Spectrum Physiotherapy offers osteopathic treatment in Newmarket with Shauna Park, RMT, DOMP, a Registered Massage Therapist and Osteopathic Manual Practitioner. Osteopathic manual therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that looks at how your muscles, joints and connective tissue work together, and it can be combined with physiotherapy at the same clinic when that helps your recovery.
What Is Osteopathic Manual Therapy?
Osteopathic manual practitioners use their hands to assess and treat restrictions in the body’s muscles, joints and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs). Rather than focusing only on the area that hurts, treatment considers how different parts of the body affect each other, such as how a stiff upper back can contribute to neck or shoulder pain.
Treatment is usually gentle. Depending on your needs, Shauna may use techniques such as myofascial release, muscle energy technique, counterstrain, ligamentous articular strain, craniosacral therapy and lymphatic drainage.
Who Osteopathic Treatment May Help
People most often book osteopathic treatment for:
- Neck, back and shoulder pain and stiffness
- Tension-type and neck-related headaches, and jaw (TMJ) tension
- Sports injuries and muscle tightness
- Recovery after a concussion, alongside concussion management with our physiotherapists
- General tension, stress and feeling “stuck” in how you move
Shauna has experience working with concussion and sports-related injuries, including athletes competing at international levels. Results vary from person to person, and osteopathic treatment works best as part of a broader plan that includes staying active and following your exercise program.
Osteopathy and Physiotherapy at One Clinic
Because Spectrum is a multidisciplinary clinic, your osteopathic treatment can be coordinated with your physiotherapy, massage therapy or acupuncture and dry needling. For example, a physiotherapist may focus on strength and movement retraining while osteopathic treatment addresses tension and restriction.
What to Expect
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, health history and goals, followed by an assessment of your posture and movement. Treatment is done on a treatment table, usually while you are fully clothed in comfortable clothing. Most people find it relaxing. Your practitioner will check in with you about pressure and comfort throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is osteopathic treatment covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans include coverage for osteopathy, often as a separate benefit from physiotherapy and massage therapy. Coverage and requirements vary, so check your plan before your first visit.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book osteopathic treatment directly. Some insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement.
How is osteopathic treatment different from massage therapy?
Both are hands-on. Massage therapy focuses mainly on muscles and soft tissue, while osteopathic manual therapy uses a wider range of gentle techniques aimed at joints, fascia and how different areas of the body affect each other. Shauna is trained in both and will recommend the approach that suits you.
Book Osteopathic Treatment
Spectrum Physiotherapy is in the Dixon Medical Centre at 531 Davis Drive, Suite 101, Newmarket, and we see patients from across York Region. Contact us or call 905-853-2511 to book.
