- What is the difference between manual osteopathic therapy and other common therapies. ie. massage, chiropractic, medical, acupuncture or physical therapy?
We collaborate with other medical interventions to give you a comprehensive view of your health. Hands-on examinations are used to assess clients who receive Manual Osteopathic Therapies. We also take a homeostatic approach to your health, which means we consider diet/digestion, sleep, blood pressure, psychosocial aspects, menstruation. And many other factors for a patient-centered approach. The primary distinction is that osteopaths do not use high/low-velocity manipulative techniques, ultrasound and various electrotherapies, needles or shockwave. Osteopaths generally rely on hands-on manual techniques. Beneficence without maleficence wherever possible. Techniques used in Osteopathy are gentle, safe and effective and does not reproduce anything other than mild discomfort with assessments. Your practitioner will let you know what to expect prior to hands on assessments or techniques. Osteopathy considers the fascia, organs (viscera), lymphatics, cranial/sacral Rythm, musculoskeletal. This includes skeletal systems including the muscles, cranial bones, and manipulates appropriately. 80 percent of Manual Osteopathic Therapists and Massaged Therapists.
In essence, all services that will be incorporated into a comprehensive regimen. It is important to discuss your goals so that outcomes can be measurable and monitored for its effectiveness. Relaxation is a goal, and massage can always be discussed to ensure it’s included in the initial appointment.
2. Are your services covered by my insurance?
Manual Osteopathic therapy treatments are typically covered by over 20 major insurance companies, in Canada. Because all plans differ, it is the client’s responsibility to determine whether their plan specifically covers treatments from practitioners registered with the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association for Osteopathy, Osteopath or Manual Therapies. Here is a list of insurance companies that offer coverage for Osteopathic treatments is as follows:
“Updated list January 27, 2022- CMMOTA
Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Benefit Providers, Chamber of Commerce Insurance, CINUP, ClaimSecure, ClaimXchange, Desjardin Insurance, Equitable Life, Empire Life, Greenshield, Group Medical Services (GMS), Johnston Group, Manitoba Blue Cross, Manulife, Maximum Benefits, Medavie, NexGenRX, Pacific Blue Cross, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Sunlife, The Co-Operators
Talk to your insurance agency and ask them how to receive Osteopathy coverage today!
The main insurance company who denies claims from qualified members from CMMOTA is Canada life, make sure you complain directly to your insurance provider if you experience lack of coverage, because you are the insurance company’s client after all, and if there is a low risk therapy that could get you the results you wanted in under 3 appointments for one concern such as discomfort, without Side effects or prescriptions, wouldn’t you expect your health coverage to include it? CMMOTA (formerly the Remedial Massage Therapists Association) has been around for over 40 years, and upholds the highest of standards in the industry. It has been well known in the insurance industry for massage therapy, and now it will also be a leading Association for Osteopathic therapists.
As for your massage- for now not likely reimbursed by insurance unless you are from Alberta where by the way massage had been reimbursable by the same practitioner for over 9 years by the same insurance companies plus many more. The practitioner moved from Alberta to British Columbia, and lost the ability to continue to use the verbiage Registered Massage Therapist and now is demoted to Registered Spa Therapist, not without effort to remain an RMT mind you. For more information, check out Meagan’s Bio in MEET OUT TEAM.
Until there is a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia in this office space, BC clientele will not also receive coverage due to inconsistencies in the provinces, and the current “spa practitioner” with a diploma in Massage Therapy’s who does massage and has 2200 hour diploma will not join the CMTBC or and will ensure Osteopathy does not regulate in her lifetime.
3. Can I get a same-day appointment?
Please see “Book Now” for availability. Limited spots available. However, for returning client’ emergencies, call or text 250-510-5074.
4. What Is Your New Client Process?
Once you book your appointment online, an email will be sent to complete a detailed health history form. For booking, click the dropdown menu, selecting “Book Now” and follow the steps. I prefer that you book yourself in, the schedule and availability is easy to find, requires a credit card to enforce the 24 hour cancellation policy. Appointments cancelled with at least 24 hours will not be charged.
Please take your time reading through the intake form sent in confirmation email because the more information you provide, the more thorough your practitioner can be in assessment and treatment plan. The duration of the first visit ranges between 90 and 120 minutes. The practitioner reviews the information provided and develops an assessment and treatment plan accordingly.
5. What should I wear to my Osteopathic Manual Appointment?
Soft clothing is ideal, such as leggings/track pants, shorts, a tank top or T-shirt, and form-fitting clothing. Please avoid wearing jeans, a lot of pockets, or baggy shirts that make palpation and observation difficult. On request, the clinic will have appropriate assessment clothing available to lend. You must remove your shoes. Slippers will be provided upon request. We do recommend socks.
6. WHAT IS YOUR COVID 19 PROTOCOL
“We respect your ability to determine whether you have new or worsening flu, illness, or virus symptoms.” If you do not feel well, please reschedule at least 24 hours (preferably 48 hours) before your appointment. Online appointments available in the event you can not come in person to your appointment. No reimbursement for missed appointments.
A great way to combat any disease or illness is to get enough sleep, exercise, eat nutrient-dense foods, keep a close eye on stress levels and especially monitor coping mechanisms, continue healthy coping habits and find ways to handle stressors effectively, and practice moderation in everything, especially moderation.
Please remove your shoes and then wash your hands when you arrive. Mouthwash is available for clients who want to add an extra layer of protection against respiratory infections, consider using it especially after an appointment for maximum benefits. It is the duty of the individual to keep themselves safe, not impose medical decisions on others in order to feel safe. Online appointments are also available.
Cleaning protocols are of the highest standards using plant-based products such as thyme, lemon, citric acid, clove etc without any harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Cleaning protocols are followed routinely before, during, and after each appointment. This is in accordance with the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association standards of practice.
7. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY
APPOINTMENTS MUST BE CANCELLED WITHING 24 HOURS PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT. OR ARE SUBJECT TO A FEE UP TO 100%. 48 HOURS NOTICE IS PREFERRED.
8. What can Osteopathic Therapy help with?
Goal examples- relief in a particular region (1 concern at a time!) lifestyle, activities, or abilities, improved range of motion, reduce discomfort, reduce/resolve headaches or migraines, engage the parasympathetic nervous system, stress, fertility, relaxation, spinal and pelvic alignment, pelvic floor strengthening, pelvic floor muscle relaxation, muscle tension, muscle strengthening, cranial bone alignment, lymphatic drainage, posture, edema, wellness, balance, prenatal/postnatal care, post-surgical care, TMJ dysfunction, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, torticollis carpal tunnel, spasm, myofascial trigger points, scar tissue, contusions, strains, sprains, cruciate and meniscal injuries, dislocations, circulation, adhesions, fractures, improve tissue health, promote venous return, mobilize hypermobile joints, strengthen the integrity of hypermobile joints, whiplash, plantar fasciitis, periostitis and compartment syndromes, pes planus/flat foot, ITB contracture, patellofemoral syndrome, hyperlordosis, hypokyphosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, central nervous symptoms such as hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries,
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR OSTEOPATHIC THERAPY
Crisis and mental health support-
Island Health Rapid Access Clinic
Vancouver island Crisis Line
Phone: 24/7 support
1‑888‑494‑3888