Michelle is passionate about helping people, providing them with the best care possible andeducating them regarding their self care. She enjoys working with all ages, from infancy to elderly; treating everything from acute to chronic pain.
Her journey began with stepping away from a desk and diving into becoming a massage therapist. A modality she believed in and often enjoyed the benefits of. While in school she learned of manual osteopathy and was hungry for more knowledge. After a few years ofpracticing manual osteopathy she was introduced to Hanna Somatics. Although skeptical at first, her eyes were quickly opened to the healing properties of the gentle movements. Michelle loves the unending learning that goes along with body work, problem solving and finding the right “tool for the project”.
Being an Osteopathic Manual Therapist, a Registered Massage Therapist and a Hanna Somatic Movement Coach she has the tools to get you out of pain, prevent future injury and keep you feeling great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my treatment covered by my insurance company?
Yes, most insurance companies who provide chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage coverage also provide osteopathic coverage. We can also bill for massage, so we’ve got you covered for both. But check your policy if you are unsure. It is the client’s responsibility to know their own insurance policies. Most insurance companies, however, do not allow for direct billing for manual osteopathy.
Do I need a Dr’s referral to see a Manual Osteopath?
No, you do not need a referral to have an appointment with a Manual Osteopath.
What can Osteopathy help me with?
Osteopathy is best used for rehabilitation and ‘problem fixing’. If there is a dysfunction in the body’s structural or soft tissues, it is likely a Manual Osteopath can help facilitate natural function.
What is the difference between Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Chiropractics?
Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Chiropractics are very similar in some ways, yet very different in others. Both therapies are a hands-on approach to musculoskeletal conditions, such as back or neck pain, without the use of medication. Treatments generally also include exercise, dietary and general lifestyle advice to help maintain good mechanics of the body and prevent further injuries.
Chiropractors are considered the specialists of spinal adjustments and traditionally base their treatments on the idea that any spinal problem will interfere with the body’s general functions. They will use other tools such as ultrasound and TENSmachines to aid their treatments.
Osteopathic Manual Therapy has similar principles, however it doesn’t restrict it to spinal problems, but includes all joints and tissues of the body. Osteopathic Manual Therapists only use their hands and include other treatment modalities, such as Visceral Manipulation and CranioSacral Techniques. Osteopathic treatments tend to be much longer, but not as frequent compared to Chiropractic treatments.
Chiropractics was founded by D.D. Palmer in the 1890’s, who was a student of metaphysics, science and later Osteopathy under Dr. A.T. Still, the founder of Osteopathy.
What should I expect from my session?
The first session will always begin with a complete health history and discussion of the problem and goals with the patient, full assessment, treatment plans and expectations from the therapist, and the first step in the treatment. Ongoing sessions may be shorter, depending on the number of problems and systems of the body to address, with time spent reassessing, discussing and treating.
Is there anything I should bring to my session?
It is requested that the patient wears comfortable, unrestricted clothes they can move in.
What should I expect from an Osteopathic adjustment?
Unlike other forms of adjustments/manipulations, Osteopathic adjustments are soft and require little force—meaning no high velocity movements, little pain and far fewer ‘cracks’. The patient is in complete control of the contraction that
allows for the adjustment. The patient may feel a mild stretch when the practitioner sets them in the proper position. Sometimes there is a sensation of movement when structures realign, but often it is too subtle to feel or hear.
What is the difference between a Doctor of Osteopathy and a Manual Osteopath?
A Doctor of Osteopathy, in Canada and the US, is a medical physician, allowed to prescribe medications, order required laboratory or diagnostic procedures and perform surgery. They must be trained in one of the 29 Osteopathic Medical Schools in the US only to call themselves a DO in Canada.
Both Manual and Medical Osteopaths are trained to balance and adjust the body, to help overcome dysfunction and illness.
Links:
National Manual Osteopathic Society (Association) located in Central Alberta.
National Manual Osteopathic College
World Health Organization: Benchmark for training in Osteopathy
Northern Institute of Massage Therapy
Remedial Massage Therapists Association
How many osteopathic treatments will I need?
The amount of treatments varies from person to person. It depends on the condition that is being addressed, general health, stress and compliance with “homework”. Something more acute will often take less time to heal than something more chronic.
However, most people follow a course of 4-6 treatments!