What to expect during your visit

Each treatment will include assessment and manual treatment along with advice. Tailoring each treatment depending on what the patient’s body needs that day and using a broad spectrum of skill sets to achieve the best result that I can for you.

Your first appointment will be approximately 45 – 60 min long, which will include a detailed health history along with an initial assessment and treatment. The follow-up will be approximately 20 – 30 min long and will include ongoing assessment and treatment. The goal is to reduce the number of treatments needed by encouraging the self-healing, self-regulatory systems innate to your own body. As you become stronger and healthier, you and your practitioner will reassess to see when treatments can become very infrequent or stop altogether.

You will remain fully clothed at your osteopathic appointment. It is suggested that you wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. OMTs are trained to assess a range of movement and palpate areas of restriction in the body. Wearing comfortable gym-type clothes will ensure you will receive the most out of your appointment.

Meeting Standards

REGULATIONS

Osteopathy is unregulated in Canada. This means that there is no government involvement at the provincial, territorial, or national level with regard to education or professional registration, however there are international standards of education set forth by the World Health Organization. Not all osteopathic education is equal as some programs do not meet these international standards. Graduates of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, such as Kathleen, meet these international standards.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

When choosing an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner, it is imperative to be knowledgeable of the practitioner’s educational background which should be a minimum of 4 years along with clinical experience. Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OMPs) are graduates of a minimum 4 year intensive study and are educated and trained to work exclusively without the use of drugs or surgery by using manual methods to assess and treat. This education includes 4 years of curriculum, over 1000 cumulative hours of practical and clinical experience, yearly written and oral-practical exams, and a thesis component.

BENEFITS

Osteopathic treatment provided by Kathleen is eligible for reimbursement through nearly all extended health care providers. Check to see whether your policy includes osteopathy, often grouped with other manual therapies such as chiropractic, massage therapy, or physiotherapy, to see if you are eligible for insurance coverage. Please note that Aktiv Osteopathy Ottawa does not direct bill insurance companies. You will be provided with a receipt to submit to your insurance provider.