Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I expect in a typical session?
-The first session includes a comprehensive Intake Form. It is recommended to arrive 10-15 minutes early for the first appointment.
-Each session includes a whole body assessment, which takes 10-20 minutes. An orthopedic assessment may be performed if you're coming for a specific injury. As we peel away dysfunctional patterns, older ones may appear; like pealing the layers off a onions. This is why it is important to re-assess your body every time.
-The treatement will usually include a few different sytems and body parts. Included in the treatment are techniques to help your body integrate the new patterns.
-A little homework is usually in order: corrective exercises help restore good function. Often we also have to eliminate bad habits in order to effect change in your body. This includes advice on posture and exercise/work habits.
-Each session includes a whole body assessment, which takes 10-20 minutes. An orthopedic assessment may be performed if you're coming for a specific injury. As we peel away dysfunctional patterns, older ones may appear; like pealing the layers off a onions. This is why it is important to re-assess your body every time.
-The treatement will usually include a few different sytems and body parts. Included in the treatment are techniques to help your body integrate the new patterns.
-A little homework is usually in order: corrective exercises help restore good function. Often we also have to eliminate bad habits in order to effect change in your body. This includes advice on posture and exercise/work habits.
What's athletic therapy? I'm not an athlete, is this right for me? Is it like physiotherapy?
Athletic therapy in Canada is governed by the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association ( www.athletictherapy.org ). Our training includes orthopedic assessment and our scope includes manual therapy, exercise prescription and other modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation ...) which is somewhat similar to physiotherapy. Physiotherapists have the option to broaden their scope after graduation. I've chosen to study osteopathy as I felt osteopathy and athletic therapy would be a good combination.
You don't have to be an athlete to benefit from athletic therapy. Moreover, since broadening my practice to include osteopathic principles and techniques I have been able to help a wider range of patients. Your session will be tailored to your needs based on the assessment and on discussions with me thereafter.
You don't have to be an athlete to benefit from athletic therapy. Moreover, since broadening my practice to include osteopathic principles and techniques I have been able to help a wider range of patients. Your session will be tailored to your needs based on the assessment and on discussions with me thereafter.
What's cranial osteopathy? Is it like craniosacral?
Cranial osteopathy is a term coined by those follow in Dr. Sutherland's lineage. Dr. Sutherland was a student of the founder of Osteopathy, Dr. A.T. Still. He formulated a theory that the bones of the head could move and developed an approach accordingly. In doing so he discovered, or detailed the subtle movement that could be felt at the head and elsewhere in the body. He called this subtle movement Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM) and determined it was primary in importance in terms of the body's expression of vitality. Sutherland's ideas were, and continue, to be met with opposition in the osteopathic community. However, many of his students became widely renown for the tremendous results they were obtaining.
One of his students, Dr. Upledger, founded the craniosacral academy. He taught non-osteopaths (and osteopaths) how to use the PRM and further developed his program to teach them to treat what called energy cysts. Other programs were developed in the same spirit, ex: biodynamic craniosacral program in Victoria.
Another of his students, Dr. Viola Frymann, was an important mentor for Philippe Druelle, the founder of the Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques in Montreal and many other colleges including the Vancouver College I attended.
So the main differences between cranial osteopathy and craniosacral treatments are:
One of his students, Dr. Upledger, founded the craniosacral academy. He taught non-osteopaths (and osteopaths) how to use the PRM and further developed his program to teach them to treat what called energy cysts. Other programs were developed in the same spirit, ex: biodynamic craniosacral program in Victoria.
Another of his students, Dr. Viola Frymann, was an important mentor for Philippe Druelle, the founder of the Collège d'Études Ostéopathiques in Montreal and many other colleges including the Vancouver College I attended.
So the main differences between cranial osteopathy and craniosacral treatments are:
- the first is practiced by osteopathic practitioners only and the latter is practiced by osteopathic practitioners OR other manual practitioners.
- a slight turn in lineage, but same origin (Dr. Sutherland)
"FindYourHealth"? Did I lose my health? Where did it go?
Most people don't consult me because their health is poor. They come because, for example, their shoulder hurts and the pain isn't going away. Maybe they received some treatment for their shoulder, but it didn't help. So where is the problem coming from? The pain is in the shoulder, isn't that where the problem is?
When I look at the general state of your physical health, I may find that some part of your body may be affecting the health of your system as a whole. For example a previous severe ankle sprain is affecting how you carry your weight, which your whole body has to compensate for, including your shoulder.
This is what I mean by "find your health". Your health didn't go anywhere, we just need to find and treat the areas preventing you from being physically healthy. Usually major traumas or surgeries are a good place to start.
I continue to be amazed by the stories your body can tell.
When I look at the general state of your physical health, I may find that some part of your body may be affecting the health of your system as a whole. For example a previous severe ankle sprain is affecting how you carry your weight, which your whole body has to compensate for, including your shoulder.
This is what I mean by "find your health". Your health didn't go anywhere, we just need to find and treat the areas preventing you from being physically healthy. Usually major traumas or surgeries are a good place to start.
I continue to be amazed by the stories your body can tell.
How much does it cost? Is it covered by my insurance?
Osteopathic Assessment (1 hour): $160
Osteopathic Treatment (1 hour): $160
Osteopathy Treatment (30 min): $85.00
Athletic Therapy Assessment (1 hour): $160
Athletic Therapy Treatment (30 min): $85.00
Pediatric Assessment (30min): $85.00
Pediatric Treatment (30min): $85.00
Pediatric Mondays (30 min): free for children 12 yrs old or younger (service to the community)
If you have limited mobility and cannot conveniently attend my clinic, I will gladly travel to your residence. There is a minimum $65 travelling fee covering a 10km radius around downtown Victoria.
You can pay by credit card, debit, cash, e-transfer or cheque.
Each patient is responsible for checking if their extended health insurance policy covers Athletic Therapy or Osteopathy. Patients are asked to pay in full and submit receipts to their insurance company. ICBC may cover my services as part of their alternative care program.
WCB doesn't cover Athletic Therapy or Osteopathy.
Osteopathic Treatment (1 hour): $160
Osteopathy Treatment (30 min): $85.00
Athletic Therapy Assessment (1 hour): $160
Athletic Therapy Treatment (30 min): $85.00
Pediatric Assessment (30min): $85.00
Pediatric Treatment (30min): $85.00
Pediatric Mondays (30 min): free for children 12 yrs old or younger (service to the community)
If you have limited mobility and cannot conveniently attend my clinic, I will gladly travel to your residence. There is a minimum $65 travelling fee covering a 10km radius around downtown Victoria.
You can pay by credit card, debit, cash, e-transfer or cheque.
Each patient is responsible for checking if their extended health insurance policy covers Athletic Therapy or Osteopathy. Patients are asked to pay in full and submit receipts to their insurance company. ICBC may cover my services as part of their alternative care program.
WCB doesn't cover Athletic Therapy or Osteopathy.