Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a hands-on therapy that is gentle and non-invasive, working to help the body self-heal and self-regulate. Through gentle adjustment of the body, we work to remove obstructions that restrict the flow of the blood, lymph and nerve impulses. Through our daily lives or trauma, the body's structure may be unbalanced or have dysfunction that limits our body's ability to breathe, move, digest, and many other functions. Once the structure is balanced, the body can self-heal and self-regulate.
Manual osteopaths achieve this by working with the body's soft tissues, as well as the joints, ligaments, and bones. A classically trained osteopathic manual practitioner must use their vast knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to do this effectively while applying the core osteopathic principles.
Osteopathy was founded in the 1800's by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. Classically trained Osteopathic Manual Practitioners are still taught using the teachings from Dr. A.T. Still, including the principles used in principle based treatment today.
The core principles of Osteopathic Treatment are as follows:
The human body is a dynamic unit of function (mind, body, and spirit)
The structure and function are reciprocally interrelated
The body is self-healing and self-regulating
Rational treatment is based upon the above principles
What to expect?
Each treatment is unique to you and unique to how you arrive that day. No two treatments are the same as your body is a dynamic unit of function. Each time you come for treatment, your body will have taken on the adjustments from the previous treatment. In each treatment, the practitioner will assess your entire body and only apply the necessary adjustments to uncover the root cause of dysfunction. As such, the treatment is often slow and rhythmic, without the use of high-velocity thrusts.
What can Osteopathy help with?
Osteopathy can help reduce the symptoms related to many conditions including:
Back, neck, and joint pain
Joint injuries
Migraines and headaches
Digestive issues
Sinus problems and congestion
Work and sport-related injuries
Muscle tension and strain
Sleep
And much more!
Pediatric Osteopathy
Birth, although it is a natural process, can be traumatic for your baby. Some complications can occur, resulting in strains and torsions through their body. Osteopathy is a gentle hands-on treatment that can help remove restrictions, to restore body balance, mechanics and motion.
Osteopathy can help with:
Unwinding patterns that developed in the womb
General alignment
Excessive crying
Increased vomiting or spitting up after drinking milk, Gassiness, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea/Reflux
Colic
General unease or fussiness
Poor sleep
Suckling and latch mechanics for breast and bottle feeding
Prep and recovery from tongue, cheek, or lip tie
Plagiocephaly (flattened skull)/Torticolis/Head or facial bone asymmetry
Pregnancy and Post-Natal Care
Pregnancy can cause aches and pains in your body as your baby grows. Osteopathy is a gentle treatment that can help maintain movement, as well as help prepare your body for delivery.
Delivery itself can be traumatic on mom as well as baby. Some dysfunction or injury can occur. Osteopathy is a gentle treatment that can support your body's healing after birth.
The 4th trimester, is a time where a lot of physical and emotional changes occur. Your body heals from birth, as well as your adjustment to life as a new mum. Caring for a newborn can result in postural pain, discomfort and exhaustion. Osteopathy can help with this!
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy is a component of osteopathy that uses gentle pressure to release tension held within the cranium or spine. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a an expansion of osteopathy that is focused on reducing dysfunction within the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Cranial Osteopathy and CST can help with:
Headaches
Concussions
Chronic Pain
Paediatric concerns
TMJ pain
Sleep problems
Meet our Osteopathic practitioners
Michelle Durante, M.OMSc
osteopathic manual practitioner | Clinic Founder
Callan Sinclair, M.OMSc
osteopathic manual practitioner
Adem Jetha, M.OMSc
osteopathic manual practitioner
Osteopathy FAQ
What happens during a first appointment?
Your first visit starts with a discussion about your medical history, lifestyle, and current symptoms — some questions may seem unrelated to your main complaint, but they help the manual osteopath understand the bigger picture. This is followed by a physical assessment of movement, and then hands-on treatment. If you have any concerns — they'll adapt the session accordingly.
Does osteopathic treatment hurt, and is it safe?
Most people find osteopathic treatment gentle and relaxing rather than painful, although you may feel some effect in sensitive or tender areas. Osteopathy is considered one of the safer manual therapies, but as with any hands-on treatment, mild soreness for a day or two afterward isn't unusual — similar to how muscles can feel tender after exercise.
Some patients notice a short-term "release" reaction as the body adjusts, occasionally feeling a little different for a day or two before improving. This is generally considered a normal part of the healing response rather than a cause for concern. If anything feels wrong or you're unsure, always raise it with your practitioner.
How many sessions will I need before I feel better?
This varies by person and condition, but many people notice at least some change after the very first session, with fuller benefits often developing over the following days. As a general guide, a course of treatments across a couple of months is common to start seeing improvement, especially for issues that have been present for a while.
Osteopathy tends to work progressively — symptom-free periods typically get longer over a series of visits until symptoms settle.
Do I need a referral to see a Manual Osteopath?
No, you do not need a doctor's referral to see a Manual Osteopathy in Pickering, ON. You can book an appointment online with one of our Manual Osteopathic Practitioners today.