Osteopathy in Winnipeg

Explaining Osteopathy in Winnipeg

When people ask me what I do, and I say the word “osteopathy” it usually requires a few minutes of explanation around “what is osteopathy”? People often reply something like “osteo… that works with bones, right?”, and although they are not wrong, it is far from a complete description. Osteopathy considers the body as a whole, which means its parts and pieces, as well as their functions. These pieces are looked at on their own, and in unity with their neighbouring parts, and the body as a whole.

Seeing the body as a whole also goes beyond the physical anatomy and physiology, it includes emotional, spiritual, and mental aspects. The flow of fluids such as blood, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid is considered of great importance. And there is a belief that if the systems can be returned towards their normal states, with reduced tension and increased balance, the body has the ability to heal itself. Osteopathy in Winnipeg is becoming more popular as the years go by, especially since the Canadian College of Osteopathy opened a Winnipeg location a few years ago. With the growing number of osteopathic manual therapists, and positive word of mouth referrals, I imagine that in time, more people will come to know about osteopathy in Winnipeg. 

Where did Osteopathy come from? 

 Osteopathy began in the 1800’s, first introduced by a man named Andrew Taylor Still. Dr. Still began as an allopathic doctor but found that medical approaches at the time were ineffective for some diseases and dysfunctions, specifically meningitis, which sadly claimed three of his children. Following that devastating loss, he developed and taught osteopathy – a manual practice of aligning the body towards balance and allowing it to heal itself. Since then, osteopathy has been a growing therapy, and has reached many parts of the world. In Canada, depending on which province you live in, there are different titles and levels of education for osteopathy. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, osteopathy is commonly provided by Osteopathic Manual Therapists, and referred to as Osteopathic Manual Therapy. This designates that the therapist is not a medical doctor, but instead a manual (hands on) therapist. 

So, What Is a “Hands On” Approach? 

Osteopathic Manual Therapy uses a variety of hands-on techniques to assess and treat the body layers. These layers include muscles and fascias, articulations, the cranium (skull and its contents), the fluids, and the viscera (organs). By applying gentle and specific motions to these different structures, their flexibility, mobility, and expression can be improved, along with a person’s sense of well-being. 

Who Can Benefit from Osteopathy in Winnipeg?

Many people are unsure if seeing an osteopathic manual therapist is for them, but the truth is that most of us can benefit from treatment in some way. The most common reason for individuals to seek care is pain, either chronic or new. Additional common concerns include digestive issues such as heartburn or constipation, headaches or migraines, difficulty sleeping, or feeling off balance. Many women experience a variety of symptoms related to their cycles, or throughout the stages of pregnancy. Each of these concerns can be influenced by imbalances in the body’s tissues, and the symptoms can often be improved through manual osteopathy. 

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or are experiencing discomfort or strain in your day-to-day activities, manual osteopathy might be right for you.  We’d love to help you at Instill Therapies in Winnipeg.