Osteopathic Manual Therapy focuses on patient health, not patient dysfunction or disease. It is a method of evaluating and treating the musculoskeletal, fascia, visceral, circulatory, neurological and cranial systems. The Osteopathic Practitioner evaluates the physical body to find and relieve any restricted mobility that may be the result of trauma, physical injury, surgery, overuse, illness, stress or just daily living. It is a holistic approach that treats the patient as a whole, not just the area where symptoms may be felt.
STABILITY
MOBILITY
BALANCE
Realize your full health potential
Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Osteopathy is founded on the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal. This ability can be impaired when there are restrictions to circulation or the body’s systems are not well integrated. The goal of the Osteopathic Practitioner is to evaluate and then free these restrictions and promote integration and harmony within all systems of the body. Assessment and treatment is gentle and precise and each treatment is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient.
Alison Ritchie BSc, DOMP
Alison has been fascinated with the human body for as long as she can remember. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio-Psychology and she continues to get excited whenever she learns something new about the human body (which is constantly!). This fascination led to a career in Massage Therapy and now Osteopathic Manual Practice.
Alison graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2008, receiving exceptional performance status. Since graduation she completed a two year course in Biodynamic Fascial Mobilization. She has now completed her fifth and final year of training at the Canadian School of Osteopathy.
Alison’s treatments focus on movement and balance through a dialogue with bones, connective tissue, nervous and visceral systems and craniosacral fluid. Alison’s most recent training has focused on concussion management as well as the central sensitization of chronic pain.
BOOK APPOINTMENT
Who Can Benefit?
We work with other practitioners to maintain optimal health.
Osteopathic treatment can be used in conjunction with Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy or Chiropractics. It compliments greatly with Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture.
Reduce Pain
Osteopathic treatment can effectively reduce both acute and chronic pain. Mechanical, emotional, social and mental factors all contribute to the experience of pain. The Osteopathic Practitioner focuses on the mechanical aspect but with the understanding of the person as a whole.
Improve Mobility
Osteopathic treatment can reduce stiffness and inflammation which can improve mobility and function.
Prevent injury
Osteopathy can improve resilience against future injury either from daily living or sport.
Osteopathy treats the following:
- Chronic pain
- Back pain
- Headaches/migraine
- Ankle, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist pain or dysfunction
- Muscular or joint pain and stiffness
- Concussions
- Digestive issues
- Prenatal, Pregnancy and Post natal concerns
- Nerve pain
- Sports injury and performance
- Motor Vehicle accidents
- Gynecological issues
Some Kind Words From Patients
FAQ's
What can I expect at my treatment?
At your first treatment, the Osteopathic Practitioners will start by taking a detailed history to understand the various factors contributing to your symptoms. At subsequent treatments the interview portion will be shorter. Each session includes a whole body assessment, treatment and re-assessment. All assessments and treatments are done with the therapist’s hands.
What techniques are used?
A wide range of gentle non-invasive hands on techniques are used. These include myofascial and visceral release, joint mobilization and manipulation and cranial sacral therapy. The series of techniques used release tension, restore balance and integrate the multiple systems of the body. All techniques are gentle and treatment is suitable for people of all ages.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies but at least three appointments are recommended about one to two weeks apart in order to give the body time to integrate and heal. Further treatments may be required.
Will I be sore after treatment?
There is the possibility that you will experience some soreness or discomfort, especially after your first treatment. It should not last longer than two days.
What should I wear?
Treatments are done in shorts and sports bra but can also be done clothed, depending on the patient’s comfort.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Osteopathy is not covered by MSP but most major providers of extended health insurance have an established relationship with OsteopathyBC and accept osteopathy. Please consult your specific plan for details. At this time Osteopathy is not included in Direct Billing.
What if I am late or miss my appointment?
If you are late, the practitioner will use the time remaining for your treatment and you will be billed the full amount. This time has been booked for you and we require 24 hours cancellation notice or you will be charged the full amount.
Where You Can Find Us.
Rates
Treatments are 50min $145 including GST
Please kindly take this time to become familiar with the:
CANCELLATION POLICY
This clinic requires that you please give us 24 hours notice if you must cancel or change an appointment.
This gives us time to arrange for other clients to come in and take your place. If you have a Monday AM appt. please contact Alison Ritchie directly by email at alisonritchiermt@gmail.com or leave a message at 778 822 7687.
If you are not able to give 24 hours notice, and we are not able to fill the time that was reserved for you, we feel it is fair that you, not the therapist, pay for the time that was reserved and we will request this payment in advance of booking you a subsequent appointment.
If it is your first time missing an appointment, 50% of the balance will be due. Any appointments missed thereafter will be charged in full. Please understand that this is necessary.
We will do our best to fill the appointment for same day or late cancellations, in which case you will not be charged.
