HOW CAN

OSTEOPATHY

HELP YOU

Osteopathy for the whole family

We are often able to help when other treatment options are unsuccessful.

Osteopathy may help with many conditions and complaints, and the following is just a partial list of some of the more common issues. But keep in mind, the same osteopathic principles can be applied to a broad variety of other issues, and we may be able to help with almost anything.

New Borns & Infants

Osteopathy for Newborns & Infants

Osteopathy may help with a wide range of childhood issues and concerns from feeding difficulties including latching and colic, to structural issues including torticollis and plagiocephaly, to developmental delays, and genetic disorders. Many issues that seem like you must wait them out may be improved through osteopathic care.

Many parents bring their newborn in for a check-up, to make sure their baby has fully recovered from the birth process, and the pressures from birthing have not been retained.

Another common reason is the baby struggling to feed efficiently. The ability to suckle involves many areas of the body moving in a coordinated manner to achieve correct latching, milk transfer, and swallowing. Osteopathy may help free these associated structures which in turn may improve motion through the shoulders and chest. This may then help the baby breath and swallow more rhythmically, which may help reduce gas and colic symptoms.

While tongue tie is widely diagnosed and released at an early age, this often does not fix a feeding problem, because of the other structures involved. Osteopathy may be able to address these additional issues.

We also see babies who have other specific problems including sleeping difficulties, reflux, digestive pain or painful gas, torticollis, and flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). These issues are physical; something has become restricted, either during pregnancy or during birth, and Osteopathy may gently treat the area causing the issue.

Considerable forces come to bear on the baby during the birth process. Some distortion to the head can occur, which may be improved by suckling and crying. However, in many cases some strains in the head and body remain. Without treatment to correct this, the strain can remain deeply rooted in the growing child and normal health patterns may be compromised. This can often be the cause of many health problems in the baby and child such as recurrent ear infections, chest infections, and behavioural problems. Osteopathy may address these strain patterns, and correct the underlying issues.

Forceps, suction, C-section, fetal distress, shoulder dystocia (or any other reason for the baby getting stuck), and maternal fatigue, are other factors where the baby can retain abnormal stress and strain, which Osteopathy may help address.

And please keep in mind, often a mother is focused on the health of the baby alone, not realizing their own wellbeing is an important part of the baby’s growth and development. For this reason, we also offer Mom & Baby appointments as an opportunity to address issues that a mother may have arising from the pregnancy or birth process, along with the care of their baby. Because we want to make this care as accessible as possible, we offer it at a discounted rate. Please call or write to learn more.

Osteopathy for Children

Osteopathy may help with a number of childhood issues and concerns including developmental delays, chronic infections and earaches, scoliosis, growing pains and aches, headaches and migraines, concussions and sports injuries, digestive issues, developmental issues, and autism spectrum disorder. Many issues that are recurring or do not fully resolve may be helped with osteopathic care.

As we grow there are many challenges to the body ranging from falls to infections. But please be aware that many of the common childhood illnesses respond well to Osteopathy.

Repetitive infections and lingering coughs or colds can be due to drainage restrictions of the head and chest. This in turn can be linked to bones, muscles, and connective tissues being placed under strain, which creates pressure in blood, lymph and nerve channels. Resolving the underlying strains means the anatomy can function as it should, allowing better drainage of sinuses, throat, ears, and chest.

We may be able to help with a wide variety of childhood concerns. Some typical issues include:  headaches, muscle, spine issues, scoliosis, joint & back pain, concussions, sports or play injuries, asthma, digestive problems, recurring infections, developmental delays, Autistic spectrum disorder, sleeping issues, and many more.

Children respond very well to Osteopathy as they sense the intent to improve their health. We see children of all ages, and the clinic makes an effort to care for pregnant mothers, babies, and children, in a timely way.

Osteopathy for Adults

Osteopathy may help with a wide range of common health issues including recent injuries, chronic aches and pains, sore joints and osteoarthritis, headaches and migraines, chronic illnesses, disc herniations and sciatica, scoliosis, tennis arm and elbow, concussion and whiplash, digestive issues, chronic and undiagnosed pain, TMJ, vertigo, and breathing and sinus issues. Many conditions that do not have simple explanations or have not resolved through other means may be helped with osteopathic care.

Osteopathy deals with how trauma and stress restrict the normal function of the body. Untreated, this may lead to chronic tension and disease, as restricted function will slowly inhibit nutrition and the elimination of waste products.

Osteopathy may help a wide variety of health issues. Some common complaints we see are lower back pain & sciatica, disc prolapses, pain and stiffness from spinal wear and tear (osteoarthritis), migraines and chronic headaches, concussion and whiplash injuries, digestive issues, knee and hip pain, chronic sinusitis & sinusitis pain, acute trauma like motor vehicle accidents, sports and training injuries, dizziness and vertigo, tennis or golfer elbow, arm pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, jaw or TMJ problems, breathing issues, digestive issues, unresolved long-term pain, arthritic pain, specific joint or spinal column pain, frozen shoulder, scoliosis, stress induced health problems, excessively painful periods, and many more.

Osteopathy may help cases where the patient is presenting with pain of an undiagnosed origin, which may have responded to medication, but is not resolving. There is often nothing to remove, repair, or replace surgically. These cases of functional pain are complex but may often be helped by osteopathic care.

The pain and dysfunction of chronic disease, including auto-immune, endocrine, and neurological cases, are also often helped with osteopathic care.

In cases of spinal and deep tissue injury, including disc herniation, fractures, sprains, concussion, and whiplash, the healing process can often be facilitated by osteopathic care.

We also see patients after surgical procedures, including dental, to aid the system in flushing and detoxing from anesthesia, and to help with the trauma imposed on the tissues from surgery.

The clinic does considerable work with the effects of stress and the dysfunction that stress can create. This usually involves osteopathic treatment, advice on posture and breathing, and the importance of creating a routine which not only off-sets the daily effects of stress, but allows the mind and body to improve with age. This can often be achieved through types of mind-body exercise that are both meditative as well as physical. We often recommend Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, Yoga, or Pilates as complimentary physical disciplines to osteopathic care.

Osteopathy for Pregnancy

Osteopathy may help with many common issues related to pregnancy including morning sickness, back pain and sciatica, SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction), digestive issues,  breathing restrictions, and positioning of the baby prior to delivery.

Osteopathy is a safe and effective way of helping the body cope with the additional physical, hormonal, and emotional demands of pregnancy and labour. If possible, a full osteopathic assessment before pregnancy would be very useful, to optimize the biomechanics of the body for the upcoming pregnancy as well as follow-ups as needed during the pregnancy.

In the initial stages many women experience morning sickness, which can be accompanied by fatigue. Osteopathy may help balance the hormonal system and reduce the severity of nausea, vomiting, mood swings, and exhaustion.

As the baby grows it places increasing physical demands on the body. The uterus takes up more space in the abdomen leaving less space for the other organs, which may lead to feelings of breathlessness and heartburn. The additional weight of the baby and its’ position may also cause backache or sciatica, leg, or pelvic discomfort. Existing postural tendencies can then overburden the muscular or skeletal system, which can contribute to the baby settling in a position which can then lead to a long and difficult labour. These strains on the system can be greatly reduced with osteopathic care, giving the baby more space to turn to the optimal position for delivery.

With many women working during their pregnancies, and sometimes having to cope with other small children, the last trimester can become as uncomfortable and exhausting as the first. Osteopathic care can ensure the pelvis opens equally and decreases the chances of the baby getting stuck as it traverses the birth canal. This will also reduce tensions in the pelvic floor and diaphragm, which is often beneficial for sufferers of excessive heartburn, haemorrhoids, or varicose veins.

Epidurals can irritate the membranous sack surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can be a cause of headaches. Treatment is beneficial to reduce irritability and tension in this membranous system, which means an easier return to normal posture and activity after delivery.

A postnatal check-up ensures that any pressures to the pelvis and body during the birth process can be balanced out, allowing the bones of the pelvis and spine to return to their normal position. This is so important as an unbalanced restricted pelvis can create ongoing pain patterns, even affecting the head or neck.

Following the birth, often a mother is focused on the health of the baby alone, not realizing their own wellbeing is an important part of the baby’s growth and development. For this reason, we also offer Mom & Baby appointments as an opportunity to address issues that a mother may have had arising from the pregnancy or birth process. Because we want to make this care accessible, we offer it at a discounted rate. Please call or write to learn more.

Concussions & Sports Injuries

Concussion & Sports Injuries

Osteopathy may help treat many common post-concussion and whiplash symptoms including brain fog and retention, sound sensitivity, light sensitivity, inability to focus or concentrate, headache, vertigo, dizziness, balance, and vision issues. Many of the symptoms associated with post-concussion and whiplash injuries may be improved through osteopathic care.

Osteopathy may help the recovery from concussion and whiplash injuries, and the resulting post-concussion syndrome. Some of these symptoms may include headache, neck pain, restricted range of motion, memory issues, balance and muscle control issues, ‘brain fog’ type feelings, and more.

Osteopathy may also help with many common sports injuries including: ligament or tendon strains; impact, or twisting injuries; whiplash; falls; and chronic or repetitive pain.

 Acute or chronic pain and dysfunction from sports or training often benefit from osteopathic care if the problem is not resolving. Also, shocks to the body from injuries may be calmed which promotes a better healing response.

Problems that persist without resolution may be due to other areas not directly related to the problem area. These may be influencing the injury and preventing the complete resolution of the problem. It is this view of the body as a functional unit which enables the osteopathic practitioner to understand complex pain and dysfunction patterns.

Of course, if there is any tissue damage including bleeding, fractures, or serious sprains or strains, these must be first be investigated and treated by medical professionals. However, once the injured site has been stabilised, osteopathic care may help the healing process and restore associated function and mobility. 

Advice on changes to exercise regimes to take account of damaged areas is crucial, and we are happy to communicate these needs with sports or exercise specialists.

Older Adults & Seniors

Osteopathy for older Adults & Seniors

Osteopathy may help with many common issues seniors experience including aches and pains from recent or chronic injuries, sore joints including osteoarthritis, balance and coordination issues, and issues related to limited mobility.

As the body ages joints can wear, and muscles can weaken. Nerve and blood pathways may become compromised. However, this does not mean the body cannot adapt. The forces of healing are usually intact, and while things may take a little longer to heal, health is often present.

Osteopathic care may help a wide range of health issues affecting seniors. These include problems that have been medically diagnosed and managed. But also includes issues and pain that may be ignored or seen as a consequence of aging.

Many seniors report a degree of pain relief and sometimes a renewed ability to pursue activities with osteopathic care. And osteopathic treatment can often be coupled with exercise, which we can recommend, to restore function.

Osteopathy can also help with the stiffness and pain of neck and spine arthritis, frozen or stiff shoulders, tinnitus, hip, knee or joint pain and stiffness, plantar fasciitis, foot issues, general mobility and balance issues, and more.

Osteopathy for Trauma Survivors

Osteopathy is the understanding of how trauma and stress restrict the motion of the tissues of the body. Untreated, this can lead to chronic tension, which can then lead to multiple health issues. The practice of Osteopathy is a system of manual therapy designed to release these abnormal tensions in the body. 

While Osteopathy is best known for the treatment of back, joint, and muscle pain, its applications are far wider.

Our ability to cope with stress depends on how efficiently our body and mind regulate their response to it. Poor recovery from extremely stressful encounters can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or even chronic somatic dysfunction such as pain and fatigue in some people.

Historically the approach to addressing trauma was to provide people with fragmented services that did not take into consideration the person as a whole. There was a separation between emotional and physical well-being.

Osteopathy is the understanding of how trauma and stress restrict the motion of the tissues of the body. Untreated, this can lead to chronic tension, which can then lead to multiple health issues. The practice of Osteopathy is a system of manual therapy designed to release these abnormal tensions in the body. 

Osteopathy is based on the inherent ability of the body to heal itself.  Most of the time the body does this automatically, but sometimes the body’s reflexive ability to compensate and resolve trauma becomes overloaded. This is when your body needs some support, Osteopathy in Toronto can provide this.