We are members in good standing of the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths (NSAO)

As a member of the NSAO, we are not an Osteopathic Physician, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO, formerly Doctor of Osteopathy), nor do we practice Osteopathic Medicine

In Nova Scotia, Osteopathic Manual Practice is not regulated by the government, however the NSAO is actively seeking government regulation to protect the public and our profession

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners are not members of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS)

Osteopathy is a client-centered approach to healthcare that requires skilled palpation and a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics in order to effectively assess and treat the body.

The manual Osteopath uses a wide array of manual therapeutic techniques to reduce and resolve strain, stress and dysfunction in all areas of the body. Osteopaths treat with the idea that the body functions in an integrated manner; if one part is restricted, others will compensate. By targeting and treating all areas in the body that are under stress, an Osteopath can encourage a patient’s body to use its own self-healing ability to recover, regain function and prevent further episodes.

Osteopathy can offer effective relief for a variety of illnesses, medical conditions and injuries. Conditions range from pain conditions to systemic problems that involve neurological, digestive or circulatory systems.

Common conditions include:

• Neck and back pain
• Sciatica
• Colic
• Migraines and headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis elbow
• Rotator cuff dysfunction
• Frozen shoulder
• Whiplash
• Post-operative pain or adhesions
• Tendonitis
• Cramps, nausea and intestinal pain
• Respiratory problems (i.e. asthma)

In addition to these ailments, Osteopathy can also be used as a method of injury prevention and in the maintenance of good health.

Julie completed her training and worked within the UK where Osteopathy is a regulated and protected title. She has also worked within Australia where Osteopaths are regarded as highly qualified health practitioners that work alongside other allied health professionals, with diagnostic abilities and the authorization to refer for medical tests such as imaging. Julie still retains her membership with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in the UK. GOsC leads the way in promoting patient safety by setting, maintaining and developing standards of osteopathic manual practice and conduct.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy in Canada is very much in its infancy, and remains unregulated. The NSAO and its members are working hard to achieve regulation and standardized proficiency, as it is in the UK and Australia.

Your Medical History

Your appointment will begin with a thorough medical history assessment. Your practitioner will take the time to listen to you, and ask questions so that there is a more complete understanding of the situation and circumstances that have brought you to seek help. If relevant, questions may be asked about your work routine, diet, pattern of exercise, sleep habits, etc., as these may give clues to help our assessment.

Assessment

Osteopathic assessment consists of postural observation, mobility testing and hands on palpation. Physical examination of any structures that could be related to your presenting complaint, as well as any pertinent orthopaedic and neurological evaluations are preformed to ensure osteopathic treatment is appropriate. Possible treatments are explored, this may include referral back to your family physician for further investigation, such as imaging if necessary.

Your Treatment

Osteopathic Manual Practitioners use a wide range of gentle manipulations, depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. Treatment is different for every patient but may include techniques such as different types of soft tissue massage, visceral and joint manipulation to release tension, return muscles to their normal length, help relieve pain and mobilize your joints.

An initial consultation is approximately 60 minutes.

Follow-up treatments are approximately 45 minutes.

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for your appointments. You may be asked to undress to your underwear to assess or treat relevant areas, though our aim is always for you to feel comfortable. Shorts are available (and you are welcome to bring your own), but we endeavour to always work within your level of comfort. That is our priority. 

Initial Consultation: 1 hour – $120.00 + HST

• Medical history

• Injury history

• Complete body assessment

• Initial treatment

Follow-Up Treatment: 45 minutes – $100.00 +HST

• Review of treatment reaction and outcome after initial treatment

• Follow-up treatment

• Take home exercise prescription

• Lifestyle changes

• Other recommendations

We believe Osteopathy should be accessible to everyone. Concession rates are available. We encourage you to ask.

Your appointment is reserved for you. Without appropriate notice, cancellations affect three parties. Firstly, you miss the benefits you would have acquired from a treatment session. Secondly, we as therapists lose revenue and lastly, another of our clients that could have taken the appointment misses out on a treatment.

Please note that a cancellation fee of 50% will be charged for cancellations made without 24 hours notice.

Cancellations within 4 hours or no shows will be charged the full consultation fee.  This is not reimbursed by your insurance provider.

No one needs a doctor’s referral to receive service from our clinic. If you are using a private health insurance plan however it is best to contact them directly, but mostly a referral is not necessary. 

There is ample free parking outside the clinic.