Frequently asked questions

Welcome! I've compiled this section to address your most common questions about manual osteopathic treatment and osteopathy. My goal is to provide you with clear, helpful information so you can feel comfortable and confident in your understanding.

 What is manual osteopathy?

Manual osteopathy is a holistic, hands-on form of therapy that focuses on the interconnectedness of your body's systems ,including the musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems.

It's built on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when its structures and functions are in balance.

Using a variety of gentle, precise techniques, a manual osteopath works to find and release the underlying tensions and restrictions that are causing you pain.

By addressing the root cause of your discomfort, rather than just the symptoms, this approach can lead to effective and lasting pain relief, improved mobility, and a profound sense of well-being.

It is the first modern, evidence-based manual therapy, with its principles influencing the development of both chiropractic and physiotherapy.

What can osteopathy do for me?

When we talk about osteopathic manual therapy, we're not focused on treating a specific disease or condition. Instead, we zero in on the underlying structural problems, such as  imbalances or limited movement that might be causing your issues. Osteopaths believe that these structural imbalances are often at the root of health problems. By addressing them directly, osteopathic manual treatments can support your body's incredible ability to heal itself.

  • Chronic pain and aches
  • Problems with digestion
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Poor posture or muscle spasms
  • Jaw pain (TMJ) and headaches
  • Sleep issues
  • Sports injuries or repetitive strain
  • The effects of concussions
  • Mobility and immune system problems
  • Chronic stress and tension
  • Post-rehab support
  • Degenerative & Neurological conditions

This isn't a complete list, and the outcome of the treatment will be guided by your unique situation and needs.

What is the difference between osteopathic manual therapy, chiropractics and physiotherapy?

The main difference between these practices lies in their core philosophy

  • Chiropractic focuses on the spine because it's the central hub for nerves that branch out to the entire body. The philosophy is that by treating the spine and ensuring it's in proper alignment, you can positively impact the health of the entire body.
  • Physiotherapy primarily involves working with the musculoskeletal system. The goal is to focus on a specific muscle or joint to relieve pain, reduce discomfort, or strengthen the area after an injury or surgery.
  • Osteopathy holds the philosophy that the body functions as one interconnected unit. Therefore, a practitioner doesn't just focus on the area of concern. Instead, they assess all systems and areas of the body to find the root cause of the issue, believing that addressing the whole body is key to promoting its natural ability to heal.

What happens during a typical treatment?

An appointment typically begins with a quick chat to review your health history. Then, your osteopathic practitioner performs a hands-on evaluation to assess your body's structure before starting the manual treatment. You'll stay fully clothed and will be positioned on a treatment table, moving from sitting to lying down on your back or stomach. For soft tissue work, the treatment can be just as effective with or without direct skin contact.
Your treatment is completely customized for you and isn't based on a clock, but on your individual needs. If you need more time, or if you prefer a shorter session to address a specific issue, we can definitely talk about that during your visit.

What should I wear for my appointment?

To prepare for your appointment, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. You don't need to wear workout clothes—just something you feel at ease in. Since the treatment is performed while you are fully clothed, we recommend avoiding tight jeans, skirts, or dresses to ensure your comfort.

We'll also ask you to remove your shoes, so please remember to wear or bring a pair of socks.

If you're unable to wear loose clothing to your appointment, you're welcome to bring a change of clothes with you and change before your treatment begins

Is manual osteopathic treatment painful? 

Manual osteopathic therapy shouldn't be painful. Your therapist uses gentle techniques and will always adjust the pressure based on your comfort. If you ever feel any pain during a session, please let your therapist know right away so they can modify the treatment to better suit you.

How often should I see a manual osteopath?

The frequency of your visits to a manual osteopath is highly individualized and depends on several factors, including:

  • The nature of your condition: Acute, recent injuries may require more frequent, closely-spaced appointments ( once or twice a week) to start, while chronic, long-standing issues might be treated over a longer period with appointments spaced further apart (every 2-4 weeks).

  • Your body's response: The osteopath will assess how your body responds to treatment and adjust the plan accordingly. Some people notice significant improvement after just one or two sessions, while others may require several to feel a change.

  • Your goals: Your treatment plan is guided by your specific goals. You may see a manual osteopath for a short series of treatments to address a specific issue, or you may opt for periodic "maintenance" or preventative sessions to sustain your progress and keep symptoms at bay.

Your manual osteopath will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and will discuss the recommended frequency and expected duration after your initial assessment.

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What types of patients or conditions are best suited for osteopathic treatment?

Generally, people with chronic or long-standing pain and dysfunction benefit the most from manual osteopathy. Its holistic approach is particularly effective for those who haven't found lasting relief with other treatments.

Key Beneficiaries:

  • Aging Adults: As the body ages, it can experience increased stiffness, reduced mobility, and chronic pain from conditions like arthritis. The gentle, non-invasive nature of osteopathic treatment can help manage these issues, improve balance, and enhance overall quality of life.

  • Individuals with Chronic Pain: Those suffering from conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, or sciatica that have persisted over time.

  • Post-Injury and Post-Surgery Patients: People who are in the later stages of rehabilitation and need help restoring full mobility and function.

  • Athletes with Repetitive Strain Injuries: Athletes often develop imbalances from specific movements. Osteopathy can address these underlying issues to prevent recurrence and improve performance.

  • Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals: Osteopathy can safely address the unique physical stresses of pregnancy and aid in the body's recovery after childbirth.

  • Infants and Children: It can be beneficial for common childhood issues such as colic, latching problems, and postural imbalances.

Manual osteopathy is not just about treating pain; it's about restoring the body's natural ability to function. Therefore, anyone looking for a holistic, root-cause approach to their health and well-being is an ideal candidate.

How soon can I expect to feel the effects of osteopathic therapy?

The timeline for feeling results from manual osteopathic treatment is highly personal, but many patients experience pain relief and a sense of change very soon after their first session.

  • Initial Response (Immediate Relief): Many people notice a decrease in pain, reduced tension, and improved mobility either right away or within 24-48 hours. It's common for your body to need a little time to adjust to the changes, so some mild soreness or fatigue can occur.

  • Significant Improvement (Progressive Change): For new or acute issues, you may experience significant improvement and long-lasting pain relief within just one to three sessions. For more chronic, long-standing conditions that have been present for months or years, the healing process is more gradual. In these cases, it may take four to six or more sessions to achieve significant and sustained progress.

Your practitioner will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and will assess your body's response at each visit. The goal is to make small, corrective changes that build on one another, leading you toward your health goals and long-term well-being.

Where exactly are you located and when you can you come in?

Office Locations

You can receive treatment at two different locations in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, both under the practice name Living Light Osteopathy.

  • Recharge & Play Wellness Cafe: I see clients at 550 Parkside Dr, Unit B13, Waterloo, ON, N2L 5V4. When you book through their website, you'll be charged their stated fees.

  • Private Practice: My private practice, Living Light Osteopathy, has two locations: 74 Hazelglen Drive, Kitchener, and 550 Parkside Dr, Unit 5, Waterloo. When booking directly with me at my private practice, please refer to the fees listed on my website.

Availability and Mobile Services

I'm generally available to see patients from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Sunday, depending on my schedule and location of services. I limit my appointments to a maximum of five patients a day to ensure a high quality of care.

I also offer mobile osteopathic care within Kitchener and the surrounding areas, as long as the location is within a 30-minute drive. I believe in full transparency, so any extra fees are only for mileage and gas expenses, not for travel time.

Where should I park? 

Visitor parking is conveniently available at both of my locations.