Osteopathy
a therapeutic practice based on the premise that gentle manipulation of muscles and bones encourages self-regulation within the body to restore function, reduce pain and improve imbalances.
Osteopaths use an in-depth network of gentle, fine tuned modalities.
By taking into account how a symptom or condition has an effect on the body in a holistic sense, an Osteopath addresses our intertwined, internal systems and structures, utilizing a unique ideology and approach.
Integrating your personal health history into a baseline towards a thorough assessment and treatment. An Osteopath uses gentle, effective modalities including: spinal, joint + fascial manipulations, cranial sacral therapy, contract / relax muscle energy techniques and viceral work.
Osteopathy offers the body an opportunity to self-regulate, heal and adjust naturally.
Meet Kristen
Kristen is an RMT and recently completed her studies to become an Osteopath at the Canadian College of Osteopathy.
After she personally experienced the tremendous benefits of Osteopathy first-hand for chronic hip pain, she knew that she wanted to become an osteopathic practitioner.
She truly loves her work, and finds anatomy and physiology endlessly fascinating! Her passion for helping others, curiosity + love of learning drives Kristen to constantly strive to be a better health care provider.
Things to know before you go…
When receiving an Osteopathic treatment with Kristen, it will be 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.
What to expect in an Osteopathy session
Your 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. Kristen will then integrate your information into a baseline towards your assessment and then follows up with treatment.
Your posture and alignment will be assessed using different movements, palpation and special testing. At times you will be guided through movements such as twists and bends so she can further assess your mobility. The assessment is in-depth and focused with the intent of getting to the root of your movements, taking notes and processing findings into how that relates to your overall health. Then a treatment plan of corrections and adjustments are chosen, 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 of 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.
Symptoms + conditions
Osteopathy can help you recover from:
- chronic pain, postural issues, injuries, scar tissue formation and restricted mobility
- digestive issues such as suffering from IBS, constipation, acid reflux and chronic bloating
- headaches, migraines, concussions and TMJ dysfunction (jaw issues)
- women’s health concerns including painful menstruation, pelvic floor weakness, frequent or urgent urination, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum
- fatigue and sluggishness, anxiety, stress and sleep problems
- tendonitis, nerve pain such as Sciatica, issues with numbness and tingling