Even as a practicing RMT, I really didn’t understand what being an Osteopath meant and how it differed from a typical RMT treatment. While there is a commonality of certain techniques and principles, an Osteopath uses an in-depth network of gentle, fine tuned modalities that not every massage therapist can do. It takes a special type of practitioner to really dig deep into the work of an Osteopath and they study and practice through a vigorous 4 year education program to prove it!
If you haven’t met or experienced the skills of our lovely in house RMT (and soon to be fully practicing Osteopath!) Kristen MacDonald, then you’re in for an eye opening treat! Not only is she a seriously talented Massage Therapist, but she’s also in her 3rd year of studies to become a full Osteopath. Which means – she has A LOT of new skills and she’s ready to offer them to our clients here at Therapy Health Studio!
Over the past 4 weeks, I’ve been receiving Osteopathy sessions from Kristen here at the studio. After experiencing the work for myself, I can honestly say that it’s like no other hands on treatment I’ve experienced before. Osteopathy allows the body an opportunity to self-regulate and heal, naturally. Taking into account how a symptom or condition has an effect on the body in a holistic sense. When addressing our intertwined, internal systems and structures, Osteopathy utilized its own clever ideology and approach.
It’s good to know that when receiving an Osteopathic treatment with Kristen it will be quite a different experience from a regular massage. You will need to bring the appropriate clothing such as comfortable shorts and a sports bra or suitable undergarments to undress down into for a more detailed and ongoing assessment process throughout your treatment duration.
The session will begin with an overview of your health history, discussion about past injuries, symptoms, areas of scar tissue and any medications that you are currently taking. She then integrates your information into a baseline towards your assessment and then follows up with treatment.
Our assessment began with viewing my posture and alignment using different movements, palpation and special testing. At times she will be guiding you through movements such as twists and bends so she can further assess your mobility. It amazed me how in-depth and focused the assessment techniques are! I felt like she was really getting to the root of my movements, taking notes and processing her findings into how that related to my overall health, then following through with a treatment plan of corrections and adjustments considering the functionality and systems of the body – as a whole.
The treatment itself is both detailed and precise and you will be actively involved with Kristen throughout. She instructs and assists you through guided movements and holds while she integrates a range hands on work from joint mobilizations of the spine and limbs, contract and relax muscular techniques, lovely and relaxing craniosacral holds, gentle myofacial manipulations and even visceral work where your internal organs are addressed and treated (very helpful for a person like me who deals with her fair share of digestive issues!).
Throughout the whole treatment experience, I felt very relaxed and safe with Kristen as she worked. I noticeably became increasingly in-tune + aware of the connectedness of my body. Her techniques were firm but at the same time gentle and full of intention.
It was usually by the following day that I would experience a shift to my alignment or at times, a light soreness in areas of focused work. My back always felt great after! Especially after these awesome twist mobilizations to the spine, which reminded me of positions you would similarly experience with a Chiropractor – except the technique is not to create an adjustment, but a more natural mobilization, where the joint can shift without the velocity or force of a Chiropractic thrust.
Overall, I would say Osteopathy is an incredible resource for people who want to get to the root of their symptoms of discomfort with the appreciation of a holistic approach. The idea is to allow the body the opportunity to self-regulate and naturally adjust. Healing itself in a gentle, transitional way.
Now that i’ve personally experienced Osteopathy for myself, feeling my body shift and change over our sequence of sessions together – I’d highly recommend trying it! It’s been an eye opening experience and a handy tool in my ever evolving self-care kit. I can’t wait to have another session!!
Thanks Kristen!
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Osteopathy can treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms including:
- chronic pain, postural issues, recovering from injury, scar tissue and restricted mobility.
- digestive issues such as suffering from IBS, constipation, acid reflux and chronic bloating.
headaches, migraines, concussions and TMJ (jaw issues) - Women’s health including painful menstruation, pelvic floor weakness, frequent or urgent urination, pregnancy, post-partum concerns and fertility.
- fatigue and sluggishness, anxiety, stress and troubles sleeping
- Tendonitis, nerve pain such as Sciatica, issues with numbness and tingling
We are VERY excited to now offer Student Osteopathy to our clients here at Therapy Health Studio. If you’re curious, I highly recommend booking a session with Kristen to experience it first hand!
Wondering if Osteopathy might be for you? Feel free to send Kristen an email for a consultation question or you can directly book with her HERE
email: Kristen@therapyhealthstudio.com
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Thanks for reading and we look forward to having back at the studio soon!
Written by: RMT Carrie Brouwer
