless your appointment slot is subsequently taken by another patient, we will charge you the equivalent to the cost of the full appointment that was booked.
If you do not cancel your appointment and do not turn up, there will be a charge equivalent to the cost of the full appointment that was booked no-show charge.
Payment for a late cancellation or missed appointments can be made at your next visit, or if you are not scheduled for a future appointment, an invoice will be mailed or e-mailed to you.
Remember, outside normal practice hours you can leave a message on our 24-hour telephone answering service.
Important Note: Manual Osteopaths do not ordinarily need a referral from a family physician, however, due to high demand priority will be given to patients referred by family physicians to facilitate access of diagnostic records. * Please note, during certain periods of the calendar year and due to volume, we could only accept on new patients with a physicians referral.
