What Is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
It is a powerful therapy that embraces the philosophy that the human body has an innate or natural ability to self-regulate and to heal itself when its structure and function are in balance.
The key factor that permits this process to proceed unimpeded is the ability of the body to circulate all of its fluids and liquids. These fluids include the blood, lymph, synovial fluid, digestive juices, cerebrospinal fluid, axoplasm, and all the other intra and extracellular fluids of the body.
Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to manipulate and mobilize joints, muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues to restore normal function and improve mobility. Osteopathy is a holistic approach to health care that focuses on the body as a whole, rather than just treating individual symptoms.
Osteopaths in Ottawa provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. They use physical therapy techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, stretching, and manipulation to reduce joint pain and restore normal movement patterns.
Where Did Osteopathic Medicine Come From?
Osteopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that was developed in the late 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still, an American physician.
Still believed that the body had an innate ability to heal itself and sought to create a system of medical care that focused on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of disease.
He believed that all parts of the body were interconnected and should be treated as such.
He developed a system of diagnosis and treatment based on this principle, which is now known as osteopathy.
Osteopathic treatment is a holistic approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just treating individual symptoms or conditions.
Dr. Still proposed that through the use of techniques now referred to as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), structural issues in the body could be properly addressed, resulting in a much better ability of the body to both heal itself and operate.
He emphasized preventative care and the notion that doctors should treat their patients holistically, rather than just their illnesses.
What Do Osteopaths Treat
Osteopaths can help with physical pain relief, improve mobility and flexibility, reduce stress and tension, improve posture and balance, and promote overall health and well-being.
Our osteopaths are trained to assess and treat a variety of different conditions including:
- Back and neck pain
- Whiplash
- Headaches
- TMJ / jaw problems
- Soft tissue injuries: sprains, strains, tendonitis
- Joint dysfunction and arthritic pain
- Nerve pain - sciatica, tingling, and numbness
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Difficult digestion, acid reflux, constipation
- Wrist pain
- Chronic pain
- Sports injuries
- Painful periods and ovulation / chronic pelvic pain and bladder issues
- Pregnancy discomfort, labour preparation and post-natal care
- Children: unsettled babies, colic, recurrent ear infections
How Do Osteopaths Treat Patients
Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to treat patients, including manually manipulating the body to better align it, various forms of massage, stretching exercises, prescribing a regimen of exercises to help the body, and advice like improving diet, posture and level of physical activity for an active lifestyle.
Patient's Feedback
-
Walked in with pain in my right knee, right foot and lower back, walked out feeling much better, foot pain and knee pain had decreased significantly and my back, I... read more
Hugh Johnson
31 August 2023 -
I go to OPRC for 2 services. I see Karolina for chiropractic care. I absolutely love her adjustments. The way she does her adjustments are smooth and I just love... read more
Jaimee Samson
23 July 2025 -
Greg Stoltz is by far the best chiropractor I've ever worked with, I been to many in my day & he is second to none. His knowledge of the body,... read more
Joel Leclerc
2 May 2023 -
This was my first visit with Petra. Booked it last minute and was glad I did. I have been looking for a great massage therapist that is convenient to work... read more
Kim Gilbert
18 August 2025 -
Initial assessment with Abdallah. Very thorough with detailed explanations and follow up as promised. Very personable. Looking forward to working with him and progressing.
Francine Nadeau-Bungay
4 June 2024 -
I found Abdallah to be extremely skilled and attentive to my back issues, I'm very grateful to have found him! I would highly recommend him as a physiotherapist. He's also... read more
Helen Tweddle
15 November 2024
Our Other Services!
What To Expect on Your First Visit
By using a meticulous methodology, the Osteopath is able to determine the origin and effects of aging, trauma and other experiences, and create and administer an appropriate treatment plan. This process begins by:
- Interviewing the patient
- Performing a complete osteopathic initial assessment
- Assessing the position, mobility and quality of certain tissues, fluids, and rhythms of the body.
- Hands-on care of the underlying condition
FAQs
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about osteopathy in Ottawa:
Hours of operation:
Monday
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday
8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday
By appointment only
Sunday
Closed
