all about
OSTEOPATHY
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Yes, osteo means bone, but osteopathy is so much more!
Osteopathy is a hands-on, therapeutic practice with the goal of identifying and treating structures (bones, joints, muscles, fascia, organs, viscera, etc.) of the body that are restricted, or lacking proper mobility, or as my patients prefer that are "sticky".
The tissues and structures that make up your body shouldn't be restricted - they should be free to move and express themselves in order to carry out their intended function.
A simple example that you can likely relate to is a restricted joint. If it is sticky, its motion is limited and ultimately its function is as well. You may limp, or have pain because of it, or maybe it is giving you pain elsewhere, like at your knee. This concept applies to all structures of the body. Ligaments that suspend your uterus, fascia of the colon, muscles of the skull - every structure needs to be able to properly express itself, without restriction.
My goal as an osteopathic manual practitioner (what we are called here in Canada), is to restore normal position and mobility through manipulation of the tissues, bones, and structures of the body.
Osteopathy is based on a strong knowledge of anatomy (structure) and physiology (function). With well-trained hands (5+ years of study), an osteopathic manual practitioner sets to re-establish normal mobility, thereby improving function. This concept is applied to all systems of the body: musculoskeletal (muscles and joints), cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, digestive, and reproductive.
OSTEOPATHY IS BASED ON THESE 4 PRINCIPLES:
1. Body functions are dependent on healthy body structures. For optimal function, the body structures must be free of restriction and have ideal mobility (not sticky).
2. The fluids - blood, lymph, neurological, interstitial - and their unrestricted flow through the body is of primary importance. Proper flow of these fluids is crucial for proper function and health as they nourish, clean, and heal the body tissues. You need good flow.
3. All body systems are dependent on each other. The proper health of one body system is dependent on the good health of the others.
4. Free of restrictions, the body has the inherent ability to heal itself (to some degree).
HOW CAN OSTEOPATHY HELP ME?
Osteopathy can help with many conditions, injuries, and ailments. It is especially beneficial during and after pregnancy because of the enormous strains, stresses, and changes that occur.
If you are suffering from any of the following issues, and are in the Ottawa area, book an appointment and find out how manual osteopathy can help you.
PREGNANCY CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED WITH OSTEOPATHY:
low back pain
pelvic girdle pain
SI joint pain
pubic symphysis pain
sciatica
pelvic floor dysfunctions (*osteopaths do not perform internal work)
stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
urge urinary incontinence (UUI)
pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
reflux (GERD)
carpal tunnel
headaches, migraines
muscle tensions & imbalances
birth preparation (alignment, tensions, etc)
general aches and pains
POSTNATAL CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED WITH OSTEOPATHY:
back pain, neck pain
diastasis recti abdominis - core repair and restore
pelvic pain
pelvic floor dysfunctions - repair and restore
pelvic organ prolapse
muscle tensions & imbalances
postnatal exercise plans
carpal tunnel
hand and wrist pain
F.A.Q.
WHAT EDUCATION DO OSTEOPATHIC MANUAL PRACTITIONERS HAVE?
Osteopathic programs differ significantly across Canada and around the globe. In the USA osteopaths are medical doctors. In Canada, osteopathy aligns with a more traditional and holistic approach to treating the body. The most reputable programs in Canada are five to seven years in length.
After completing a BSc. in athletic therapy at Concordia University in Montréal, Shauna completed a six-year program at the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Toronto. This program meets the standards for safety, skill, and knowledge established by the World Health Organization and is recognized by the Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners. After completing five years of study, Shauna researched and wrote a paper on the effects of osteopathic treatment on the pelvic floor and diaphragm, on functional breathing capacity.
Shauna has been treating patients of all ages and stages of life for more than fifteen years. She is an original practitioner at Ottawa Osteopathy and Sports Therapy, treating men, women, and children here for the last thirteen years.
In addition to her athletic therapy and osteopathy degrees, Shauna is also a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES), Running Specialist, Functional Movement Screen certified, and a Sports First Responder. She has worked with national, provincial, and collegiate level athletes, from trampolinists to rugby players. Although she is passionate about working with pre and postnatal women, her daily practice sees patients from all stages of life.
*Shauna Ironside is not a medical doctor.
IS OSTEOPATHY COVERED BY PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS?
Yes! Most insurance policies cover osteopathic manual practice. It is recommended that you check your insurance policy to verify your specific coverage. In most cases, you do not need a physician referral for insurance coverage. Just call and book your first appointment!
WHAT DOES AN OSTEOPATHIC ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT LOOK LIKE WITH SHAUNA?
Shauna is also a certified athletic therapist which means she has a strong knowledge of human movement, performance and evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation. Her approach to osteopathy is structural and is in-line with her orthopaedic background (Shauna does not do any energy work).
If it is your first appointment, we will chat about your health history, what your current situation is like and where you want to be (what is your goal). This will be followed by a detailed, orthopaedic assessment of your alignment, joints, muscles and movements.
Osteopathic treatment involves gentle manipulation, massage or touch to help guide, release and relax the structures that are restricted.
Exercises, whether for mobility or strength, are paramount to restoring, maintaining and promoting longer-lasting results. Homework is necessary! You’ll be given exercises specific to your issues, needs and goals. Your exercises will be emailed to you directly and you will have access to the videos for as long as you require them.
The goal is to not be reliant on treatment! You will leave each session educated and empowered. Your ability to heal and live a healthy, pain-free life is in your hands.
IS OSTEOPATHY SAFE?
Osteopathy is self-regulated in the province of Ontario. The Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OAO) has stringent guidelines and requirements for its members, promoting the safest standards of practice for osteopathic practice. Shauna graduated from the Canadian College of Osteopathy, one of two OAO board-approved osteopathic schools in Ontario. You can check the OAO website to confirm that the osteopathic manual practitioner that you see is a registered, active member.