FAQS

WHAT DO I BRING/ WEAR TO TREATMENT

It is highly recommended that the patient wears loose fitting, comfortable clothing to the clinic (e.g. athletic clothing). Any tight clothing (e.g. jeans) can inhibit assessment and therefore affect treatment. For anyone with long hair, a mid-high bun is preferred. Some jewelry and accessories such as watches, earrings and large necklaces are recommended to be removed as well.
If you have any MRI, Xray or CT scan results, or if you have a list of prescription medications or supplements, it would be helpful to bring that list to your appointment.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT POST-TREATMENT

When treatment is applied to the body, the structural changes must settle within the body. This means that the body had imbalances that were being compensated for, and now with treatment it must adjust to it’s “new normal” positioning. It is very common to feel muscle soreness or some minor physiological changes in the following days as the body takes on the treatment.
It is highly recommended that aggravating factors are avoided the day following treatment and to book appointments accordingly.

WHY WAS MY TREATMENT DIFFERENT FROM LAST TIME?

Every treatment is specific to what is happening to the patient that day. There are no “treatment plans” and the treatment is based off how the body is presenting that day. If in a previous treatment a certain area was targeted, the next treatment another issue may have arisen or exposed itself. The end goal remains the same and that is to give the patient a healthy and mobile lifestyle.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Each patient’s treatment plan is dependent on a number of variables. For example, the longer the issue has been present, the longer it takes to correct. Recovery also depends on each person’s vitality and how their body responds to treatment – often younger patients respond very quickly, while patients who are older require more time.

IS OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT COVERED BY MY INSURANCE PLAN?

Most extended health insurance plans do cover osteopathic treatment – please check your coverage prior to appointments. A receipt will be issued after treatment which can be submitted to your extended health insurance provider.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM OSTEOPATHY?

Patients young and old can benefit from osteopathy! The most common type of patients osteopathic manual practitioners treat are those currently experiencing pain or symptomatic problems. However, osteopathy can also be used as a preventative therapy, as people often have silent problems, which are like ticking time bombs waiting for a trigger.

HOW CAN OSTEOPATHY HELP MY BABY?

Unsettled baby, irritability, excessive crying, sleep problems can be due to: headache, colic, poor digestion, reflux, spitting up/ vomiting, gas, pain/unease, unsettled nervous system, or fear.
Tongue tie poor latching, fussiness at feeding or excessive noice can be due to neck, mouth, jaw or cranial restrictions. We work with dentists who provide oral tissue tie treatment to give comprehensive care.
Birth injuries and trauma from delivery can cause head, neck and/or shoulder issues.
Improving optimal blood flow and lymphatic drainage can help the body clear chronic infections more easily, especially in conjunction with antibiotic use. Always consult your doctor first.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING BABY'S APPOINTMENT?

After a friendly introduction, we discuss health history (pregnancy, delivery, post-natal details) and the reason for baby's visit. Baby will get used to our voices and the calm environment. A gentle assessment is done, looking for rigid areas, restricted joints, asymmetries, swelling, warmth or coolness.
Depending on the assessment, gentle pressure and mild stretching is given to the tissues needing treatment. Extra time may be allotted for fussy babies.
Follow up visit is booked a few days or up to one week later to re-assess baby and provide more treatment if necessary.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

No doctor referral is required.
Members of OSTCAN are highly regarded by the insurance industry.
Osteopathic manual practitioners are not Osteopathic Physicians, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine ( D.O., formerly Doctor of Osteopathy) nor do they practice Osteopathic Medicine.
Osteopathic manual therapy is not regulated by the government, however many associations are actively seeking government regulation to protect the public and our profession.
Osteopathic treatment works with, not against, other medical or alternative health treatments.

DISCLAIMER

Alana Severin does not claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Her goal is to improve the body's general functioning by restoring ease of motion to restricted body tissues.
Where there is questionable health concerns please have your medical doctor rule out any serious issues potentially needing medical care.