Frequently Asked Questions

Classical Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy which treats the patient as a dynamic unit of function including all body systems. A thorough assessment is completed to determine the root cause of dysfunction and structural adjustments using principles founded in anatomy, physiology and biomechanics are applied to restore function in the body.

Classical Osteopathy works by restoring physiological function through anatomical/structural adjustments made to areas of restriction in the body.

Restriction in the body can present as limited of range of motion or change in the tissues of the body. Lack of motion affects all systems in the body from arterial blood supply, venous blood return, nervous system function and lymphatic circulation which all play into the presentation of symptoms in the patient.

Principle-based techniques such as joint mobilization, spinal manipulation, cranial sacral therapy, and soft tissue therapy are used to restore motion on a structural level and effect change on a physiological level.

Osteopathy can effectively bring relief and provide a long term solution for individuals dealing with acute pain such a spasms, strains and sprains; chronic pain, headaches and migraines, digestive complaints, neurological disorders, sports related pain, pregnancy related pain and discomforts. In addition, Osteopathy for proactive care is a wonderful option. Assessing and removing restriction in the body before it presents as symptoms can be the best course of action.

Yes, osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a qualified practitioner. It is a non-invasive approach that focuses on structural adjustments to facilitate health in the body.

Osteopathy is safe for infants, children, athletes, adults, during pregnancy (after the 1st trimester) and elderly individuals.

A qualified Manual Osteopathic Practitioner is trained to identify "red flags" and will refer a patient out to a practitioner with the required scope of practice to deal with their case if needed. Also, Practitioner's screen patients through health history and questioning to ensure they are a good candidate for osteopathic treatment prior to staring treatment.

You can expect your Osteopathic treatment to be between 20-30 minutes depending on the requirements to affect change in your body that day and at what stage of the treatment process you are in.

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, including socks and will remain fully clothed for the duration of your treatment.

Each treatment will include a check-in to chat about progress and additional concerns, an assessment to objectively check the body's change, as well as treatment to continue to facilitate health.

Treatment is generally comfortable and may require some patient participation such as deep breathing and/or small muscle contractions when prompted by the practitioner. Treatment occurs on cushioned table and pillows will be offered to set up for optimal set-up positions. The patient will likely be on their back, on their side, on their stomach or seated depending on what is available to them, and what is most advantageous for the treatment needed. The practitioner will always keep the patient informed of what adjustments are taking place, and the patient is always free to inform the practitioner if a different approach is preferred.

Manual Osteopathic Practitioners work on all layers in the human body from skin and fascia to bones and joints; however, we do not perform high velocity thrust techniques so treatment is considered relatively gentle and preferential for the nervous system.

The number of treatments varies depending on the condition and individual response to treatment. Your Manual Osteopathic Practitioner will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs upon your initial appointment. This timeline is variable depending on the patient's overall health and lifestyle.
‍
Our goal is to find the root cause of dysfunction, facilitate health in the body and allow your body to be in a more resilient state to continue without frequent ongoing care.

Please visit the "About Osteopathy" page to learn more about the treatment process which can inform the expected timeline.

Yes! Osteopathy can complement other medical treatments and therapies. It is often part of a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Patients should continue ongoing care with their physician and participate in routine medical exams.

Osteopathy can work in conjunction with other complementary therapies as well; however, the patient should be sure to inform the Osteopathic Manual Practitioner of all other types of ongoing care so the optimal treatment timeline and dosage can be delivered for the patient's best outcome.

Your initial assessment will mainly consist of reviewing health history, current concerns, and will include a full assessment as well as general treatment as an introduction to Osteopathy. The initial appointment is 45 minutes.

Here are some items to keep in mind for your first visit: 
- Complete all online forms at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
- Check with insurance company for coverage, if applicable.
- Please be mindful of personal hygiene prior to your appointment.  
- Do not schedule any strenuous exercise or manual labour for 24 hours after.

Follow-up treatments will always include assessment to monitor progress as well as treatment. Treatment length will be 20-30 minutes depending on the body's requirements that day. Please continue to wear loose, comfortable clothing, be mindful of personal hygiene, and do not schedule strenuous activities for 24 hours post-treatment.

A qualified osteopathic practitioner should have completed a recognized osteopathy program of at least 4 years including academic components and supervised clinical experience. In addition, they should be in good standing with a reputable association such as OSTCAN. It is important to choose a practitioner with proper credentials as it is currently an unregulated profession in Canada.

Classical Osteopathy is a principles based science, philosophy and treatment process and not an "add-on" technique course to another modality. Other therapists may offer osteopathic inspired techniques in conjunction with their main services (ie. massage), but it is important to note there is a vast difference in these approaches.

Education - OSTCAN requires that its member associations uphold a membership requirement that includes a minimum 4 years of osteopathic education. This education must total a minimum of 4200 hours, and include a minimum of 1000 hours in Supervised Clinical Practice &Training meeting the Type 1 standard as outlined by the World Health Organization’s ‘Benchmarks for training in Osteopathy.’

Professional - OSTCAN requires that its member associations uphold a membership requirement that includes the following criteria for professional standards: Meet the OSTCAN Education Standards criteria; Hold valid professional malpractice and liability coverage; Adhere to the OSTCAN Standards of Practice; Adhere to the Bylaws of the provincial association of which they are a professional member; Comply to the laws of the province in which they practice; Satisfy the annual Continuing Education requirements of provincial association of which they are a professional member; Satisfy all required re-certification of Safety, Ethics & Red Flags training and continuing education; Hold a CLEAR negative Vulnerable Sector Screening Police Check; Attend regular Fraud Prevention Education - when mandatory courses are presented

Practice - OSTCAN holds its members to the highest standards of practice, arranged into four categories: Communications and Patient Partnerships; Knowledge, Skills and Performance; Safety and Quality in Practice; Professionalism.

Yes! As an OSTCAN certified practitioner my osteopathic services are eligible for coverage and direct billing. Please confirm your coverage with your insurance provider prior to your visit. Please note: Some companies do not allow direct billing and you are responsible to pay in full at the time of your appointment. If there is any change or disruption in your insurance coverage you are also responsible for payment at the time of your appointment.

My address is 13457 149 St, Edmonton, AB T5L 2T3. This is the address to Evolve Strength North which I am located in. It is a large grey building with the sign "Evolve" above the main entrance doors.

Free parking is available onsite.

There is an accessible parking stall right next to the front door with a ramped sidewalk leading to the door. The main door unfortunately does not have an automatic button. If you require assistance with the door please let me know and will arrange to have either myself or front desk staff available to help. My treatment room is accessible with plenty of room for mobility aids if needed. A support person is more than welcome to join you if needed.

I accept credit card, debit card and e-transfer. I have a payment terminal with a chip reader and tap for cards. Alternatively we can add your payment method to the JaneApp for easy payments as well.

You can book an appointment, including your initial appointment, by contacting the clinic directly via phone or through the online booking system here: