Frequently asked questions.
Here are some of the questions I get asked the most about Osteopathy. Of course, if you have a question that isn’t listed here, please reach out and I’ll be happy to assist you!
Here are some of the questions I get asked the most about Osteopathy. Of course, if you have a question that isn’t listed here, please reach out and I’ll be happy to assist you!
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners have an in-depth knowledge of functional anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of the body. This knowledge is used to apply manual treatment to restore proper body mechanics and liberate the nerves, arteries, veins, and lymphatics. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OMP’s) recognize that the body has the capacity to self-heal and self-regulate and focus on facilitating healing and health of the body.
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners who are members of the OOA (Ontario Osteopathic Association) and OSTCAN (Osteopathy Canada) have the following:
A 4 year Masters of Osteopathic training totalling 4200 hours
1000 hours of supervised clinical training within those four years
Training which has met the Type 1 standard outlined by the World Health Organization
Completed a certification exam covering anatomy, physiology, osteopathic theory, red flags and ethics
Adheres to OSTCAN Standards of Practice and satisfy continuing education requirements
Osteopathic treatment can help with a wide range of health concerns. Since osteopathy focuses on the principle that structure governs function, if we have proper structure we have proper function.
Osteopathic treatment can help with symptoms related to many conditions including, but not limited to:
Back, neck, and joint pain
Muscle tension
Nerve irritation, numbness, or tingling
Headaches and migraines
TMJ disorders
Sinus problems and congestion
Digestion and elimination problems
Edema, swelling, and overall inflammation
Menstrual pain
General stress and tension
Please wear loose fitting clothing that will not restrict your movement during treatment. You will be asked to remove belts, watches, and jewelry prior to treatment.
Every person responds to osteopathic treatment differently. It is common to feel tired right after your treatment and some people also feel mild soreness similar to as if you did a work out. It is completely normal to feel physiological changes 1-3 days after. In the days following treatment, your body will be integrating the changes and it is recommended to go for light walks and refrain from any high intensity activities.
Yes, osteopathic treatments are covered by most insurance plans. Please check with your insurance company regarding coverage for osteopathy. After treatment we will provide you with a receipt to be submitted for reimbursement as we do not offer direct billing.
No, you do not need a referral to see an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner.
The number of treatments required varies for each person depending on what is found during the assessment and treatment. After your initial assessment and treatment we typically book a follow up treatment the following week to see how you are progressing. Each treatment plan is specific to the individual, however, we generally expect to see improvement within 3-6 treatments depending on the history of your concern and lifestyle.
The goal is to get you feeling great as quickly as possible in as few visits as necessary. Maintenance treatments are recommended to ensure your body structure is in alignment and to encourage the body’s self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms to function properly.
No, Lessard Osteopathy does not offer direct billing or submit claims or paperwork on behalf of WSIB or MVA.
Lessard Osteopathy follows strict cleaning and health and safety policies that are in accordance with Waterloo Regional Public Health. Additional time has been added between patients to ensure adequate sanitization and proper social distancing. Patients are sent a mandatory Covid-19 screening questionnaire 2 hours before their appointment and will be asked to reschedule if they do not pass this screening. In accordance with public health guidelines, both the practitioner and patient will wear a mask at all times in the clinic.