Manual Osteopathy

This service is offered at Maple Shores Health Centre by Anthony Kaake and Adam Blackadder.

What is Manual Osteopathy?
Manual Osteopathic treatment uses a gentle “hands-on” approach to identify areas of the body that are restricted, to gently release these areas to restore normal function. The maintenance of good mechanical function is essential to good health. Problems in the framework of the body can disturb the circulatory system or nerves to every part of the body and affect any aspect of health. Thus, mechanical problems can lead not only to aches and pains in joints and muscles but also to disturbances in the internal organs and the way they work. Osteopaths work to restore the musculoskeletal system and the body to a state of balance and harmony. Osteopathy is for everyone, of all ages, from infancy to the elderly.

What are the benefits of Manual Osteopathy?
Manual Osteopathy has many benefits.  It uses a multi-disciplinary approach and assesses the whole body and all it encompasses.  Manual Osteopathy addresses the nervous (nerves) system, digestive(gastrointestinal) system, muscular (muscles) system, and skeletal (bones) system, just to name a few. Our manual osteopaths strive to determine how they can help their patients remove the stress on their body while providing treatment and care to promote optimal mental and physical health and well-being for his patients. For example, these techniques can help relax the nervous system which directly impacts how someone feels.  Someone can experience a lot of stress when dealing with chronic pain and/or trauma and this can affect your mental health.  The body’s natural response to stress is often “fight or flight” but it can also cause your body to shut down. 

Manual Osteopathy can support your body by calming the nervous system and returning the body to a state of balance and relaxation which can promote and support positive physical and mental health once again. Which can support and address many issues relating to brain injuries/concussions, migraines/ headaches, jaw issues, neck problems, torticollis, shoulder/rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal difficulties, pregnancy, post-partum, trauma, low back/sciatic pain, hip and knee joint pain, sprained/strained ankle, plantar fasciitis, vertigo/balance issues, infants (acid reflex, trauma from birth to either mother or child, acid reflux, colic, flat spots on the head, latching difficulties, sleep difficulties), bedwetting, stress management, anxiety, etc.

WHAT IS CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY?
Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle manipulative pressure to encourage the release of stresses throughout the body, including the head. It is extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions in people of all ages, from birth to elderly.

What to Expect.
The Initial Assessment Consultation is one hour in duration. During this appointment, your practitioner will review your intake forms and discuss with you your specific concerns and reason for seeking treatment. Your practitioner may perform a postural assessment and palpation assessment. Your will then receive a treatment during this session, after receiving your voluntary consent to the treatment plan.

Follow Up appointments are 30 minutes in duration. During this appointment, a postural and palpation assessment may be performed to assess changes from the initial treatment and subsequent treatments. Treatment will include gentle manipulations of affecting structures contributing to your symptoms to restore balance and optimal function. Exercise prescription may be provided depending on the type of dysfunction to further help improve your mobility outside of treatments.